Rare torrential rains have brought chaos to Dubai and claimed several lives.

People across the Gulf faced torrential downpours and may soon see a rare snowfall as a freak cold snap grips the region.

In the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, residents said the temperature had fallen to below freezing level - increasing chances that it might snow, an event Saudis usually only see on television or during travels overseas.

In the neighbouring United Arab Emirates snow had been reported earlier in mountainous areas and relentless rain took the country by surprise over the past two days.

Arriving for a visit on Sunday, US President George W Bush carried an umbrella to face the rain at the airport in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's usually hot and sunny capital.

Many roads were flooded in the emirate of Dubai, which attracts sun-hungry tourists with its year-round blue skies. Roofs in some luxury hotels and office blocks were leaking water and several schools asked parents to keep their children home on Wednesday.

Weather forecasts show that more rain is expected in many parts of the region until the end of the week.

In June, Oman was hit by a cyclone that killed more than 50 people and wrecked havoc in the country, damaging infrastructure and displacing thousands.