Dubai: The sand storm that stuck the country blew over Friday afternoon as quickly as it came, leaving a trail of damage.
Damaged vehicles, upturned garbage bins and fallen hoardings and dish antennaes littered in many areas across the emirates.
In Dubai and Sharjah, which also received a light drizzle, the skies were clear within two hours after the storm.
The sand storm hit UAE Friday noon throwing normal life out of gear.
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In Sharjah, within a span of minutes, a thick cloud of dust covered the city area accompanied by strong winds.
Residents said in many places visibility was reduced to a few metres and traffic in several streets were affected as the strong winds toppled garbage bins on the roads.
Light drizzle accompanied the storm in some parts of Sharjah.
In Dubai people had to run for cover as the storm took them by surprise.
Traffic on many key roads were affected by the storm. Several residents reported damage to their vehicles caused by flying debris. In Karama, one resident said his vehicle was damaged by a dish antennae falling on to his vehicle.
Strong winds toppled several roadside hoardings in Dubai and Sharjah.
In Al Aweer at least ten vehicles were involved in a pile up, immediately after the storm.
The dust storm hit Al Ain at 3.30 pm Friday afternoon with visibility being reduced to less than 100 metres.
The unsettled weather system has been heading east from the west.
