Heavy rains in UAE: Extensive flooding in Dubai; 18 dead in Oman (WATCH)

Severe rainfall wreaked havoc in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, leading to widespread flooding and chaos in Dubai as major highways were submerged and vehicles abandoned. At the same time, neighbouring Oman grappled with a rising death toll of 18 due to severe flooding, with several individuals still missing as the country braced for further impacts of the storm.

The torrential downpour began overnight, flooding streets and creating large water pools. Strong winds also disrupted flights at Dubai International Airport, a crucial global travel hub and the base of operations for Emirates, a prominent long-haul carrier.

Amidst the deluge, law enforcement and emergency responders navigated cautiously through flooded streets, their flashing lights piercing the pre-dawn darkness. Occasional lightning strikes illuminated the sky, sometimes hitting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest structure.

Ahead of the expected storm, schools across the UAE's seven sheikhdoms closed, and government employees shifted to remote work where possible. Despite these measures, some residents ventured out, only to find themselves stranded as their vehicles succumbed to unexpectedly deep waters on numerous roads.

In response to the flooding, authorities dispatched tanker trucks to extract excess water from streets and highways. The scarcity of rain in the UAE, coupled with inadequate drainage systems due to infrequent precipitation, aggravated the flooding crisis.

Initial reports indicated that Dubai received over 30 millimetres (1 inch) of rainfall in the morning, with forecasts predicting up to 128 mm (5 inches) throughout the day. Additionally, rainfall affected Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, in Oman, located on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, the National Committee for Emergency Management reported that the death toll from heavy rains had climbed to 18. Among the victims were 10 schoolchildren and an adult who were swept away in a vehicle. Leaders from across the region expressed condolences in response to the tragic incident.