The UAE experienced its largest day of rainfall in 75 years on this day last year, April 16.
In Al Ain alone 254mm fell, the equivalent of two years' average, flights were severely disrupted at Dubai International Airport, traffic ground to a halt as roads were flooded across the country and at least three people were killed as the nation battled the extreme weather.
One year from the historic storms, The National's team of photographers have put together their favourite pictures that best illustrate not just the extent of the flooding but also the heroic efforts to recover.
Every 'before' photograph was taken between April 16 and April 20, while every 'after' photograph was taken the following week – from April 21 to April 24.
In these photographs, taken by Chris Whiteoak, floodwater subsides in Al Barsha, Dubai.
Antonie Robertson noticed abandoned cars in floodwater on Al Sarfa Street along Al Thowima Street bridge in Al Sufouh, Dubai.
Hassan Ahmed Saqer Grocery on First Al Khail Street in Al Quoz 1, Dubai, was severely affected, as Antonie Robertson observed.
The flooding on Al Khail Road, Dubai, sparked travel disruption as many left their vehicles, Chris Whiteoak witnessed.
Antonie Robertson spotted residents resorting to travel by dinghy on First Al Khail Street in Al Quoz 1, near Al Marabea Street intersection in Dubai.
Several cars became stuck on waterlogged roads in Al Furjan, Dubai, as Pawan Singh captured the raw impact of the rainfall.
Al Furjan area was also struck by traffic delays as cars, pictured here by Pawan Singh, struggled to navigate the floodwater.
The extent of the heroic clean-up operation was captured clearly here by Pawan Singh in Al Furjan, Dubai.
Flooding in Abu Dhabi was generally less severe than in Dubai, as seen in Al Tabadul Street, Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi, courtesy of Victor Besa's photography.
Al Haq Mosque in Khalifa City, before and after being surrounded by floodwater in these pictures from Victor Besa.
Floodwater was removed quickly from the corner of Al Saqi Street and Al Khayl Street, Khalifa City, Victor Besa captured.
The Umm Suqeim Street turn-off from Sheikh Zayed Road, heading towards Sharjah, was severely flooded but the clean-up effort was fast and decisive, as photographed by Antonie Robertson.
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
Arabian Gulf League fixtures:
Friday:
- Emirates v Hatta, 5.15pm
- Al Wahda v Al Dhafra, 5.25pm
- Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, 8.15pm
Saturday:
- Dibba v Ajman, 5.15pm
- Sharjah v Al Wasl, 5.20pm
- Al Jazira v Al Nasr, 8.15pm
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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