Historic rain storms ravaged the UAE and nearby nations last week—two years’ worth of rain in one day alone, flooding cities and transportation. What could have been catastrophic anywhere else was met with calm and decisive leadership that saved lives and quickly reopened the nation. The UAE’s exceptional leaders started to plan for the future even before the rain stopped.
The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology quickly assessed the incoming storms and communicated with residents, tourists, businesses, and institutions. A detailed red alert system highlighted areas of most significant concern for people to be highly vigilant. This transparent and effective communication saved lives.
The presidential response was immediate and focused, first and foremost, on the safety of the people. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ordered support for all families impacted by the severe weather. Local authorities were given instructions to transfer affected families to safe locations. He also ordered an immediate assessment of the nation’s critical infrastructure to ensure safety for citizens, residents, workers, and tourists alike.
The government quickly announced that all public entities would shift to remote working and learning, keeping workers, students, and faculty off the streets and out of harm’s way. The UAE economy continued without skipping a beat, reinforcing its number 1 global ranking in resiliency and momentum driving future growth.
Dubai’s DXB airport, the busiest airport in the world for international travel, sprung into action to reopen runways and fully restore operations. At the same time, airport staff worked to support stranded travelers. Emirates Airlines gave out 250,000 meal vouchers for stranded passengers and secured 12,000 nearby hotel rooms for the most vulnerable passengers.
The Roads and Transport Authority and the municipalities took continuous action to minimize disruptions, conduct cleaning operations, reroute traffic, and quickly restore public transportation. The rebuilding is already underway, and the resulting infrastructure will be stronger.
Dubai’s leader and UAE Vice-President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, expressed his appreciation to members of the emergency, rescue, and evacuation teams that saved lives. The spirit of solidarity is an integral part of the UAE’s national identity. It shined bright during those stormy days.
The next generation of leadership also sprung into action. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, directed the heads of Dubai Government entities to develop a comprehensive plan to enhance Dubai’s preparedness for unexpected weather events. As the storms were still pounding the nation, its current and future leaders were already planning for the future.
The solidarity encompasses the public and private sectors alike. For example, the massive Emaar real estate group quickly announced that it would repair all homes within its communities at no cost to residents. Where else in the world would that be seen? Nowhere else.
All of these remarkable stories of the emergency response, solidarity, and unity are a testament to the UAE’s visionary leaders, going back to the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, who laid down the foundation for a stable and prosperous future that can withstand unprecedented events. Nations and leaders around the world can learn well from these achievements.