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Downpour temporarily closes airport in Dubai

March 9, 2016

The authorities have closed schools across UAE and suspended air traffic at an international airport as rain floods the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The storm is expected to continue, meteorologists warn.

https://p.dw.com/p/1I9ot
VAE Heftiger Regen in Abu Dhabi
Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/K. Jebreili

Abu Dhabi International Airport, home to Etihad airline, was forced to suspend a number of flights on Wednesday due to the rainstorm in the desert country of United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Air traffic was also delayed at the airport in Dubai, UAE's largest city, where the long-haul carrier Emirates is based.

The rainstorm also prompted schools across the country to close early, with education authorities proclaiming they would stay closed on Thursday as well. Officials expect the thunderstorm to continue.

Users on social media also posted pictures of torrents on the streets.

Heavy rain is extremely rare in the Emirates, which rank among the 10 driest countries in the world.

dj/kms (AFP, AP)