Outdated Videos from Previous Storms Resurface in Relation to Dubai’s Recent Storm
The Claim
Videos show the storm in Dubai.
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Emerging story
Following Dubai's recent storm, social media users widely circulated a video compilation of two clips purporting to feature the storm that hit the city.
The video was circulated under the caption, “More abnormal weather in the UAE.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Mibar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting an extensive reverse image search, Misbar's investigative team discovered that the video compilation included two outdated videos from past storms.
Outdated Videos from Old Storms Resurface
Despite the circulating claim, the video compilation features two old clips showing storms and floods in different locations.
The initial footage shows a hailstorm in the state of Arkansas, USA, originally shared on TikTok on June 16, 2023.
The publisher uploaded the video with hashtags like "Arkansas," suggesting that the footage features the storm that struck the state in June 2023. The storm was described by reports as one of the most destructive and significant storms of that time.
On February 12, 2024, Al Ain city and other parts of the UAE experienced heavy rain, accompanied by lightning and intense hailstorms, resulting in significant hail accumulations.
Recent Rainstorm in Dubai, UAE
The United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, experienced the most significant rainfall in over 75 years, receiving more precipitation in 24 hours than the average annual rainfall. Life in the vibrant tourism and financial hub nearly came to a standstill as a result.
Emergency services worked tirelessly around the clock, and fortunately, no fatalities were reported in the city. However, in the neighboring Ras Al-Khaimah emirate, a 70-year-old man tragically lost his life when his vehicle was swept away by flooding.
According to the CNN report, Dubai ranks as the world's second-best tourist destination, attracting over 17 million visitors last year. Avinash Babur, the chief executive of InsuranceMarket.ae, an insurance broker in the UAE, estimated that the economic damage from the storm could reach billions of dirhams, significantly affecting vehicles, properties, and infrastructure.
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