Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are advised to check their flight status after adverse weather conditions disrupted airport operations early Tuesday.

Dubai Airports confirmed that 12 flights were cancelled and 23 inbound flights diverted after weather conditions affected aircraft movements at both airports. Disruptions began in the early hours of the morning.

Airport authorities said they are working closely with airlines and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to passengers. Travellers are strongly advised to contact their airline directly for the latest updates before heading to the airport.

What travellers should know

• Flight delays, cancellations or diversions may continue, particularly during early morning and late-night hours
• Fog or mist is possible across coastal and inland areas, which could impact visibility
• Passengers should allow extra travel time to reach the airport and monitor airline notifications closely

Weather outlook

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast fair to partly cloudy conditions across the UAE in the coming days, with high humidity overnight increasing the risk of fog.

Passenger advice

• Check your flight status before leaving home
• Sign up for airline alerts and notifications
• Arrive early and be prepared for possible schedule changes

Dubai Airports said it will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as needed.

Private schools in Dubai will operate on a shortened school day during Ramadan, with lessons capped at a maximum of five hours, under new guidance issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The authority said the adjusted schedule is designed to respect the spirit of the holy month while ensuring continuity in learning and reducing pressure on both students and teachers.

Fasting students excused from PE classes

As part of the guidance, KHDA said fasting students should be excused from physical education classes throughout Ramadan, citing health and safety considerations.

Schools are expected to provide suitable alternative learning activities for students who are exempted from PE lessons during this period.

Earlier finish on Fridays

KHDA also confirmed that on Fridays, private schools must end the school day no later than 11.30am, allowing students and staff sufficient time to attend Friday prayers.

Parents’ input encouraged

In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between schools and families, KHDA urged private schools to consider parents’ views when setting daily start and finish times during Ramadan. The authority said this approach supports flexible learning arrangements and helps families better manage daily routines during the holy month.

Supporting a balanced school environment

KHDA said the measures are intended to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that reflects the social, health and religious values observed in the UAE during Ramadan.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new bridge at the busy Al Qudra Road intersection, reducing journey times by more than 50 per cent and almost tripling traffic capacity along one of the city’s fastest-growing corridors.

The 600-metre bridge, which links Al Qudra Road with the route between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City, carries four lanes in each direction and forms part of a wider road upgrade serving around 400,000 residents and visitors.

Major boost to traffic capacity

According to the RTA, the project has increased traffic capacity at the junction by 191 per cent, from 6,600 vehicles per hour to 19,200, while cutting average waiting times by more than half.

A second bridge at the nearby intersection with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street is set to partially open on February 15, helping traffic move more smoothly towards Al Qudra City and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Travel time cut to under 3 minutes

Speaking after the opening, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, said the upgrades would reduce overall travel time along Al Qudra Road from 9.4 minutes to under three minutes.

He added that the project supports Dubai’s rapid urban expansion by improving mobility and easing congestion across several residential areas, including:

• Arabian Ranches
• Dubai Motor City
• Dubai Studio City
• DAMAC Hills
• Mudon
• The Sustainable City

Key corridor for Dubai’s growing communities

Al Qudra Road is a major east–west transport corridor, connecting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with Emirates Road. The wider project includes 11.6 kilometres of road upgrades, new bridges and improved intersections aimed at enhancing traffic flow and road safety.

Further works are continuing along the corridor, including additional bridges, service roads and lane expansions to support ongoing residential development and future population growth in the area.