People try to flee Dubai amid the unseen-before flooding (Picture: Media Express)
Families are racing to escape Dubai amid the apocalyptic scenes of flooding overnight.
Thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, dumping more than 4.7 inches of rain – the largest amount of rainfall in the past 75 years, according to the government.
A video from the airport – the busiest for international travel in the world – shows passengers sleeping on the floor as they wait for flights out of the country.
Dozens of jets were grounded amid the torrential rainfall, while many more were temporarily diverted on Tuesday evening to other locations.
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The tarmac at Dubai International Airport was also flooded as planes made their way around what looked more like a lake.
Scenes of devastation can be seen across the desert UAE emirate that is famous for its luxurious, ultramodern architecture.
Footage shows homes and roads partially submerged in water and long lines of cars abandoned by the drivers floating.
Videos circulating on social media show the rainfall – now turned into a powerful steam of water – bursting through the ceilings of houses, restaurants, bars and shopping centres.
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