Of them, only four cars were abandoned by low-income owners, including a salesman in a shop and an employee of a car rental firm, as they could not pay the bank loan instalments.

The cars were not dumped because of the financial crisis as claimed by sections of the media, he said.

The other cars, which were found at the airport, might have been left behind by their owners who went to their countries but could not return due to some circumstances back home.

At a press conference held in Dubai Police Officers Club on Thursday, Dhahi said the reports were based on nothing but rumours.  It is normal for people to leave their cars at the airport parking when they go overseas for various reasons.— amira@khaleejtimes.com