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United arab emirates.

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Destination Must-See's

Originally known for its oil, Dubai is now famous for its trade and tourism and has made history as one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Shopping in Dubai is especially popular and highly recommended. If you’re not into shopping, Dubai offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun on the beach, too.

Abu Dhabi is known as the “Garden City” and is home to the highest peak in the country. A highlight of any visit to Abu Dhabi is a trip to the Al Ain Zoo. It was once a royal hunting preserve, but you can still see cheetahs, hyenas, Arabian oryx and many other animals running wild there. Abu Dhabi is a city on the move and has big plans to increase its tourist appeal. Soon, there will be a performing arts center and three museums to add to their indoor theme park, grand mosque, and grand prix.

Artificial Islands:

The Palm Islands were created to maximize the availability of highly desirable beachfront property in Dubai. The islands are designed to look like a palm tree which makes for a fun sight from the air, but it’s even more fun to visit the island’s hotels, beaches, shopping malls and theme parks from the ground.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque:

A landmark in Abu Dhabi, it was the vision of the first president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but wasn’t completed until after his death in 2004. It’s the largest mosque in the UAE and holds what is possibly the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

Destination Must-Do's

Oman desert on 4x4 vehicles:

Ask any native and they’ll tell you that one of the best ways to get around in Oman is on a 4x4. They’re a fun way to reach places that are so far off the beaten path that no other mode of transport can get you there.

Oman Grand Mosque:

This is the only mosque open to non-Muslims in Oman. It’s also amongst one of the largest mosques in the gulf. The building itself is made with beautiful white and red-brown marble, but it’s the spacious gardens bisected by water channels on the way into the mosque that make an indelible impression on visitors.

Emirates Building:

These buildings have become iconic symbols of Dubai. They hold a little bit of everything including dining and accommodations right in the heart of the city’s commercial business district.

World’s Tallest Building:

Located in Dubai, Burj Khalifa is the tallest man-made structure in the world. It holds a multitude of world records like: most floors in a building, world’s highest restaurant, world’s highest nightclub, world’s longest elevator travel distance, and most powerful and biggest automated fountain. The word “impressive” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Expert Advice

Be aware of what you are taking photos of. It is important that you ask permission before photographing people. You should avoid photographing Muslim women, government or military buildings, airports, docks, or telecommunications equipment.

The UAE is a very conservative culture. Because of this you should have modest clothing and behavior to show respect to the Muslim culture. Bikinis, swimsuits, shorts and revealing tops should be worn at the beach resorts only.

Laws in the UAE are much different than other areas in the world, especially in relation to alcohol and social behavior. Be respectful and conscious with how you act and what you do.

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UAE Tours & Trips 2024/2025

The glittering cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi will give the traveller a glimpse into the wealth of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates. Embark on a UAE adventure by 4WD on a desert safari and surf the sand, or ride high on the back of a camel. Taste delicious Arabic cuisine as you watch an Arabian sunset from a cool oasis.

133 United Arab Emirates tour packages with 176 reviews

Magical Dubai

Dubai tour is so amazing and I enjoy lots next also I consider tourrador to next tour

The UAE Complete - Escorted Tour in 4* Hotels – Full Board Plan

I had an excellent experience. I give your company 5 stars. I received prompt services, food was yummy, hotels were comfortable and clean. The price was affordable and reasonable. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, patient and friendly. I will recommend your company to others. Thank you

• Christmas & New Year

Dubai Escape

It was a great experience. Everything was organized nicely.

