The month of April in the year 2024 marked a never seen before event to the UAE as it experienced torrential rains. Torrential rainfall exceeding any previously recorded since data collection began in 1949 caused an unprecedented drop in economic output within the country.
From homes being turned into makeshift swimming pools to streets evolving into lakes, over thousands of residents were impacted by this natural disaster. Numerous individuals were confined for long periods of time: some needing to ditch their automobiles due to rising water levels, while other watch helplessly from their homes as water fills in their rooms as well as streets.
The residents were left shocked. Experiencing a disaster at this large of scale was completely new to UAE citizens and taught numerous life skills.
Jawad Al Deen being one of the most impacted. A 26 year old residing in Dubai reported that him alongside tens of thousands other citizens who relied on public transport spent the day on the road without reaching any destination.
Finding myself unable to go anywhere stranded in the mud for 13 hours with no chance of a escaping a dreadful traffic jam, he continues to recall with regret.
Reflecting on his past self, Jawad has now decided to embrace remote working.
If attending the workplace is not required of, I prefer the comfort of home, said Jawad describing the ease creating an office at home brings.
Did you become a victim of the floods last April?
Please tell us your story in the comment section. How did you manage it and what was different afterwards?