Dubai's giant highways were clogged by flooding and its major airport was in chaos as the Middle East financial centre remained gridlocked on Wednesday, a day after the heaviest rains on record. Outside, cars were submerged. Roads resembled pools with reflections of high-rises all around, essentially locking its thousands of residents to their homes. Dubai, which has the world's busiest air hub for international passengers, also had to divert several inbound flights. Delays and cancellations marred operations at the Dubai International Airport. The access roads leading to the airport were also inundated. Planes were seen taxiing on flooded runways and cars half-submerged at the airport's parking lot. Several other city landmarks - including flagship shopping centres like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates - were flooded as well. Residential communities faced hardships, struggling with leakages from roofs, doors, and windows.