With the misty orange haze and barren surroundings, you'd be forgiven for thinking these 'out-of-this-world' images came from another planet . In fact, they show what happened when a huge sandstorm caused chaos in Dubai. High winds blowing sand across the United Arab Emirates have caused mayhem for people trying to travel and work in the country. Scroll down for video . Dubai's large skyscrapers and tower blocks can barely be made out because of the sandstorm, which has seen visibility drops to less than 500 meters, while walkers have donned masks to protect their lungs . High winds have meant travel chaos on the roads and skies for people in Dubai, as flights bound for the city's international airport have had to be diverted because of the poor visibility. Flights have been forced to divert and people are having to wear masks to protect their lungs if they walk outside in the Gulf region. In Abu Dhabi, police say a 24-year-old was airlifted to the hospital after being seriously injured in a traffic accident caused by the reduced visibility. During and after the sandstorm: Pictures taken from the Dusit ��Thani building in Abu Dhabi show the difference . Four flights bound for Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest hub for international air traffic, had to be diverted to nearby airports. Another eight flights were sent to the alternate Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central from other regional airports. Work on some of Dubai's construction sites continued as normal despite the dust affecting visibility. Forecasters are warning that the high winds are expected to continue over the weekend . Construction workers, some wearing masks,  are seen amid a sandstorm at one Dubai building site. People expecting to fly are being urged to check with their airlines to see how their planes are affected by the weather . A 24-year-old was airlifted to hospital after his car crashed while driving in the sandstorm, and parts of Dubai were barely visible. Dubai International Airport said it was working to minimise any inconvenience to travellers . The street scene in Abu Dhabi's Muroor area, taken by Ann Marie McQueen . In a public announcement, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology warned that visibility will be reduced to less than 500 metres, with the high winds set to continue over the weekend. On Thursday morning Dubai International posted an update on its Facebook page urging people to check before they travel. The statement said: 'Normal operations have been disrupted at Dubai International and at Dubai World Central due to bad weather conditions persisting since morning. 'We advise passengers to check with their respective airline or check flight status on our website . 'Dubai Airports is working with all airlines and other partners to minimise any inconvenience to our passengers.' The view of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai is completed obscured by the sandstorm in this reader picture . The sky in Dubai turned orange during the sandstorm, which led to disruption in the United Arab Emirates .
Flights diverted from Dubai International Airport because of freak weather . A 24-year-old was seriously injured in car collision during the sandstorm . Forecasters warn high winds are set to continue over the weekend .