UAE Issues Red Alert for Thick Fog: Motorists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Urged to Drive Safely
<p>A thick blanket of fog descended across several parts of the UAE early Wednesday morning, significantly reducing visibility and prompting <strong>red and yellow weather alerts</strong> from the <strong>National Center of Meteorology (NCM)</strong>. The phenomenon, which affected Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and surrounding areas, created hazardous conditions for motorists and led to urgent safety warnings from authorities.</p><h3>Widespread Fog Across Major Cities</h3><p>According to the NCM, fog patches began forming in the early hours of the morning, bringing visibility down to less than <strong>1,000 meters</strong> in many locations. Dubai reported foggy conditions over <strong>Al Jaddaf, Al Aweer, Expo City, and the Khalifa Tower area</strong>, while Abu Dhabi saw similar conditions in <strong>Al Falah, Al Riyad City, Bani Yas, and Al Shawamekh</strong>.</p><p>The fog was particularly dense along major highways, including the <strong>Dubai–Abu Dhabi road</strong> and the <strong>Abu Dhabi–Al Ain road</strong>, creating potential risks for commuters traveling between emirates.</p><h3>Police and NCM Safety Warnings</h3><p>In response, <strong>Abu Dhabi Police issued a message on X (formerly Twitter)</strong> urging drivers to stay cautious, reduce speed, and adhere strictly to the speed limits displayed on <strong>electronic traffic boards</strong>, which adjust in real time depending on weather conditions.</p><p>“Drivers must be careful and maintain safe distances between vehicles during foggy weather,” the advisory stated. Police emphasized that ignoring variable speed limits could result in fines and endanger lives.</p><p>The NCM also reminded residents that <strong>red and yellow alerts remain in effect until 9:00 AM</strong>, depending on location and fog intensity.</p><h3>Why Fog is a Serious Concern in the UAE</h3><p>Fog is a regular seasonal occurrence in the UAE, particularly during the transition between summer and autumn when humidity levels remain high, and nighttime temperatures drop. This combination leads to condensation and the formation of dense fog, especially in coastal and desert areas.</p><p>While often expected, fog in the UAE is dangerous due to the country’s extensive network of high-speed highways. Reduced visibility increases the risk of chain-reaction accidents, especially when drivers fail to slow down or underestimate conditions.</p><h3>Tips for Driving in Foggy Conditions</h3><p>Authorities have shared several guidelines to help motorists stay safe during such weather events:</p><p><strong>Follow variable speed limits</strong> displayed on electronic boards.</p><p><strong>Switch on fog lights</strong> and avoid using high beams, which can reflect against fog and reduce visibility.</p><p><strong>Maintain a safe distance</strong> from other vehicles to allow reaction time.</p><p><strong>Avoid sudden lane changes</strong> and overtaking in poor visibility.</p><p><strong>Pull over safely</strong> if visibility becomes critically low.</p><p><strong>Check navigation apps</strong> for road closures or diversions.</p><p>These measures are part of broader safety campaigns aimed at reducing accidents during fog season in the UAE.</p><h3>Cooler Temperatures Recorded</h3><p>In addition to fog, the NCM noted that the UAE is now transitioning into <strong>autumn weather</strong>, which officially began with the <strong>September Equinox</strong>. Morning temperatures in coastal cities, including Dubai and Sharjah, dropped to <strong>30–35°C</strong>, slightly lower than in previous weeks.</p><p>Seas were also affected, with conditions ranging from <strong>rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf</strong> and <strong>slight to moderate in the Oman Sea</strong>, further impacting marine activities.</p><h3>What Residents Can Expect in the Coming Weeks</h3><p>Meteorologists expect fog to remain a recurring phenomenon throughout September and October as temperatures continue to decline and humidity levels stay high overnight. Residents commuting during early morning hours are most likely to be affected, particularly in open desert areas and highways linking major cities.</p><p>The NCM will continue issuing real-time alerts through its website, mobile app, and official social media channels. Authorities urge residents to stay updated before planning early morning travel.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The <strong>red alert for thick fog</strong> underscores the need for heightened vigilance on UAE roads. With visibility dropping below 1,000 meters in several areas, authorities stress that following safety instructions is vital to avoid accidents.</p><p>As the UAE transitions into cooler months, residents can expect more foggy mornings. By staying cautious and adhering to official guidelines, motorists can ensure both their own safety and that of others on the road.</p>