Dubai has been struck by adverse weather with the city’s skyline looking apocalyptic as lightning strikes the world’s tallest building.
Footage and photos shared online capture the lightning striking the famous skyscraper in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa.
The dramatic scenes come as a powerful weather system brings intense thunderstorms, lightning and the risk of flooding to parts of the Middle East.
Clips of the eye-catching lightning have been shared from Thursday evening, March 26. The footage appears to to show the lightning safely diverted through the 828 meters tall buidling’s protection system.
The rare weather, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), was due to begin impacting western areas late Thursday before gradually moving inland and eastward.
Heavy rain and stormy conditions are expected to cause further disruption across Dubai, as reports of travel chaos and delays are expected.
Dubai’s skyline has been far from clear amid the Middle East conflict, however the lightning is a rare sight.
Since the beginning of the war Dubai has come under frequent attacks from Iran’s missiles and drones, with strikes on the airport.
The latest attack came as UAE air defences responded to incoming missile and drones from Iran overnight on Wednesday.
The Gulf state’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that booms and explosions reported across the nation were being caused by Emirati air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets intercepting drones and other aerial vehicles.
Dubai’s Media Office issued a safety warning for residents to remain cautious in the storm.
The statement posted on X said: “Dubai will experience unstable weather conditions until the morning of Friday, 27 March 2026.
“Rain: Of varying intensity, at times accompanied by lightning and thunder.
“Wind speed: Occasionally strong, potentially raising dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility.”
The post added to avoid going to sea, to exercise caution when driving and reduce speed and avoid valleys, flood-prone areas and places where rainwater may accumulate.