UAE weather: Dust storms hit Dubai and Abu Dhabi, flights disrupted
Police caution drivers on hazardous visibility
DUBAI: A yellow alert was issued by the UAE's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) on Monday afternoon as a dust storm gripped parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Fresh northwesterly winds caused blowing dust and sand, drastically reducing horizontal visibility in several internal and coastal areas, dropping below 3,000 metres in some spots.
The storm, which started to affect Dubai Investment Park and Sheikh Zayed Bin Al Nahyan Street around midday, continued to cause disruptions across the emirates.
The weather conditions are expected to persist until 6 pm, with winds ranging from 10 to 25 km/h and gusts reaching up to 35 km/h at times.
Dust storm in Dubai
By late Monday morning, residents of Dubai were caught off guard as sudden winds whipped up sand and dust, reducing visibility to dangerous levels on the roads. For those with dust allergies, the situation became particularly uncomfortable, with the NCM urging people to stay indoors.
As the dust storm began to intensify, traffic in key areas such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Investment Park came to a standstill, with many motorists forced to reduce their speed drastically due to the reduced visibility.
The NCM further warned that these conditions were expected to last for several hours, as the storm's impact was forecast to spread to coastal areas as well. As the dust storm continued to build, both drivers and pedestrians were advised to remain cautious and protect themselves from exposure to the harsh elements.
Abu Dhabi Police issue warning
Abu Dhabi Police also took to social media, urging residents to exercise caution when driving, as the poor visibility posed serious safety risks. "Refrain from using your phone or recording videos while driving, as this could endanger your life and others’," the police advised, highlighting the hazardous nature of the situation. Residents in affected areas were further reminded that the dust storm could last until 6 pm, with wind speeds and gusts picking up at times.
#عاجل | #تنبيه#شرطة_أبوظبي ترجو من الإخوة السائقين توخي الحذر بسبب انخفاض الرؤية الأفقية أثناء تشكل #الغبار والأتربة و عدم الانشغال بالهاتف والتصوير حفاظاً على سلامتكم وسلامة مستخدمي الطريق pic.twitter.com/A2nDHtxSas
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) May 5, 2025
Flight disruptions
Meanwhile, the region's weather conditions had a ripple effect on air travel. A flight from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, operated by Etihad Airways, was diverted to Bahrain on May 5 due to the ongoing adverse weather. Flight EY551, which was scheduled to land at King Khaled International Airport, was rerouted due to severe dust and reduced visibility across parts of Saudi Arabia, forcing airlines to alter their plans.
Etihad Airways issued an apology to affected passengers, assuring them that the safety and comfort of travellers remained their top priority. "We are doing our best to assist you with your travel arrangements," the airline posted, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the unexpected change.
The weather in Saudi Arabia, particularly in regions like Jazan, Aseer, and Makkah, was also a significant factor, with moderate to heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds worsening the situation.
Flight disruptions were not limited to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Kuwait's Directorate of Air Navigation activated safety measures in response to severe weather on Sunday night. The country was hit with powerful winds, sharp temperature drops, and drastically reduced visibility. Winds exceeded 70 km/h, with gusts of over 100 km/h, causing a disruption in flight schedules. Several incoming flights, including those from Assiut and Cairo, were diverted to Dammam, while others like an IndiGo flight from Delhi faced rerouting.
Despite these challenging conditions, some flights still managed to land safely. A Kuwait Airways flight from Dubai, for instance, landed at Kuwait International Airport around 11PM, much to the relief of the passengers. However, authorities continued to monitor the situation, emphasising that visibility remained below 1,000 metres in some areas.
The NCM's forecast continues to show fluctuating weather conditions for the next few days, with more dust storms expected in various parts of the country. The public is urged to stay updated and exercise caution on the roads while air travellers are advised to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport.