The flood-hit United Arab Emirates is on a path back to normality after a record-breaking rainstorm triggered floods that had inundated roads, buildings and disrupted public transportation services.
The country typically known for its arid desert climate on Tuesday saw an average year's worth of precipitation in a single day, marking the highest recorded rainfall in the last 75 years since climate records started in 1949.
Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, cancelled 884 flights between Tuesday and Wednesday due to the significant weather event, local media reported.
Heavy downpours also flooded major roads, residential areas, shopping centers and hotels, with a large number of vehicles left stranded and damaged.
Municipal authorities in Dubai have stepped up emergency rescue and post-disaster recovery.
The Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday night that people's life is gradually getting back on track as the rainfall came to an end.
Buses, taxis and tram services in Dubai have resumed normal operation on Thursday, with some subway lines still closed. Public schools across the city will extend remote learning and government employees will continue to work from home until the end of the week.
Life slowly returns to normal in Dubai as unprecedented rainstorm ends
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
