UAE weather: Dust, rain chances and rough seas expected this week
Rough seas expected across Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to experience a spell of unsettled conditions over the coming days, with dust, fluctuating temperatures, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions forecast across several parts of the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology has indicated that the weather pattern will affect the UAE from Tuesday, December 30, through to Saturday, January 3, 2026. Residents are advised to expect changing conditions, particularly during the early part of the week, as cooler air moves in and winds strengthen.
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Skies are expected to range from partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with periods of dust reducing air quality and horizontal visibility. The impact will be more noticeable in open areas and along highways, especially when winds intensify. While the overall pattern remains typical for the season, the combination of dust, rainfall potential and rough seas is likely to make this one of the more active weather weeks of the winter so far.
Temperature shift
Temperatures across the UAE are forecast to decline gradually during the first half of the week, bringing slightly cooler daytime conditions and noticeably cooler nights. The drop will be most evident by midweek, before readings begin to rise again towards the weekend. Coastal and inland areas are expected to feel the change, with milder afternoons contrasting with cooler early mornings.
Humidity levels are also set to fluctuate, particularly during the latter part of the forecast period. Increased moisture in the air during the early morning hours may lead to the formation of fog or mist over some coastal and inland regions. Such conditions can affect visibility on roads, especially around sunrise, and may prompt advisories for motorists in affected areas.
Rain chances
Alongside dusty conditions, there is a chance of rainfall during the early part of the week, mainly affecting northern and eastern parts of the country. The National Centre of Meteorology has indicated that these areas could see intermittent showers as cloud cover increases. While widespread heavy rain is not expected, any precipitation could be locally significant, particularly in mountainous and elevated regions.
Cloud activity is likely to vary from one area to another, with some locations remaining dry while others experience brief spells of rain. These conditions reflect the transitional nature of the current weather system, which combines cooler air, moisture and active winds. Residents in areas prone to runoff or slippery roads are urged to remain alert during periods of rainfall.
Wind impact
Winds are expected to play a central role in shaping conditions throughout the week. They will generally be light to moderate, but are forecast to become fresh to strong at times, particularly during the middle of the week. Gusts could reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, raising dust and sand across exposed areas and reducing visibility.
Blowing dust is likely to affect desert regions and some urban outskirts, while stronger gusts may be felt along the coast. These winds will contribute to the unsettled feel of the weather and could disrupt outdoor activities. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, particularly on highways where sudden reductions in visibility may occur.
At sea, conditions are expected to be particularly challenging. The Arabian Gulf is forecast to experience rough to very rough seas during the early part of the week, making conditions hazardous for small vessels and marine activities. Sea states are expected to ease slightly later in the week, though caution will remain necessary.
In the Oman Sea, conditions will also be rough at times, gradually becoming moderate towards the weekend. Mariners and those planning coastal activities are advised to closely follow official updates, as changing wind patterns may lead to rapid shifts in sea conditions.