Traffic delays hit UAE as fog reduces visibility to near zero
Police enforce 80kmph speed limits on highways
DUBAI – Heavy fog across major parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) caused extensive traffic delays during the morning rush hour, with critical congestion reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The National Centre of Meteorology warned of visibility falling below 50 metres in several areas, triggering road safety alerts and automated speed reductions.
Police urged motorists to exercise maximum caution, maintain safe distances, and avoid using hazard lights while in motion.
Road alerts
In Abu Dhabi, authorities activated dynamic speed limits of 80 kmph on key highways including E11 and E30 to enhance driver safety amid poor visibility. Heavier enforcement was placed on truck movement, with heavy goods vehicles barred from certain routes until fog conditions lifted. Emergency alerts were issued directly to mobile devices, warning drivers to decrease speeds and maintain lane discipline.
اتبع إرشادات السلامة من #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات عند قيادة مركبتك أثناء الأجواء الضبابية، من أجل ضمان سلامتك ووصولك الآمن إلى وجهتك. #سلامتك_أولوية
— RTA (@rta_dubai) November 20, 2025
للمزيد من الإرشادات، يرجى زيارة موقعنا الإلكتروني: https://t.co/d59n6xYIT5 pic.twitter.com/1VsrjpRdVn
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) released a digital safety advisory urging motorists to slow down, use fog lights, and avoid sudden movements or lane changes. Digital signs along Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road displayed real-time caution messages.
Congested routes
Congestion developed across multiple stretches including Al Quoz, Ras Al Khor, Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village and Al Asayel Street, where industrial traffic and residential commuters collided with restricted speeds and limited visibility. Google Maps recorded journey times doubling between Sharjah and Dubai, with some commuters forced to drive at 30 kmph along urban routes.
In Abu Dhabi, commuters reported similar delays along the E22 and Sweihan Road, where visibility lifted briefly before worsening again. Roundabouts and intersections became choke points due to cautious turning manoeuvres and stalled heavy vehicles.
Police caution
Police forces across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah emphasised that hazard lights should not be used while driving, as they could obscure turning signals and confuse other motorists. The advice also highlighted the importance of using dipped headlights and fog lights only when visibility falls below 100 metres.
#TrafficUpdate | Dubai Police urges motorists to drive safely and cautiously due to low visibility caused by fog formation across some parts in #Dubai. pic.twitter.com/cvjXB2Sd4v
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) November 20, 2025
Motorists were reminded to regularly check weather and traffic updates, particularly during peak hours, and allow additional travel time for office commutes. Authorities will continue monitoring conditions as fog is expected to persist through the week.
Drivers were also advised to avoid distractions such as mobile phones, maintain braking distances of at least three seconds, and refrain from sudden overtaking. Speed and lane cameras will continue to monitor compliance with safety measures.