The world’s tallest building disappeared behind a gray layer of dust on May 18 as a sand storm hit the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East, prompting weather and traffic warnings.
828 meters (2,716 feet, 6 inches) Burj KhalifaWhich is located above Dubai and appears in the usually busy financial center, retreated behind the curtain of air filth that spread across much of the country.
The United Arab Emirates is the latest country in the path of a sandstorm that has plagued Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran and others in recent days, closing airports and schools and leaving thousands of people with breathing problems. sent to the hospital.
The air quality index (AQI) of the capital city Abu Dhabi reached the ‘hazardous’ zone overnight, according to waqi.info and the Plume Pollution App.
The sand storms of the Middle East are becoming more frequent and intense, a trend associated with overgrazing and deforestation, overuse of river water and more dams.
Experts say the phenomenon could get worse as climate change distorts regional weather patterns and promotes desertification.
Emirati authorities have issued a nationwide warning urging residents to be vigilant.
“Abu Dhabi Police urges drivers to be vigilant due to low visibility during high winds and dusty days,” tweeted the police force, as residents took to social media to publish photos and videos.
It said, “Please don’t be distracted by making any videos or using your phone.”
dangerous weather
A National Meteorological Center showed nearly the entire country covered by the storm with a warning: “Stay on Alert: Hazardous Weather Events Expected.”
Winds gusts up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) per hour are blowing dust, it said, reducing visibility to less than 2,000 meters (2,200 yards) in some areas.
However, a Dubai airport spokesperson said there was no impact on air traffic. The weather is expected to remain like this for the next few days.
In neighboring Saudi Arabia, badly hit on Tuesday, the situation in the capital Riyadh eased slightly on Wednesday, but continued to limit visibility in the city centre.
The state-run al-Ekhbariya channel reported late Tuesday that some 1,285 people in emergency rooms in Riyadh hospitals were battling respiratory problems in 24 hours.
The Saudi National Meteorological Center said dust was affecting visibility to the west and south, particularly in the provinces of Asir, Nazran, Hail and Medina. Medina is home to the city of Medina, the second holiest city in Islam.
The Center had predicted that another sand storm would hit the state by Sunday.
This story has been published without modification in text from a wire agency feed. Only the title has been changed.