Four Dead, Dubai Airport Backlog: Heavy Rains in UAE and Oman Disrupt Travel and Cause Flooding, Scientists Blame Global Warming
Four people have died in heavy rains in the UAE, with two Philippine nationals and one Emirati man losing their lives in flooding.
The storm, which also hit Oman and caused at least 20 deaths, disrupted Dubai's international airport for three days.
Scientists attribute the extreme weather event to human-induced global warming.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports and a hub for travel in the Middle East, was still dealing with a backlog of flights three days after a storm.
The airport suspended check-in for transit passengers until Sunday, but those with Dubai as their final destination could still travel.
Emirates, a major international airline based in Dubai, reported that 1,478 flights to and from Dubai had been canceled since Tuesday, accounting for about 30% of all flights.
In contrast, Abu Dhabi's state carrier, Etihad, reported that flight operations were normal.
On Friday, the main road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was partially closed due to flooding, causing vehicles to use the hard shoulder with abandoned cars and buses.
In the UAE's northern emirates, including Sharjah, people were reportedly still trapped in homes and businesses were damaged from heavy rain.
The National Center of Meteorology predicted light rain may return by late Monday, with a chance of heavier rain on Tuesday in some areas.