Major cleaning operation

A clean-up operation was under way on Sunday after a major storm swept through the UAE over the weekend.

The situation was slowly returning to normal after torrential rain, thunder and lightning were recorded across much of the country. Rain was still forecast in the east and south on Sunday.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said roads had been drained to clear the flooding, with its buses now operating normally.

The storm which started on Friday evening, mainly in Abu Dhabi, spread to all areas of the UAE early on Saturday and caused localised flooding.

Many parts of the country saw significant amounts of rain with events cancelled, flights diverted, wadis and beaches shut and several roads partially flooded.

Motorists also faced delays with some roads closed and traffic reduced on inter-emirate motorways on Saturday such as Mohamed bin Zayed Road (E311) due to the intensity of the downpours.

Dubai Police also reported diversions and water accumulation in Amman Street, Aleppo Street, Al Nahda Street, Al Ittihad Street, Al Khawaneej Street, Al Yalayis Street and Al Qudra Street.