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It was 14 degrees C. Musty umbrellas were unearthed from forgotten boxes. Children remembered the joy of floating paper boats. Strangers shared hot cups of tea. Traffic moved at a snail's pace. Cars stalled and students were given a holiday. A few tempers flared, some caught up on movies but most just smiled. The rains are here. Gulf News readers flooded us with letters in the past three days. Read on and discover how the rain made them feel.
Taking it slow
Though it was really scary to drive through the flooded streets, it was also a relief to drive so slowly. I’m usually in a rush while driving to work in the mornings. I was halfway through to work, when there was an announcement on the radio that my routes were blocked. I called up work and informed them that I wouldn’t be coming in. I then took my wife for a long drive all the way to Fujairah. The scenery was beautiful and so green with the rain. We caught up on a lot of things over tea and snacks. We took loads of pictures, had tons of fun and went home refreshed.
From Mr Fahad Butt
Sharjah
Unusual
I set out to drop my children to school and got stuck in the traffic for three hours. We ended up having hot chocolate and sandwiches, while the world drove by. It was a good and unusual turn of events, but I had a fantastic time with my children.
From Mr Jay Chandran
Sharjah
Patient police
I was one of those commuters who recently got stuck on Shaikh Zayed Road, owing to the heavy rain. I would like to commend the patience of the police officials who manned the roadblock on E44 at the E66 interchange. For the whole day they dealt with hundreds of requests, pleadings and threats to let people though the roadblock. They displayed immense patience and a fantastic sense humour while performing their duties. I think such officers are excellent examples of the Dubai Police force in the way they handled a very tedious and frustrating situation.
From Mr Allen Frick
Dubai
Bad to good
I pity all those poor drivers whose cars got stuck or stopped midway owing to the heavy rains. I was stuck in traffic for four hours. Although I wasn’t the only person bearing the brunt of the traffic, it was frustrating to realise that I could have done more important things during that time. But soon the weather got the better of me. I called up people I hadn’t spoken to in a long time. Listened to my favourite music and finished reading a book that I had been avoiding all this while due to lack of time.
From Mr Faisal Munshi
Sharjah
A different Dubai
Due to the heavy rains, my exams scheduled for Thursday got cancelled. I am so glad about it. I love the rain and love Dubai in the rain even more. It feels so nice when I see the dark clouds above. I have no complaints about the flooding. It’s wonderful to see Dubai with a different view.
From Ms Ayesha
Dubai
Website comment
Unexpected
The unexpected rain brought back childhood memories, when as children we used to play in the rainwater. Though the rains caused havoc for the commuters, I just enjoyed ‘floating’ through it. It took me four hours and 45 minutes to reach Sharjah from Dubai, but I loved every moment.
From Mr Jerome D'Sa
UAE
Rainy connection
I love any weather that’s not summer. These days all I do is pack food, pick up friends, blast music, sing out loud and drive along the city. The other day, a fellow commuter asked me what music I was playing in the car, and tuned his radio to the same station. That felt good, as we hardly get to connect a lot with people here.
From Mr Jawad Khan
Sharjah
Adventurous
I work in Sharjah and hence don’t have to go through the every day ordeal of being stuck in traffic to Dubai. It was an adventure getting to work, as I finally got to wear my rubber boots! I had no problem walking through the flooded and muddy streets. The rains added some chaos and excitement to the otherwise routine and monotonous lives.
From Mr Abrar Nayeem
Sharjah
Ice cream time
Rain usually means gloomy weather but the rains in the past few days have actually uplifted my mood. The minute it would start to rain, my friends and I would step out, grab an ice cream and get completely drenched. If it rained throughout the year, the weather would probably lose its charm, but since it’s only a few days a year, I’m having a great time.
From Ms Mevvish Aziz
Sharjah
Serious matter
The authorities should seriously look into the lack of a proper water drainage system, especially in Sharjah, as heavy rains tend to disrupt the whole area, resulting in floods. The recent floods resulted in numerous cars being broken down leading to angry and frustrated drivers on the road.
From Mr Jobbin John
UAE
Memorable
As visitors to the UAE, it was my fervent wish to experience rains in this country. I must say it was an overwhelming experience. We did not step out because of the heavy traffic and floods everywhere. But nevertheless had great fun with family and friends. My entire family was at home, as both offices and schools were on a holiday. This was the first time we spent an entire day together as a family. Therefore that made the experience very memorable.
From Ms Khadeeja Anjum
Dubai
Brand new
I think the country has never looked more fresh and beautiful. It’s green and so refreshing to see the change in weather. The buildings looked like they needed a good wash, what with the dust and sandstorms. It’s a brand new UAE.
From Mr Shashi Patnaik
Abu Dhabi
Enjoy it
Throughout the year people in Dubai complain about the weather being too hot. Now that the weather has turned pleasant with the rain, offering everyone a relief from the heat, why not enjoy it? I love the rains. It brings back memories of school and the green scenic view back home. I wish it rained more often, that way there would be an efficient drainage system in place and everyone would enjoy it.
From Ms Amber
UAE
Website comment
Welcome option
Rains are always a welcome option, especially since we don’t get to see a lot of rain in the UAE. However, anything in excess is unpleasant. The rain in UAE and especially in a desert is a sign of nature’s work. Let’s be more sensible and appreciate what we have while it lasts.
From Mr Krishnan Venkatesan
Dubai
Lovely time
I spent three hours and 15 minutes in traveling from Emirates Towers in Dubai to Al Nahda via Business Bay. It’s been six years since I have been in Dubai but this by far has been an altogether unique experience. I really enjoyed the time I spent sharing the lovely weather with friends.
From Mr Nishantha Perera
Dubai
Can’t avoid
I always feel bad when it rains. I came to the UAE thinking that I would be able to avoid the constant heavy rain in the Philippines.
From Mr Ares
Dubai
Website comment
Relief rain
Let’s just quit complaining about the traffic chaos in Dubai and Sharjah. All expatriates should try and compare the situation in their home countries before complaining about the rain here. In the UAE, it’s a relief to have rain.
From Mr Nadeem Merchant
Dubai
Loved it
Lovely weather. Very relaxing. I live in Bur Dubai, while my office is in Mankhool. It’s a five-minute drive. I rolled down my windows and enjoyed the weather. However, I do feel sorry for people who got stuck in traffic for hours.
From Ms Jaya
Dubai
Website comment
A blessing
I love the weather and it’s beautiful. I thank God for the blessing and wish it rains more. I agree that the traffic is hectic, but that’s the case every day. But, it doesn’t rain every day, does it? Lets just enjoy the moment.
From Ms Fatma S.
UAE
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