A thick fog rolled across major parts of the UAE early Monday morning, bringing daily life to a crawl. Cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah woke up to low visibility, slow traffic, and delayed flights, making the morning commute frustrating for many residents.
From packed highways to rescheduled flights, the dense fog caused significant disruption across the country. The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) had issued an early weather warning, and residents were strongly urged to drive carefully, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with official alerts.
Motorists Caught in Gridlock
The most noticeable impact of the fog was on the roads. Thousands of commuters heading to work or school found themselves stuck in long traffic jams. Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Al Khail Road were heavily congested, with traffic moving at a snail’s pace.
Several drivers took to social media to share images and videos of barely visible roads and blinking hazard lights. In some places, visibility dropped to less than 100 meters, causing concern for drivers unfamiliar with such weather conditions.
“I left home 40 minutes earlier than usual, but I was still late for work,” said Rasha, a Sharjah resident who commutes to Dubai daily. “You could hardly see anything beyond a few meters. It was scary.”
To ensure safety, Dubai Police reduced speed limits on key roads to 80 km/h, a move aimed at preventing accidents in such low-visibility conditions. Traffic patrols were also seen across various locations guiding drivers and monitoring road activity.
Flights Delayed, Passengers Affected
The fog didn’t just affect the roads—it also disrupted flight schedules at major airports.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) confirmed that multiple flights were delayed or rescheduled due to poor visibility. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary waiting.
A traveler at Dubai Airport, who wished to remain unnamed, shared her experience: “I was heading to Riyadh for a meeting, but my flight was delayed for two hours. The airport staff were helpful, but it was still a stressful morning.”
Some arriving flights were diverted to nearby airports where visibility was better, while a few outbound flights were held on the ground until conditions improved.
Schools Take Precautions
While no school closures were officially announced, several schools in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah allowed for flexible arrival times to accommodate families affected by the weather. School buses were also instructed to drive slowly and only begin routes when visibility was safe enough.
Parents were encouraged to monitor weather apps and school communications for any changes in schedule, with many receiving early alerts from school groups about potential delays.
“My daughter’s school started half an hour later today to allow for safer travel,” said Omar, a father of two in Abu Dhabi. “I really appreciate that they thought of our safety first.”
Weather Warnings Continue
According to the National Center of Meteorology, fog formation is likely to continue over the next few days, especially during early mornings and late nights. Areas near deserts, highways, and coastal zones are expected to be most affected.
The NCM continues to issue yellow and red alerts depending on the severity of fog in different areas. Residents have been asked to rely only on official sources for weather updates and avoid spreading misinformation.
“Fog is a natural phenomenon that we often see during this season, especially with changing temperatures and high humidity,” said a spokesperson from the NCM. “We urge the public to stay alert and follow safety instructions.”
How to Stay Safe During Foggy Weather
Authorities have also reminded residents of the best practices to follow during foggy conditions:
- Avoid sudden braking – Slow down gradually if you need to stop.
- Use fog lights and low-beam headlights, not high beams.
- Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
- Avoid overtaking or changing lanes unnecessarily.
- Follow traffic updates through radio or official social media channels.
For air travelers, it’s recommended to check flight schedules online or contact the airline’s customer service before leaving for the airport.
Emergency Services On High Alert
Emergency services across the UAE remained on high alert throughout the morning. The Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police, and Sharjah Police all increased patrols on highways and major roads to guide traffic and respond quickly to any incidents.
Though a few minor collisions were reported due to low visibility and slippery roads, no major injuries were confirmed. First responders were quick to reach affected areas and assist drivers.
The Ministry of Interior thanked motorists who drove cautiously and followed speed limit reductions, stating that community cooperation is vital in such weather events.
Looking Ahead
With fog likely to return during the rest of the week, authorities continue to urge caution. Motorists are advised to plan their commutes ahead, give themselves extra time, and use public transport where possible.
The ongoing fog serves as a reminder of how quickly weather can impact daily life in the UAE. While the situation is now under control, experts suggest that this may not be the last foggy morning this season.
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