Dubai Faces Persistent Flooding Due To Lack Of Storm Drains

Dubai's airport, the world's busiest for international passengers, has suffered badly from staff shortages with flight cancellations and delays expected to continue into the weekend.

When record downpours sent water flooding into his Dubai home, Riaz Haq expected the levels to drop once it stopped raining. But instead of falling, the water kept rising higher.

"We went to bed, the water was half-a-metre (half-a-yard)," the British lawyer said, recalling Tuesday's tempest that flooded homes, malls, offices and roads.

"We woke up and it was one metre. My cars were submerged, water to our waist. Everything is ruined."