Dubai took on a Mars-like glow Thursday, after a major sandstorm descended upon the city in the United Arab Emirates. Conditions forced airlines to delay or cancel flights in Dubai after the sandstorm arrived from Saudi Arabia early this morning.
High-res satellite imagery from @NASA shows the extent of the #sandstorm on Thursday http://t.co/D59ppHuaVr pic.twitter.com/U66prObPZ8
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) April 2, 2015
For a sense of the scale of the sandstorm's impact, consider that Dubai is a city of more than 2 million people. Earlier this year, Dubai International Airport was named the busiest in the world, supplanting London's Heathrow.
#burjkhalifa #Dubai - before, during and after the apocalypse! @MyDowntownDubai pic.twitter.com/UzBJLw5MAv
— Robert Scott (@rascottdotcom) April 2, 2015
After strong winds blew the sandstorm into the city today, the dusty haze is expected to persist through Friday. More than 100 cars were reportedly involved in accidents in Dubai.
"With severely reduced visibility, many motorists found themselves in fender benders prompting a flurry of police officers to respond to accidents in all corners of the nation," Gulf News reports.
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A woman and two children wear medical masks as they cross a street amid a sandstorm in Dubai. Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
itoggle caption Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images
A woman and two children wear medical masks as they cross a street amid a sandstorm in Dubai.
Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images
The news agency published a list of Do's and Don'ts, largely to recommend covering up and staying hydrated. It also warned against heaving use of air conditioning, which could bring fine dust in. Gulf News added, "Do not eat any food catered outdoors in restaurants or cafes."
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A Dubai metro train is seen driving through a sandstorm that engulfed the city Thursday, setting off travel delays. Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
itoggle caption Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images
A Dubai metro train is seen driving through a sandstorm that engulfed the city Thursday, setting off travel delays.
Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images
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