The UAE Essentials - Escorted Tour in 4 Stars Hotels – Full Board Plan

not much time to visit abu dhabi, i would like less museum and more photo spot

Best of Dubai Tour - 7 Days Luxury Tour

My partner and I recently had the pleasure of booking the "Best of Dubai Tour" with Luxury Holidays Nepal, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. This 7-day package allowed us to explore the magnificent city of Dubai and its iconic landmarks, all while enjoying top-notch service and seamless organization. From the moment we landed at Dubai International Airport, we were warmly greeted by the company's representative who guided us through a smooth check-in process and provided us with all the necessary information for our trip. The pre-trip meeting was informative, and we felt well-prepared for the adventures that awaited us. Our second day kicked off with a guided Dubai city tour, where we got to witness the city's impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the visit to the Dubai Frame, which offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and ensured that we didn't miss any of the city's must-see attractions. On day three, we embarked on an adventure-filled day exploring Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium, and the Underwater Zoo. It was a surreal experience to witness the grandeur of the world's tallest building and get up close and personal with marine life at the aquarium. The company's attention to detail and seamless coordination made this day truly unforgettable. The fourth day was dedicated to the exhilarating Desert Safari, and it exceeded our expectations. Luxury Holidays Nepal provided a comfortable and well-maintained vehicle for the journey, and the dune bashing experience was an absolute thrill. The evening continued with a delightful BBQ dinner under the stars, accompanied by traditional performances that added to the magical ambiance. Our visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden on day five was a feast for the senses. The colorful floral displays were a visual spectacle, and we enjoyed strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens. The Dhow Cruise Dinner in the evening provided a romantic and enchanting experience, complete with delicious food, live entertainment, and stunning views of the city skyline. Day six was our free and exploration day, allowing us to personalize our experience and visit any attractions we had missed or wished to revisit. The company provided helpful suggestions and recommendations, ensuring we made the most of our time in Dubai. On the final day, Luxury Holidays Nepal facilitated a seamless departure process, arranging for our airport transfer and ensuring our journey back home was as comfortable as possible. Overall, we cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Luxury Holidays Nepal and their "Best of Dubai Tour." The itinerary was well-designed, allowing us to experience the diverse facets of Dubai, from its modern wonders to its cultural heritage. The guides were knowledgeable, professional, and went the extra mile to make our trip memorable. If you're planning a trip to Dubai and want a hassle-free and unforgettable experience, we wholeheartedly recommend booking with Luxury Holidays Nepal. They exceeded our expectations in every aspect, and we look forward to exploring more destinations with them in the future. Thank you, Luxury Holidays Nepal, for an incredible journey that will remain etched in our memories forever!

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Explore Dubai & Abu Dhabi 4 Nights 5 Days

It was mostly a private tour since we were 6 in this trip, and sometime we were combined with others on a big bus just like any big tours. Over all it was a great experienced although it missed some schedules, but they were able to compensate us and fixed it. I highly recommend this company! I enjoyed the Safari experienced and Abu Dhabi mosque visit. The price is also reasonable.

Dazzling Dubai

A wonderful trip to sample the magnificence that is Dubai. Accommodations were great and way above expectations-very clean,spacious and the included breakfast was wonderful. Included and optional tours were spot on to provide a concise yet pleasurable voyage into the culture. Cannot speak highly enough of this experience!!

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Dubai Luxury Holidays Package 6 Night 7 Days

