Dubai is grappling with extreme weather conditions that has disrupted the city’s infrastructure at a time when crypto elites have descended on the city for several industry conferences.
Crypto conferences such as Blockchain Life and Token2049 encountered an unexpected twist on Apr. 16 as rainfall levels in Dubai surged to record highs within a 24-hour span, prompting adjustments to conference schedules, with Blockchain Life postponing its entrance opening due to traffic complications.
Social media platforms were quickly flooded with numerous videos, showcasing disruptions not only across the city but also within the crypto conferences themselves, with social media managers joking about attendees’ plans to navigate their way to the conferences in X polls.
Although the full extent of the disruptions is yet to be seen, a spokesperson for Token2049 assured the media that the storm had not affected entry and exit to Dubai, affirming that the conference would proceed as scheduled.
However, the heavy rainfall did actually impact the city’s infrastructure, leading Emirates airline to suspend check-in services for all departing passengers from Dubai from 8 a.m. local time to midnight on Apr. 17 due to operational challenges. Similarly, Fly Dubai, a government-owned budget carrier, halted all flights from the UAE hub until 10 a.m. local time on Apr. 17.
In response to the extreme weather conditions, the government issued a red warning on Apr. 16, prompting the closure of offices, schools, and banks nationwide. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Authority advised residents to remain indoors and to park vehicles in elevated locations away from flood-prone areas.
Denis Omelchenko
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