Dense fog in UAE: Dubai and Sharjah Airport flights face delays and diversions
Speed limits reduced as visibility drops on key roads
DUBAI – Fog and mist blanketed large parts of the UAE early on Saturday, reducing visibility to very low levels and prompting red and yellow fog alerts from the National Centre of Meteorology.
The alerts were in effect from midnight until 10am, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi and several internal and coastal areas. Residents reported blurred views ahead, quiet streets and vehicles emerging suddenly from the mist as drivers slowed to navigate the conditions.
The NCM warned that horizontal visibility could deteriorate sharply at intervals during the early morning hours. Authorities urged motorists and commuters to remain vigilant and follow official guidance as the weather system affected both road and air travel across the country.
Weather alerts
The National Centre of Meteorology issued yellow and red fog alerts starting at 12am, warning of hazardous driving conditions caused by dense fog and mist. Similar alerts had also been issued a day earlier, on Friday, as forecasters anticipated a continuation of the weather pattern.
#تنبيه #ضباب #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد#Alert #Fog_Alert #NCM pic.twitter.com/X0IucMcu5q
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) January 3, 2026
In its advisory, the NCM cautioned that visibility could drop significantly in some areas, particularly during the early morning. The centre urged the public to rely on official weather updates and avoid circulating unverified information during the alert period.
Temperatures on Saturday were expected to remain mild despite the fog. In Abu Dhabi, temperatures were forecast to range between 15°C and 24°C, while Dubai was set to see lows of 13°C and highs of around 24°C, according to the latest NCM bulletin.
Road safety
As visibility fell, traffic authorities moved to reduce risks on major roads. Abu Dhabi Police lowered the speed limit on Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, connecting Al Shahama and Seih Al Sedirah, from 100 km/h to 80 km/h during the foggy conditions.
Motorists across Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported driving cautiously as streetlights glowed faintly through the mist and surroundings appeared unclear even at short distances. Authorities stressed that reduced speed and increased awareness were essential as vehicles could appear suddenly at close range.
The NCM released a set of safety guidelines for drivers navigating foggy conditions. Motorists were advised to maintain the designated speed limit, keep a safe distance between vehicles, avoid using hazard lights while driving and remain within their lanes at all times.
What drivers need to know
The weather authority reiterated the importance of adhering strictly to traffic instructions during periods of reduced visibility. Drivers were urged to exercise maximum caution, particularly on highways and open roads where fog can be denser and visibility more unpredictable.
#Alert #Fog_Alert #NCM pic.twitter.com/6aDqGZ1Lw1
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) January 3, 2026
Commuters were also advised to allow extra time for journeys and remain alert to sudden changes in road conditions. The NCM emphasised that following official guidance was key to ensuring public safety during the alert period.
Flight disruption
Dense fog also disrupted air travel during the early hours of Saturday. Flight operations at Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport were affected, with several departures and arrivals delayed by up to two hours.
According to flight tracking data, Emirates services to destinations including Colombo, Auckland, Dar es Salaam, Malé and Brisbane were among those impacted. flydubai flights bound for Mombasa, Krabi and other destinations experienced delays ranging from 30 minutes to more than an hour.
Air Arabia flights arriving from or departing to cities such as Delhi, Kazan, Addis Ababa, Bishkek, Alexandria and Cochin were also reported delayed. The disruptions were attributed to dense early morning fog that covered parts of Dubai and the northern emirates.
The NCM had earlier warned of potential fog formation across several regions, advising travellers to check flight statuses and remain in contact with airlines as conditions evolved through the morning.