Die Reise hat uns insgesamt sehr gut gefallen. Wir haben erst knapp eine Woche vorher gebucht und hier danke ich TourRadar für die schnelle Umsetzung und die schnelle Beantwortung unserer zahlreichen Anliegen. :D Danke dafür! :) Zu den Touren vor Ort: 1. Halbtägige Dubai Tour: Es war schön die Altstadt des Emirats einmal kennenzulernen und nicht ausschließlich Hochhäuser zu betrachten. Der Besuch beim Gewürz- und Drogerie-Geschäft, dem Gold- sowie Teppich- und Souvenierladen hat meines Erachtens etwas viel Zeit beansprucht. Bei der Altstadt-Tour hätten wir uns mehr Zeit gewünscht in Ruhe uns die Gegend anzusehen und auf uns wirken zu lassen, das wäre noch zu verbessern. 2. Dinnerkreuzfahrt: Hat uns sehr gut gefallen. Wir wurden am Hotel abgeholt und wieder dort hin zurückgebracht, sehr angenehm, wenn man sich um den Transfer nicht selbst kümmern muss. Eine Bootsfahrt im Dunkeln zwischen den Wolkenkratzern und vorbei am Riesenrad, gepaart mit einem leckeren Buffet und Abendprogramm ist durchaus einen Ausflug wert. :) 3. Burj Khalifa: Auch hier gab es einen Transfer und Zeit in der Mall. Der Turm ist schon beeindruckend und der Fahrer hat uns zu der von uns gewünschten Zeit wieder eingesammelt, top!. Die Aussicht vom Turm ist faszinierend. 4. Wüstensafari: MEGA! Raus aus Dubai ins "Outback", ab zum Quad-Fahren. Wer mag kann auf einer eingezäunten Piste für 250 AED 20 Min. Quad fahren. Absolut empfehlenswert! Wir waren mega geflasht! :D Anschließend geht es weiter mit den 4x4-Fahrzeugen quer durch die Wüste, das ist wie Achterbahnfahren. Unser Fahrer war so genial Musik wie bei Fast & Furious aufzulegen, das hat gebangt! :D Zeit für Insta-Pics bei Sonnenuntergang, mal kurz auf nem Kamel reiten und das Abendsbuffet in einem kleinen Lager in der Wüste mit Tänzerin und Feuerakrobat, sehr cool! 5. Abu Dhabi Tour: Hier haben wir die große Moschee, einen Blick auf die Skyline am Strand, die Wohn-Komplexe des Adels, einen Souvenier-Shop, einen Früchtemarkt und die Mall am Ferrari-Freizeitpark besucht. Das war nett mal etwas von Ab Dhabi gesehen zu haben und unser Guide hatte viele interessante Infos und Fakten in einer klaren und rhetorisch ansprechenden Aussprache vermittelt, das war durchaus positiv. Wir hätten uns allerdings gewünscht, mehr von Abu Dhabi zu sehen, ggf. die City oder interessantere Orte als der Mall und dem Basar. Insgesamt war es aber ein schöner Tag. 6. Dubai Aquarium oder Wasserpark: Wir haben uns für das Aquarium entschieden, da es so gehyped wurde. Wir hatten uns allerdings viel mehr versprochen. Eigentlich reicht es schon die große Aquarium-Wand in der Mall zu betrachten. Zu Beginn geht man durch den Aquarium-Tunnel mit Haien, Rocken und anderen Fischen, sogar einem Sägefisch. Dann gehts hoch zum eigentlichen Zoo. Hier gibts auch mehrere Fische, das Krokodil, Reptilien, das ein oder andere außergewöhnliche Exemplar, aber nichts was WIRKLICH flasht. Dafür das sonst alles so höher, größer, pompöser in Dubai gestaltet wird, war das Aquarium mit denen in Deutschland zu vergleichen. Insgesamt hat es jedoch zu einem abwechslungsreichen Trip beigetragen. 7. Das 4-Sterne Fortuna Atrium Hotel: Lage etwas außerhalb, aber mit dem Taxi gut zu erreichen. Die Metrostation ist auch nicht weit. Die Zimmerausstattung war ok, Handtücher wurden täglich gewechselt, das Bett gemacht, doch der Sand von der Wüstentour bliebt bis zum letzten Tag liegen, Putzen bliebt also aus. Das Frühstück war ok, es gab auf Nachfrage immer frisches Omlett. Das Personal war freundlich und hilfsbereit. Eine defekte Steckdose wurde am selben Tag repariert. Der Pool auf dem Dach war nett, haben wir allerdings nur zwischendurch mal in Anspruch genommen. Insgesamt ok, nur die Reinigung sollte unbedingt zuverlässig erfolgen. Alles in allem waren wir zufrieden und haben einen eindrucksvollen Aufenthalt erlebt. :)

Amazing Abu Dhabi and Dubai

We got more than we expected great value for money.will travel with Indus again

Best of Dubai Tour- 6 Nights and 7 days (4 star Luxury Apartment Hotel)

Loved the whole trip! All staff were very nice and accommodating, would definitely recommend

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

09-Day Dubai Family Explorer tour

Stars of Dubai - 6 days

All of the tour guides were excellent and very knowledgeable. My only issues were that we paid for a 5 star hotel and we got a 4 star hotel. I let a representative know about this hotel discrepancy and nothing was done or corrected. It was never addressed. Also, we were not informed that we would not be seeing certain listed sites until I asked why we didn't see them. I was then told they were closed due to Covid. Those sites are still listed in the online brochure and thus included in the price.

Dubai & Emirates - 8 days

Very well arranged tour with constant communication. The package included everything I wanted to see. We had the perfect amount of group time and independent time. I really liked having a different group of people each day. I will definitely be booking another trip with this company Thank you to all who made this possible.

Customized Private Dubai & Abu Dhabi Vacation with Daily Departure

Best Dubai tour with 4 star luxury Hotel Accommodation

What people love about united arab emirates tours.

Sehr viel gesehen, sehr gute Organisation, gutes Essen, ausgezeichneter Reiseleiter, insgesamt sehr zufriedenstellend. Allerdings: Beworben wurde die Reise mit einer maximalen Gruppengröße von 20 (!), was ein wesentliches Motiv für die Buchung war. Tatsächlich war die Gruppengröße 39 - 41, also doppelt so groß!!!! Wie vertrauenswürdig sind eigentlich die Angaben zur Reise? Wäre die Gruppengröße mit max 40 Personen angegeben gewesen hätten wir diese Reise NICHT GEBUCHT!

