Dubai: Gale force winds and poor visibility forced three Al Etihad flights bound for Abu Dhabi to divert to Al Ain yesterday, an airline spokesperson said.
The flights originated from Lahore, Peshawar and Mumbai and passengers spent nearly an hour on the Al Ain Airport runway before returning to Abu Dhabi. The winds had whipped up sandstorms and reduced visibility to 500 metres in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai and Sharjah were also hit by bad weather and hotels on the beach could not set up tables outside and closed the open deck of rooftop restaurants because of the blowing sand and wind.
"There are only a few brave people in the water," said a staffer at Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa.
But many Dubai residents were determined to have a good time on the weekend and braved the elements to barbecue and eat in the parks. Sailing clubs also did not heed the "marine warning" from the met office, but sailboats did not venture far into the sea because of five foot high waves and winds of 35 knots.
Dubai Police recorded 378 minor traffic accidents due to poor visibility. The temperature during the day was 36 degree Celsius.
- With inputs from Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter
