Dubai: Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has shared a dramatic video capturing a lightning bolt striking the top of the Burj Khalifa during a heavy rainstorm, drawing widespread attention on social media.

The short clip shows dark, storm-laden skies over the city as rain and thunder accompany a powerful flash of lightning hitting the world’s tallest building. The sound of rainfall and thunder enhances the intensity of the footage, which many viewers described as both mesmerising and rare.

The video was shared during a period of unstable weather across the UAE. The National Centre of Meteorology had issued warnings for rain, thunderstorms, lightning and hail in several areas.

Who is Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?

Sheikh Hamdan, who is known for his keen interest in photography, nature and visual storytelling, captioned the video simply with the word “Dubai”, accompanied by a cloud-with-rain emoji and a high-voltage symbol. 

Popularly known as “Fazza”, a pen name he uses for his poetry, meaning “the one who helps” in Arabic, Sheikh Hamdan is also the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. He was appointed Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008, having previously served as Deputy Ruler between 2006 and 2008.

About Burj Khalifa
Standing at 829.8 metres (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is an architectural and engineering icon, holding multiple world records, including the tallest building and the tallest free-standing structure. The skyscraper, opened in 2010, dominates Dubai’s skyline at 163 floors.