Tour bus audio system wasn't working properly so couldn't hear what tour guide was talking about.

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Vacations in Dubai

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Most popular dubai flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to dubai, last minute vacation packages to dubai, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in dubai, tips for finding dubai package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Dubai and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $666; Family vacation $593; Romantic vacation $805; Luxury vacation $759; Budget vacation $462.

Why should you book a vacation package to Dubai?

With a good Dubai vacation package, you can experience this Persian Gulf emirate's famous 4X4 Desert Safaris and races, visit the Burj Khalifa, skydive over the world-famous Palm Jumeirah Island or take your kids to the Dubai Sky Polar pass or Dubai Atlantis Aquaven

When should you book a vacation package to Dubai?

The winter season in Dubai is the perfect time to take a vacation on the white sands of the Persian Gulf. From November to March it's the rainy season, which is the only cool period. The rains are short lived, however. Book your stay in advance to get the best Dubai package deals.

Where should you stay in Dubai during your vacation?

For any vacation type in dubai:.

Rove Downtown Dubai "is made for social media." The special hang out lounge features comfy sofas, a wall full of artworks and an eclectic collection of bric-a-brac. Many of the spacious rooms feature interconnecting doors perfect for families, 48-inch interactive TV screens, sofa beds for extra guests, a mini fridge, secure safe and in-room coffee and tea stations.

Located at the further end of Dubai Marina, Grosvenor House is a sophisticated twin tower hotel designed with marble floors, plush carpets, and mahogany furnishings. It's famous for offering the best Asian spa, heated pools, free spacious parking, a superb club lounge, airport transfers and shuttle bus services, and more.

For family vacations in Dubai:

The JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel is a family-friendly resort located on the shores of the Persian Gulf. It offers a 9-hole golf course and horse riding. The breakfast-inclusive stays give your family access to temperature controlled swimming pools, shuttle bus services, and airport transportation.

Popularly known as the "House By The Sea," the Beit Al Bahar stand-alone villas offer complete privacy for your family. The hotel offers bed and breakfast, shuttle bus services, dry cleaning services, WiFi and room service, and is located in Jumeirah St next to the Wild Wadi Waterpark.

For romantic vacations in Dubai:

Located at the entrance to Jumeirah Island, the FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai Hotel is the perfect hideout for couples who want to reignite their passion and create their own epic stories at the beach while sharing inspiring moments. The hotel has a contemporary architectural design, has shuttle bus services, airport transfers, hot tub and air conditioning in all rooms, as well as plenty of parking space.

Atlantis, the Palm Hotel is a gem of sheer beauty located off Crescent Road. Atlantis provides breakfast, airport transportation, and dry cleaning services. The award-winning chef restaurants, aquarium and waterpark, and the Ocean Deluxe rooms are a must experience for couples.

For luxury vacations in Dubai:

With rotating beds that have a view of the city, the Burj Al Arab is the most luxurious hotel in Dubai. The opulent interiors are designed with towering golden pillars and stairs made of marble and gold. The hotel's Dubai travel package gives you the opportunity to arrive by helicopter, experience VIP services and have a 24-hour private butler.

The one and only Palm Dubai offers peace and tranquility in Dubai's breathtaking western portion of the Palm. Enjoy the bed and breakfast, Moorish and Andalusian design terraces and balconies or a suite with a private plunge pool.

For budget vacations in Dubai:

City Max Hotel Bur Dubai offers value for money comfort with breakfast, in-room refrigerators, access to an outdoor pool and free parking included in its Dubai vacation packages

Located a few meters from Dubai Creek, the 4-acre Arabian Park Hotel offers free and ample parking, an outdoor pool, bar/lounge, quiet surroundings, a shuttle bus service, and transport to and from the airport.

Where to stay in Dubai

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Dubai flooding: Everything you need to know if your Emirates flight is cancelled

Dubai chaos leaves hundreds of thousands stranded around the world, article bookmarked.

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Helen and Roman from Manchester should be heading home from New Zealand today after visiting family near the capital, Wellington. The couple have been told their Emirates flights via Dubai are cancelled and there is no clear timetable for getting them back to the UK ; Helen is running short of medication.

