Watch: Heavy rains lash Dubai, Sharjah; residents delight in 'first rains of winter'

It's raining cats and dogs — and UAE residents can barely contain themselves with what many have dubbed 'the first rains of winter'. Several residents have been sharing videos of heavy rains lashing several key areas in Dubai - a phenomenon that is always welcome in the UAE, which is better known for its long summer months.

Khaleej Times received several reports of rains from Dubai World Trade Centre to Jumeirah and Karama - as well as the neighbouring emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain. Pedestrians could be seen walking with umbrellas, while others were content to just whip out their phones.

Excitement over the downpours has naturally spilled over onto social media as well, with several sharing 'You know you're in Dubai' jokes and videos of children joyfully playing in the rain.

November marks the start of the rainy season in the UAE, and UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, had directed all mosques across the country to perform rain prayers on November 11.

The National Centre of Meteorology recorded heavy rain over scattered areas of Dubai as well as light to heavy rain over Dubai and Sharjah International Airports, as well as moderate to heavy rain over Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.

The NCM also issued fresh orange alerts for Dubai and Ajman on Tuesday afternoon, warning residents to be on the alert as hazardous weather events are expected and advising them to stay away from areas of flash floods and landslides.

Over in Sharjah, some residents could be seen sheltering under a building as they waited for the downpour to pass.

• Look: Waterfalls in UAE as heavy rains hit 3 emirates