Abdulla Al Mandous

Abstract On 16 April 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced an unprecedented Extreme Rainfall Event (ERE) that produced record-breaking accumulations and widespread flooding, particularly in Dubai. The highest 24-hr rainfall total was recorded at Khatm al-Shakla (Al Ain), with 254.8 mm. Several other stations also recorded exceptionally high totals exceeding 100 mm, including 233.3 mm at Kalba, 219.3 mm at Al Marmoom, and 144 mm at Dubai International Airport.

Reliable water resources are a matter of societal, agricultural, and national security. As the world faces high water stress, there is an increasing imperative for countries to strengthen their water resilience and promote new research, technology, efficient resource conservation and effective international partnerships.

Our planet stands at a critical juncture in climate action. While institutions and governments collaborate on reversal methods and alternative energy, organisations worldwide explore intricate weather management to combat climate challenges. Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and economic expansion, looms large. The UAE, with less than 100mm of rainfall annually, faces water scarcity.