Gwen and her husband are stranded in paradise – Bali , to be precise – with no certainty about when they might leave. “We can’t seem to get any contact with Emirates to be advised of another flight to the UK,” Gwen tells The Independent . She adds: “We don’t want to be stuck in Dubai at the airport. Can you update us on the position and offer any advice?”

They are just four of the hundreds of thousands of passengers who have been stranded by the unprecedented storm and flooding in Dubai.

On a typical day, 250,000 people pass through the world’s busiest international airport; Dubai overtook London Heathrow for this title several years ago.

But over the past 48 hours the vast majority have seen their flights cancelled, diverted or heavily delayed due to flooding.

Bizarrely, the way that air passengers’ rights rules are structured means that people who have yet to leave the country are in a far stronger position than those in far-flung corners of Asia , Australasia and Africa.

These are the key issues.

What’s the problem?

A severe storm began in the early hours of Tuesday 16 April. Dubai was drenched in a year and a half’s worth of rain in a single day , killing at least one person and disrupting travel through the airport that handles more international passengers than any other.

Flooding and associated disruption is continuing to cause widespread cancellations.

All airlines using Dubai International Airport affected, with British Airways flights from London Heathrow diverting in successive days to Bahrain and Abu Dhabi .

But passengers on Emirates – which flies more people on intercontinental journeys than any other airline – are collectively facing far bigger problems.

How bad are things?

A snapshot by The Independent of all the overnight Emirates departures due to arrive in Dubai from the UK on Thursday morning shows the scale of the problem. Bear in mind that most of the aircraft used are Airbus A380 “SuperJumbo” planes carrying more than 500 passengers.

• Cancelled: London Heathrow (three), London Stansted, Birmingham and Glasgow. That represents around 3,000 people who did not arrive as expected on Thursday. Crucially, because the outbound flights were cancelled, a similar number did not fly out from Dubai to the UK.
• Delayed: The minimum delay arriving in Dubai was two hours, for a single flight from Heathrow. A second Stansted flight was three hours late, while arrivals of another flight from Heathrow and one from Newcastle were four hours late. But the standard delay was six hours, affecting passengers from Gatwick, Heathrow, Glasgow and Manchester.

Once in Dubai, though, their problems could just be beginning. Hundreds of flights are delayed, and onward connections on Emirates to destinations such as Colombo in Sri Lanka , the Seychelles and Kolkata in India are cancelled.

Many Emirates flights are resuming, but with planes, pilots and cabin crew scattered around the world it will be some time before a full schedule is running again.

When flights resume, the passengers who are booked on those departures take priority – with people who may have been waiting for days at the back of the queue.

What does Emirates say?

“Emirates extends our sincerest apologies to impacted customers who have experienced delays and disruption to their travel plans caused by bad weather and road conditions.

“We appreciate how difficult it is for everyone affected. While some customers have been able to return home or reach their destination, we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights.

“Our teams are working hard to restore our scheduled operations, as well as secure accommodation and other amenities for affected customers at the airport. Our primary concern will always be the safety of our customers and crew, and this will never be compromised.”

The airline adds that Dubai airport “remains congested” and warns: “There may still be delays to arriving and departing flights.”

Emirates says: “Customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their booking agent, DM us [@EmiratesSupport on X/Twitter], or visit emirat.es/support for rebooking.”

What is the position for British travellers due to be flying out to or via Dubai?

Air passengers’ rights rules mean they are in a strong position. Any airline that cancels a flight from a UK airport, for any reason, must provide passengers with:

• An onward flight as soon as possible, including on a rival airline if seats are available. For example, a passenger from London to Sydney could expect to be rebooked via Hong Kong, Singapore or Doha if Emirates has no room but Cathay Pacific, Singapore or Qatar Airways does.
• Hotels and meals as appropriate until they can reach their destination.

No cash compensation is payable because the cause of the delay is beyond Emirates’ control.

Passengers in Dubai awaiting an onward connection – what is the outlook?

Emirates says: “While some customers have been able to return home or reach their destination, we are aware that many are still waiting to get on flights. Our teams are working hard to restore our scheduled operations.”

The airline says it is trying to “secure accommodation and other amenities for affected customers at the airport”.

Anyone who arrived from the UK (or anywhere in the European Union) is entitled to a hotel, meals and an onward flight on any airline as soon as possible.

Passengers travelling in the opposite direction have no such legal protection.

Airlines generally provide stranded passengers with accommodation and meals, but such is the pressure on hotels that this may not happen. There is no legal obligation to arrange care.

