Schools were ordered shut, flights suspended and the stock market was closed down in the United Arab Emirates as rare heavy rain hit the desert Gulf state on Wednesday. Education authorities said schools will stay closed Thursday as more thundery weather is forecast. Flights at Abu Dhabi airport resumed on Wednesday afternoon after being suspended for several hours, and Dubai International also experienced delays, aviation authorities said.

The rains disrupted the Abu Dhabi Air Expo held at the capital's Al-Bateen airport.

Abu Dhabi's stock market said it suspended trading and cancelled all morning deals after many traders could not reach the bourse.

Images posted on social media showed vehicles half-submerged in flooded streets in Abu Dhabi and gusty winds lashing through palm trees lining the city's streets.

Others showed shades and construction barriers that had collapsed on cars.

In Dubai, police registered more than 250 road accidents by midday, local media reported.