The UAE was lashed by some extreme weather last night
Weather warnings issued and Dua Lipa forced to cancel concert as freak storm hits the UAE.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi were hit by an unexpected rainstorm on Sunday night, with thunder, lightning and strong winds wreaking havoc on outdoor events throughout the emirates.
Many residents received an emergency alert from police in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, warning them to “stay indoors due to the bad weather”.
Received a warning alert from both Sharjah and Dubai police of bad weather in the UAE. Must be bad. First time we ever received such types of warning. pic.twitter.com/Wv37xMM2HK
— Shaheen (@DrShaheenK) November 11, 2018
The Abu Dhabi police have pushed an emergency warning to phones due to the severe storm. #UAE #AbuDhabiStorm pic.twitter.com/8JsOrSGTBM
— Jono Haysom (@JonoH) November 11, 2018
Dua Lipa concert cancelled
Popstar Dua Lipa was set to perform at the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Sunday night as part of the celebrations for the art museum’s one-year anniversary. But the concert had to be cancelled due to the severe weather.
Check out this amazing picture of the storm clouds…
View this post on Instagram
“We regret to inform you that Dua Lipa at Louvre Abu Dhabi has been postponed due to health and safety precautions arising from dangerous weather conditions,” the museum said on social media. “Keeping people safe remains our primary concern.”
The museum added that they hoped to reschedule the concert to a later date and would inform ticket holders when more information was available.
Meanwhile, Dua Lipa tweeted her disappointment, sharing a video clip of the stormy weather at the venue to her Instagram stories.
View this post on Instagram
Sandstorm in Abu Dhabi cancelled the show but I wont let it cancel this killer frock
“I am so sad to announce that due to bad weather conditions tonight’s show at the Louvre in Abu Dhabi has been cancelled. I really wanted to sing and dance for you… hopefully I will be back very soon,” the singer wrote.
She later shared a series of photos from the Louvre, admiring the exhibitions.
Pakistan vs New Zealand cricket match abandoned
At Dubai International Sports Stadium, the Pakistan vs New Zealand decider match in the 3rd ODI series had to be called off as the rainstorm showed no signs of easing.
New Zealand’s cricket team, the Black Caps, tweeted their surprise at the weather.
Rain ?
In the UAE ?
It’s temporarily (hopefully) suspended our run-chase at 35-1 in the 7th over. Covers in ? #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/yOlVMJv3VU— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 11, 2018
The series ended in a draw, 1-1, with Pakistan and New Zealand sharing the trophy.
What’s On Awards Dubai postponed
The severe weather affected us here at What’s On, too! We were so excited to host our annual What’s On Awards Dubai at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, but unfortunately had to call the event off as the rainstorm set in. Thank you to everyone who showed up dressed in their best (and we do apologise to all the ladies who got their hair done especially for the night) – we’ll be sending you an update ASAP.
Is there more severe weather in store?
More rain is expected over the next two days, with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasting “partly cloudy to cloudy” weather, including some convective clouds. Rainfall is expected over scattered areas, especially western and northern coastal parts of the country.
The rainstorm has also caused a drop in temperatures, with a high of 32 degrees Celsius expected in Dubai, and 31C expected in Abu Dhabi.
— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.