UAE: A hailstorm in the desert? Rare weather phenomenon shocks residents

Large hailstones were seen covering roads in the United Arab Emirates, after a rare hailstorm struck the region.

Some locals were shocked to see the falling hail, which caused damage to homes and vehicles, according to local media.

But is this weather phenomenon really so exceptional for a desert nation?

BBC Weather's Elizabeth Rizzini has the answer.

Video produced by Ian Casey and Alexandra Ostasiewicz.

Filmed by James Wignall.

Edited by Gianluca Avagnina.