Token2049, the annual conference dedicated to Web3 technology, is set to commence tomorrow, April 18th. However, attendees may be greeted with an unusual sight as the city has been hit by an unexpected deluge of rain, transforming the typically dry desert landscape into a waterlogged mess.
Dubai, a city that receives an average of just 9.5cm (approximately 4 inches) of rainfall per year, has experienced nearly 15cm (approximately 6 inches) of rain in the span of 24 hours between Monday and Tuesday evening. This unanticipated downpour has caused chaos in the city, with social media flooded with videos showcasing the extraordinary scenes. Streets have been transformed into rivers, cars have become submerged, and planes have been forced to spray water on flooded runways. Additionally, there have been reports of diverted flights and conference attendees trapped in their hotels.
Dubai International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world with 87 million passengers, has taken the unprecedented step of advising travelers not to visit the city. This is a significant first for the desert nation.
Despite the inconveniences faced by visitors, the conference is still scheduled to proceed. It is hoped that the return of the typical Dubai weather, characterized by blue skies and temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, will help the city recover from the aftermath of the rain.
Cointelegraph’s reporter, Ezra Reguerra, is in Dubai to cover the event and has shared astonishing videos of the city post-storm.
Token2049, running from April 18th to 19th, 2024, will take place at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai. Widely regarded as one of the most important global conferences for the Web3 and cryptocurrency community, this year marks the first time the event is being held in Dubai.
Tickets for the conference sold out well in advance, and an estimated 10,000 attendees are expected over the two days. The event will bring together founders, executives, and decision-makers from over 4,000 companies and 100 countries.
The agenda for Token2049 features a diverse range of topics, including decentralized AI, Web3 gaming, DeFi, and blockchain scalability. As expected from Dubai, the event will be accompanied by exhibitions, live DJ sets, and top-notch hospitality.
The first part of Token2049 began on April 15th, with a week-long series of meetups, workshops, and parties. The second Token2049 event of the year is scheduled to take place in Singapore in September.