Dubai Ravaged by Biblical Deluge; Blockchain Life and Token2049 Events Severely Impacted

Dubai is currently facing severe weather conditions that have disrupted the city’s infrastructure, coinciding with the arrival of crypto industry leaders for various conferences. On April 16, heavy rainfall in Dubai reached record levels within a 24-hour period, resulting in adjustments to conference schedules. Blockchain Life, for example, had to postpone its entrance opening due to traffic issues caused by the rain. Videos circulating on social media platforms showcased the disruptions not only across the city but also within the crypto conferences themselves, with social media managers making light-hearted jokes about attendees’ struggles to reach the conferences.

While the full extent of the disruptions is still unknown, a representative from Token2049 assured the media that the storm had not affected entry and exit to Dubai, confirming that the conference would proceed as planned. However, the heavy rainfall did have an impact on the city’s infrastructure. Emirates airline suspended check-in services for all departing passengers from Dubai from 8 a.m. to midnight on April 17 due to operational challenges. Similarly, Fly Dubai, a government-owned budget carrier, halted all flights from the UAE hub until 10 a.m. on April 17.

In response to the extreme weather conditions, the government issued a red warning on April 16, leading to the closure of offices, schools, and banks nationwide. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Authority advised residents to stay indoors and park their vehicles in elevated areas away from flood-prone zones.