What about people stranded in Asia, Africa or Australasia with connections via Dubai?

As they are flying on a non-British/non-European airline from outside the UK/EU, they have no formal rights besides the general principle that the airline will get them home when possible.

Travel insurance may cover added costs, and possible make a modest payment (typically £25 for each 12 hours) for the length of the delay.

I’m booked on a package holiday. Does that make a difference?

If you have bought flights and accommodation at the same time from the same provider, you have an extra layer of consumer protection. The Package Travel Regulations mean that the company that sold you the trip is responsible for ensuring the holiday goes ahead as planned – and must take action if it does not. For example:

• If you are booked to travel to the Maldives via Dubai, the holiday firm could look for alternative flights.
• Should your short break to Dubai be impossible because of cancelled flights or conditions on the ground, you are due a full refund.
• Stranded on the other side of the world? The holiday company must find a solution for you, and ensure your welfare while you wait.

If I pay for my own hotel or alternative flight, can I claim it back from Emirates?

That depends. If you are in the UK – or stranded in Dubai en route from the UK to a third country – and Emirates has been unable to provide you with these, then you should be able to claim. In all other circumstances, such as being stranded in Bali, it is unlikely the airline will pay up.

Travel insurance may help.

What about other airlines flying in and out of Dubai?

They are also facing big problems. Flydubai, the short-haul cousin of Emirates, made dozens of cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday, with many flights on Thursday heavily delayed.

FlyNas, the Saudi budget airline, has cancelled more flights than any other on Thursday.

Other carriers, including British Airways and Royal Brunei, have grounded some UK flights, but operations overall are not as badly affected because Dubai represents only a tiny proportion of flying for most airlines.

I have a flight to or via Dubai next week. Should I worry?

Probably not. Emirates and other carriers should be back on track, and as mentioned anyone with a booking for a flight that goes ahead takes precedence over those who may have been waiting a week after a cancelled flight.

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Emirates is dealing with a 30,000 bag backlog as it grovels to customers about its handling of Dubai floods

• Severe flooding caused by the heaviest rain in 75 years brought travel chaos to Dubai Airport last week.
• The ongoing fallout has prompted Emirates boss Tim Clark to issue an apology to customers. 
• 30,000 bags still need to be returned to customers, he said.

Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, is still trying to return 30,000 leftover bags to customers affected by the torrential rains and flooding that brought Dubai Airport to a standstill last week.

Over the weekend, the airline's president, Tim Clark, acknowledged that Emirates' response to the disruption had been "far from perfect" and apologized to customers.

"I would like to offer our most sincere apologies to every customer who has had their travel plans disrupted during this time," Clark wrote in an open letter posted online on Saturday.

Calling the previous week "one of the toughest for Emirates operationally," he said that the airline had been forced to cancel nearly 400 flights and delay many more after storms brought the region's highest rainfall in 75 years.

"Flooded roads impeded the ability of our customers, pilots, cabin crew, and airport employees to reach the airport, and also the movement of essential supplies like meals and other flight amenities," Clark wrote.

In total, 1,478 flights had been canceled at the world's second busiest airport by Friday morning, according to Reuters.

While planes remained stuck on flooded taxiways, submerged roads surrounding the airport left some passengers stranded in the airport.

Related stories

To accommodate disrupted passengers, Emirates said it had secured 12,000 hotel rooms and issued 250,000 meal vouchers.

Despite the chaos and a government warning telling people to stay at home, Emirates flight attendants in Dubai were also told to report for duty.

However, Clark acknowledged that many passengers had been frustrated by the congestion, lack of information, and confusion at terminals.

In an effort to handle the ongoing fallout, he said that a task force had been created to sort and return 30,000 pieces of left-over luggage to its owners.

The airline officially resumed regular flight operations at Dubai Airport on Saturday, but warned it would still take several days to clear the backlog.

Non-UAE-based carriers were still facing restrictions over the weekend. Foreign airlines with more than two flights in 24 hours were issued with a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) instructing them to reduce operations by 50%, Indian news agency PTI reported.

According to FlightRadar 24's data , all arrivals and departures were largely running to schedule again on Monday morning.

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates has become one of the most attractive economic hubs in the Gulf region.

Its efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, centered on Dubai as a tourism hot spot, have helped the country position itself as a major player on the world stage. In a sign of its growing popularity, the number of passengers traveling to Dubai Airport increased by 31.7% in the last year.

