Heavy rain and thunderstorms have brought Dubai to a standstill with many parts of the country submerged in the water due to severe flooding.
On Tuesday, the desert nation experienced over 120mm (4.7 inches) of rainfall, which is equivalent to the usual yearly average – and more is anticipated in the coming hours.
Latest videos on social media show luxury cars such as Rolls Royces stranded in deep water and struggling through the floods.
Unstable weather conditions are expected to continue in the region through Wednesday, UAE’s National Center of Meteorology said with the city authorities urging people to stay home.
A clip shared on Twitter/X showed an entrepreneur trapped in his Rolls Royce in Dubai as deep water flooded the road.
The social media user wrote: “’My Rolls Royce got flooded and we’re stuck in the middle of the road in Dubai.
“Just like all my friends in crypto… today I am underwater,” he posted in a follow-up.
Earlier, authorities announced a suspension of airport operations lasting 25 minutes due to extreme weather conditions.
Throughout the day, at least 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights were cancelled, with three flights redirected to alternative airports.
However, despite the disruptions, departure flights continued to operate, according to the airport.
One video shows several jets cutting through murky water at Dubai International Airport.
Police and emergency workers were seen moving slowly through flooded streets, and tanker trucks were sent to remove the water.
Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Oman reported at least 18 deaths from heavy rain, including 10 schoolchildren and an adult swept away in a vehicle.