Dubai's Mall of the Emirates is evacuated, amid heavy rain

Evacuation took place after power shortage as heavy rain fell outside

Flooding at Discovery Gardens in Dubai. Leslie Pableo / The National

Rain stops play - in the UAE. Dark clouds loom over a cricket game between the UAE and Bermuda at the International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The rain comes down on the E311. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Flooding at Discovery Gardens in Dubai. Leslie Pableo / The National

Flooding in Discovery Gardens in Dubai. Leslie Pableo / The National

Flooding in Al Quoz Dubai

Sandy weather warning at Al Raha area, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Mangrove area roadwork workers cover themselves from the elements because of a sandstorm, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Streets in Al Quoz are flooded due to the Dubai downpour on Monday. Leslie Pableo for The National

Gloomy skies and flooded roads greeted wary motorists in Dubai's Discovery Gardens. Leslie Pableo for The National

Vehicles battle hazardous road conditions in Al Quoz, Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National

Flooded roads proved challenging for commuters on two and four wheels in Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National

A deluge of rain proved disruptive for drivers in Dubai as extreme weather swept through the Emirates. Leslie Pableo for The National

Motorists had to exercise caution due to difficult driving conditions caused by pools of water on roads. Leslie Pableo for The National

Roads in Dubai were flooded after rain lashed the emirate on Monday. Leslie Pableo for The National

Heavy rainfall made for tricky driving conditions in Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National

The Mall of the Emirates was evacuated this afternoon after a power cut  at the Dubai shopping centre.

The power cut occurred as heavy rain fell outside the mall and across the emirate.

One shopper told The National that they were asked to leave by the mall's security team after an alarm went off.

“We were told the power was off at around 2pm but no explanation was given as to what caused it,” she said.

“There was no sense of panic and people were leaving calmly and quickly.

“A lot of people refused to leave though, maybe they thought it was a false alarm.”

The power failure came as Dubai was hit by heavy rainfall and fierce winds on Monday, leading to flooded roads and even the delay of an international cricket match.

A major clean-up operation was launched in Dubai's Discovery Gardens as residents waded through waters flooding roads.

Workers turned out to pump out the waters as the tough weather conditions created disruption for motorists.

Management at Mall of the Emirates said the power outage was caused by a "technical issue".

"Earlier today, Mall of Emirates faced a temporary power outage due to a technical issue," said a spokesman.

"Standard procedures were followed to ensure the safety of visitors and tenants.

"The matter was resolved immediately and business is as usual at the mall."

The spokesman also apologised for any inconvenience caused to "both our tenants and visitors".