Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, is 727 meters (2,617 feet 6 inches) high. It is known as the tallest building in the world. It is usually the main economic center of the UAE. It can be seen with the naked eye from many surrounding areas. However, during yesterday’s dust storm, it seemed that someone had spread a layer of dust over Burj Khalifa.
Dust storms have been raging in several Middle Eastern countries, including Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The latest dust storm was heading towards the United Arab Emirates. Many airports, schools and other places in the Middle East were closed due to the news of the storm. Many people have fallen ill due to this storm. Many have been hospitalized with respiratory problems.
According to the Walkie Info and Plum Pollution app, the air quality index (AQI) in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, became unhealthy overnight due to dust storms. The dust storm in the Middle East is now becoming more frequent and intense. Excessive grass cutting, deforestation, overuse of river water and construction of dams are being blamed for this trend.

Experts say climate change is disrupting regional climate patterns. Desertification can make the situation worse. Authorities in the UAE have issued a nationwide warning urging residents to remain vigilant. Abu Dhabi police have called on motorists to be vigilant as winds and dust have reduced visibility.

According to graphic data from the National Center for Meteorology, storms are raging across the UAE. People have been warned about the dangerous weather. The speed of the storm can be seen up to 40 kilometers per hour. Authorities at the Dubai airport said the flight had not been affected. However, the weather may remain like that for a few more days.

Neighboring Saudi Arabia was also hit by a dust storm last Tuesday. The situation in the capital Riyadh has returned to normal. One thousand 265 people have been admitted to hospitals in Riyadh with respiratory problems. The Saudi authorities said the dust storm also hit the cities of Asir, Najran, Hail and Medina. Another storm is forecast for next Sunday.