A towering dust storm cloud loomed over homes in Saudi Arabia.

Terrifying footage shows the massive wall of debris rapidly approaching houses in Dawadmi, Riyadh, on May 4.

The filmer said: 'A dust storm is approaching Dawadmi. We ask God for any good it may bring and seek His protection from its harm and whatever danger it carries.'

Authorities have issued red alerts across parts of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan in response to the freak weather, which has disrupted travel and prompted emergency evacuations.

The Saudi National Centre for Meteorology has urged residents to stay alert, minimise travel, and avoid open areas, warning that sandstorms will likely persist through midweek.

Sandstorms, also called dust storms, are caused by a combination of drought and strong winds. The gusts blow across dry surfaces and whip up dust and dirt in the air which forms dense clouds.