‘Obsessed with UAE rains’: Meet 27-year-old storm chaser

Wherever and whenever it rains in the Emirates, you will find Fahad Mohamad there, getting drenched and documenting it

Fahad Mohamad Abdul Rehman is ‘obsessed’ with chasing storms. The 27-year-old feels a profound connection to the raw power of nature, with its beauty and unpredictability drawing him in.

The nation keenly follows a UAE group ‘Storm Centre’ that tracks crucial weather updates and captivating visuals, and Fahad Mohamad plays a pivotal role as one of its key figures on this social media platform.

The young Emirati has been vigilantly tracking cloud movements for a decade now, ever ready to traverse mountains and seas to encounter nature’s captivating mysteries, not only within the UAE but across the region.

“I am obsessed with chasing storms. I got addicted to this and it became my passion when I was in college. I lack formal weather-related degrees but it’s more than a hobby now,” said the man, who holds a diploma in Computer Science.

“Once, as I headed to college, I encountered a fierce storm on the day our campus shifted to the Dubai-Ain Road,” recounts Fahad. “That encounter sparked a desire to document rainfall during summer and share with others a visual story of summer rains. Summer rains were unheard of at that time. That proved to be the trigger.”

He soon realized that he wasn’t alone in his love for the rain.

“It was during this time that I learnt that Omar Al Nuaimi had established a weather forum in the country named the ‘Storm Center’. Originally, it was titled the ‘Hurricane Center’. However, as we acquainted ourselves, we decided to rename it to the Storm Centre.”

Upon heading down to a site Fahad first enjoys the rain. But he keeps a keen eye on the storm’s movements.

“I first embrace the rainfall, as if I’m standing beneath a refreshing shower before I begin documenting it. I prefer this initial phase as during this time there is no risk of lightning.”

Amidst the chaos, Fahad is focused on collecting vital data, analysing pressure changes, and watching cloud formations. Every observation adds to his understanding of a stunning yet dangerous natural phenomenon.

“Once the rain intensifies, that’s when my action commences. At that time, it’s safer to be inside the car. I then start capturing images and footage and documenting the event.”