It also rained

According to ArabianBusiness magazine:

"Dubai's economy could be facing losses of around 432 million dirhams ($117.6 million) following the city's complete shutdown on Monday for the visit of US president George W. Bush.

Most businesses, schools, shops and restaurants were closed on Monday after authorities called a last minute public holiday to try and limit the impact of the closure of almost all Dubai's major roads, bridges and tunnels so Bush could tour the city's landmark developments.

According to estimates based on Dubai's gross domestic product (GDP), which was 157 billion dirhams ($42.7 billion) in 2006, the Gulf's second largest economy and largest trading hub would lose more than 100 million dirhams if its economy came to a standstill for just one day."

Add to the woes of Dubai's patient citizens the severe traffic disruption caused by the forces of nature - in the form of flooding following heavy rainfall - and, well, you just have to grin and bear it.