On Wednesday, authorities and local communities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were engaged in cleanup efforts after torrential rains caused significant damage and led to at least one fatality. The heavy rainfall also disrupted operations at Dubai International Airport.

Record-breaking rainfall was recorded in Al Ain, where 254mm fell in less than 24 hours, marking the highest precipitation level since meteorological records began in 1949, according to the national weather center. Despite the rain subsiding by late Tuesday, disruptions persisted into Wednesday, with Emirates airline halting check-in for passengers departing from Dubai airport until midnight.

The substantial rainfall resulted in delayed and diverted flights at Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, affecting both passengers and flight crews. Travelers were advised to delay heading to the airport and to check the status of their flights with their respective airlines.

The airport stated on the social platform X, "We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions." Emirates also cautioned that passengers in transit should expect ongoing processing but prepare for potential delays in departures and arrivals. Some flights displayed extended delays on the Dubai airport website.

Air Arabia announced on X that some of its flights were either canceled or rescheduled due to the inclement weather in the UAE and surrounding regions. The airline encouraged passengers to check its website or contact its call center for the most current information.

Local reports noted the death of an elderly Emirati man in his 70s, who died on Tuesday morning when his vehicle was swept away by flash floods in Ras Al Khaimah, in the northern part of the country.

Furthermore, The National reported that the UAE's weather bureau had confirmed that no cloud-seeding operations were conducted on Tuesday, despite speculation on social media linking the severe weather to the country's cloud-seeding program.

In Oman, the neighboring country, media outlets reported that 19 people, including school children, perished after three days of continuous heavy rain, causing floods in various communities. The Times of Oman indicated that more rainfall was expected on Wednesday. Although the weather cleared in Dubai, roads remained quiet as the government had directed employees and schools to continue remote operations for a second day.

Damage from the downpour was evident across the UAE, with social media posts depicting flooded roads, submerged vehicles, and severe infrastructural damage, including collapsed roads and waterlogged homes. Sheikh Zayed Road experienced partial flooding, leading to extensive traffic jams that lasted for hours.