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

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United Arab Emirates struggles to recover after heaviest recorded rainfall ever hits desert nation

The United Arab Emirates is struggled to recover from the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation, as its main airport worked to restore normal operations even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and roads. (AP video/Malak Harb)

A man walks along a road barrier among floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

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A man carries luggage through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation amidst floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man carries a child through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on an onramp to Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People walk through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Abandoned vehicles stand in floodwater caused by heavy rain along Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A flooded street by heavy rain is seen, with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A group of people work to recover an abandoned vehicle taken by floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Civil defense officials bring water on a raft to a family in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Dubai civil defense officials drive through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates tried to wring itself out Thursday after the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation , with its main airport allowing more flights even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and communities.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel , allowed global carriers on Thursday morning to again fly into Terminal 1 at the airfield. And long-haul carrier Emirates, crucial to East-West travel, began allowing local passengers to arrive at Terminal 3, their base of operations.

However, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said in an interview with The Associated Press that the airfield needed at least another 24 hours to resume operations close to its usual schedule. Meanwhile, one desert community in Dubai saw floodwaters continue to rise Thursday to as much as 1 meter (3 feet) as civil defense officials struggled to pump out the water.

“We were looking at the radar thinking, ‘Goodness, if this hits, then it’s going to be cataclysmic,’” Griffiths said of the storm. “And indeed it was.”

The airport ended up needing 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds. Griffiths acknowledged that taxiways flooded during the rains, though the airport’s runways remained free of water to safely operate. Online videos of a FlyDubai flight landing with its reverse thrust spraying out water caught the world’s attention.

“It looks dramatic, but it actually isn’t that dramatic,” Griffiths said.

Emirates, whose operations had been struggling since the storm Tuesday, had stopped travelers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they tried to move out connecting passengers. Pilots and flight crews also had a hard time reaching the airport given the water on roadways.

But on Thursday, Emirates lifted that order to allow customers into the airport. That saw some 2,000 people come into Terminal 3, again sparking long lines, Griffiths said.

Others who arrived at the airport described hourslong waits to get their baggage, with some just giving up to head home or to whatever hotel would have them.

Two men walk through floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

The UAE, a hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation on the Arabian Peninsula, typically sees little rainfall in its arid desert climate. However, a massive storm forecasters had been warning about for days blew through the country’s seven sheikhdoms.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport. Other areas of the country saw even more precipitation.

Meanwhile, intense floods also have struck neighboring Oman in recent days. Authorities on Thursday raised the death toll from those storms to at least 21 killed.

The UAE’s drainage systems quickly became overwhelmed Tuesday, flooding out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road highway running through Dubai.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”

In a message to the nation late Wednesday, Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, said authorities would “quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused.”

On Thursday, people waded through oil-slicked floodwater to reach cars earlier abandoned, checking to see if their engines still ran. Tanker trucks with vacuums began reaching some areas outside of Dubai’s downtown core for the first time as well. Schools remain closed until next week.

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Authorities have offered no overall damage or injury information from the floods, which killed at least one person.

However, at least one community saw the effects of the rainfall only get worse Thursday. Mudon, a development by the state-owned Dubai Properties, saw flooding in one neighborhood reach as much as 1 meter. Civil defense workers tried to pump the water out, but it was a struggle as people waded through the floodwater.

Residents of Mudon, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity given the UAE’s strict laws governing speech, described putting together the equivalent of nearly $2,000 to get a tanker to the community Wednesday. They alleged the developers did nothing to help prior to that, even as they called and emailed. They also said a nearby sewage processing facility failed, bringing more water into their homes.

“A lot of people were in denial of how bad it was,” one homeowner said as civil defense officials waded through the water, bringing bottled water on a raft.

Dubai Holding, a state-owned company that has Dubai Properties as an arm, did not respond to questions. It’s part of a wider nexus that U.S. diplomats have called “Dubai Inc.” — all properties overseen by the city-state’s ruling family.

The flooding sparked speculation that the UAE’s aggressive campaign of cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding.

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year.

Abu Dhabi’s state-linked newspaper The National in an editorial Thursday described the heavy rains as a warning to countries in the wider Persian Gulf region to “climate-proof their futures.”

“The scale of this task is more daunting than it appears even at first glance, because such changes involve changing the urban environment of a region that for as long as it has been inhabited, has experienced little but heat and sand,” the newspaper said.