'Too risky to touch down': Emirates plane pulls up mid-landing as violent storms lash Dubai, video goes viral

Dubai witnessed a dramatic turn of weather as heavy rain, hail, and powerful thunderstorms swept across the city, disrupting daily routines and air travel. Amid the unstable conditions, a video showing an Emirates aircraft aborting its landing due to strong winds and poor visibility has gone viral, drawing widespread attention on social media.

The footage, which captured the tense moment mid-air.

Viral Video Shows Emirates Plane Battling Turbulent Winds

The video was initially shared online by a user named Shekar Captain and later reposted by popular Instagram page Lovin Dubai. In the clip, the aircraft can be seen approaching the runway before suddenly pulling up, unable to land safely due to strong crosswinds and reduced visibility.

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A post shared by Lovin Dubai | لوڤن دبي (@lovindubai)

As the plane ascends again, viewers are reminded of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the split-second decisions pilots must make. Many social media users applauded the pilots for prioritising safety and strictly following aviation protocols rather than taking unnecessary risks.

Severe Weather Disrupts Life Across Dubai

The sudden spell of unstable weather brought parts of Dubai to a slowdown. Heavy rainfall lashed several areas, while thunderstorms and hail further worsened conditions. Roads in low-lying zones reported waterlogging, and visibility dropped sharply during peak rainfall hours.

Air travel faced delays and disruptions as airlines closely monitored weather conditions. Passengers were advised to check flight schedules, as landing and take-off operations were affected by gusty winds and storm activity.

Dubai Police Issue Safety Advisory Amid Storm

As the storm intensified, Dubai Police issued a safety alert urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Authorities advised people to exercise extreme caution, especially during the peak of the weather disturbance.

“For your safety, please remain cautious as unstable weather conditions are expected in the coming hours, and avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary,” read a police alert sent to residents, according to AFP.

The advisory aimed to reduce the risk of accidents caused by slippery roads, poor visibility, and sudden flooding in certain parts of the city.

Weather Warnings Issued Across the UAE

The National Centre of Meteorology in the United Arab Emirates issued heavy rainfall warnings for both Thursday and Friday. Dubai and Abu Dhabi were among the most affected areas, with forecasts indicating continued cloud formation and intermittent showers.

The impact of the weather system extended beyond the UAE. Other Gulf countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also issued alerts as heavy rain swept through the region.

According to a report by Khaleej Times, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, particularly in areas prone to flash floods.

Storm Revives Memories of UAE’s 2024 Floods

Thursday’s rainfall brought back memories of the record-breaking floods that hit the UAE in 2024. Last April, unprecedented downpours flooded homes, submerged roads, and brought transport networks to a standstill, especially in Dubai.

While this week’s storm was less severe, the visual impact and travel disruptions served as a reminder of how quickly weather conditions can escalate in the region.

Inputs from agencies