3 January 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 2:59 pm ]
UAE Weather: Dense fog has blanketed large parts of the UAE early Saturday morning. Hence, it significantly reduces visibility and prompts authorities to issue red and yellow fog alerts across many regions. The UAE NCM confirmed that fog conditions began around midnight and were expected to persist until around 10:30 am on Saturday, January 3. Hence, it affects road safety and daily commutes in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates.
Visibility Drops, Speed Limits Reduced Then Restored
According to the official updates, horizontal visibility on some big roads dropped to as low as 1,000 metres during the early morning hours. Abu Dhabi police have also temporarily reduced speed limits to 80 km/h on many key highlights to ensure the safety of motorists. Mohammed Bin Rashid Road, Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road, Sweihan Road, Al Faya Road, and other vital connections are important routes.
Later, the authorities restored normal speed limits once conditions improved. However, drivers were requested to stay vigilant as the automatic reduction system is active and electronic road signs might still display adjusted limits depending on the real-time visibility.
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NCM Issues Safety Advisory for Motorists
The NCM warned that fog formation is common in winter due to high humidity and calm winds, especially during late night and early morning hours. Therefore, motorists are advised to strictly follow traffic instructions and adopt safe driving practices during foggy condition. Below are the safety tips that motorists should follow:
- Use low-beam headlights or fog lights; avoid high beams
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking
- Do not use hazard lights while driving
- Stay within lane markings and follow road edges
- Pull over safely if visibility becomes too poor
Drivers are also motivated to stay updated with the official weather alerts and traffic alerts to avoid spreading unverified information.
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UAE Weather Conditions: What to Expect Next
The UAE is expected to experience generally fair to partly cloudy weather throughout Saturday, as humidity could increase overnight into Sunday morning. Thus, it could raise the chances of fog or mist forming again, especially in inland and western areas. Here is the detailed UAE weather forecast:
- Temperatures: Highs around 24°C in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah; inland areas may reach 25°C. Overnight lows could drop to 9°C in desert regions.
- Humidity: Up to 90% in parts of Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain overnight
- Winds: Light to moderate, occasionally strong over sea areas
- Sea conditions: Moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf, slight in the Sea of Oman
Sunday might bring dusty conditions and reduced visibility in some regions. However, the sea conditions in rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf. Slightly cooler temperatures, active winds, and possible fog or mist are expected in western and inland regions from Monday to Tuesday.
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Authorities Stress Safety First
The NCM and other relevant authorities are closely monitoring weather developments and road conditions. Motorists are reminded that safety comes first during adverse weather and are urged to drive cautiously, follow displayed speed limits, and remain alert during foggy conditions.
Note – The article will be updated as more information evolves.
Last update at 3 January 2026, 2:59 pm
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