I worked for 8 years in Muscat Oman, a few hours drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Contrary to popular belief, it rained quite regularly, especially in the winter. The winters were better than our summers though
They have Wadis (dried up riverbeds, well they are not all dry) which can flood during heavy rains inland. Which is why they have Wadi poles by the side of the road, so you can gauge the depth of water for example.
I can honestly say that I got my first pole position out there ...... because I crashed into one of those poles once, and flipped the car ....... happy days!