Gulf countries on alert for torrential rains

The authorities of several Gulf countries on Sunday increased the alerts to their residents due to the torrential rains that have been falling for several days in this very hot and arid region.

The showers disrupt the daily life of the rich Gulf countries, the authorities having rarely installed water drainage systems due to the scarcity of rains.

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In the United Arab Emirates, torrential rains fell across the country, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The bad weather is expected to last until Thursday, the official WAM news agency said on Sunday.

The rains were exacerbated by the seeding of clouds, a practice used by the authorities to increase the amount of rain, naturally very low and rare.

In Sharjah, another emirate of this wealthy state, passers-by and vehicles were taken in the maroon waters.

The authorities did not report a victim.

Heavy rain is also falling over the vast desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including pilgrims in the holy city of Mecca.

Civil Defense warned of continued moderate to heavy rains in several regions.

In Qatar, authorities called on residents to be vigilant, announcing "

" and "

" in various parts of the country from Sunday.

In Kuwait, rains of "

" will continue until Sunday evening, according to meteorological authorities quoted by the official Kuna news agency.

Classes and exams will be suspended Monday in schools across the country due to "

," Kuna added.

The Sultanate of Oman on Saturday announced "

" in several regions of the country, state television Oman TV broadcasting images of roads in downpours and rising waters.

The Gulf countries benefit from extremely mild weather in winter, with average temperatures around 20 degrees, except for rare and brief episodes of torrential rains between November and January.