A powerful rainstorm—one of the heaviest in months—has battered the United Arab Emirates (UAE), causing major travel disruptions and flooding in key cities like Dubai and Sharjah. Heavy downpours forced UAE airport authorities to cancel or delay dozens of flights, including at Dubai and Sharjah airports, with Emirates airline axing at least 13 departures due to adverse weather. Floodwaters submerged main roads, prompting traffic snarls and forcing residents to wade through waterlogged streets.

Dubai police had earlier urged people to remain indoors unless necessary as thunderstorms, lightning, and rain swept across the region. Water-pumping crews worked to clear blocked drains and reduce flood risk, while the National Centre of Meteorology had warned of continued rainfall from Thursday into Friday. Severe weather also impacted neighbouring Gulf states, cancelling sporting events and disrupting daily life.