Dubai's Weather 1963

QUESTION: Isn't it very hot in Dubai?

ANSWER: Yes - it's very very hot for about four months of the year.

There are also about four months of Mediterranean climate and four months when its quite cold and anything can happen. In 1963 it did happen! Heavy winds and rain brought havoc to Dubai Airport and Dubai's houses and roads. These unique photos taken by Ludwig Hejze of Overseas AST show the extent of the damage. Mr Bulard, Overseas AST's General Manager, was a keen Glider Pilot as well as designing Dubai's Clock Tower, building Zabeel Palace, establishing Dubai Zoo and later establishing Al Ain Zoo. Sadly his glider was a casualty of the storm.

Many of Dubai's inhabitants lived in traditional Barasti houses that could not withstand the storm. Roads were still sand tracks with no drainage so the heavy rains brought extensive flooding. The resulting stagnant water was a breeding ground for mosquitos. Dubai was an unhealthy place after the storm in 1963.