Residents in Dubai woke up on Tuesday morning to unusually dense fog that blanketed much of the emirate, sharply reducing visibility and affecting road and air travel across the region.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai shared a striking image on his official Instagram account, capturing Dubai’s iconic skyline, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, emerging above a thick layer of white mist as the fog settled over the city. The photograph quickly circulated online, highlighting the dramatic weather conditions.
Sheikh Hamdan’s shared image drew attention to the rare visual phenomenon of Dubai’s skyline appearing almost like an island of skyscrapers above a sea of morning mist, a reminder of the seasonal weather patterns that can occur in the UAE.
Visibility drops and travel disruption
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had issued a visibility warning early Tuesday, with fog expected to linger until around 10am, significantly impacting morning commutes. Heavy fog was reported across Dubai and neighbouring emirates, including Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, with visibility dropping to just a few hundred metres in some areas.
Traffic authorities urged motorists to reduce speed, use fog lights, and maintain safe following distances, as dense patches caused slower-than-usual travel conditions on major routes such as the E311 Emirates Road.
Airport delays and commuter impact
The morning fog also affected travel at Dubai International Airport, where some arrivals and departures were delayed due to limited visibility. Passengers were advised to check the status of flights before travelling to the airport.
Five-Day forecast: Mist risk to continue
According to the NCM’s five-day national forecast, the current alert follows a period of fluctuating temperatures and changing maritime conditions.
While Tuesday is expected to see a rise in temperatures under fair to partly cloudy skies, humidity will build overnight, increasing the risk of mist formation across western coastal regions into Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday, similar conditions are forecast, with overnight and early Thursday humidity bringing a risk of mist in some internal areas. Southeasterly winds will shift north-westerly and freshen westwards by night, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. Seas will build from slight to moderate, becoming rough in the Arabian Gulf by night.
Temperatures are expected to ease on Thursday under fair to partly cloudy skies, with inland areas facing a risk of fog overnight into Friday. North-westerly to south-westerly winds may again reach up to 40 km/h. Sea conditions are forecast to remain moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf, with rough seas developing in the Oman Sea by evening.
On Friday, skies will stay fair to partly cloudy, especially westwards, while rough morning seas are expected to subside gradually.
By Saturday, temperatures will edge up once more under fair to partly cloudy skies, accompanied by lighter winds and slight to moderate seas.
Safety advice and forecast
Authorities urged drivers, especially on school bus routes and early commuters, to take extra care on the roads. The visibility advisory is expected to ease as the fog lifts later in the morning, while weather forecasts suggest fair to partly cloudy conditions with rising temperatures throughout the day.
With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.
Just when things seemed to calm down, the weather in the UAE may be gearing up for another dramatic shift.
Forecasters are warning that rain could make a comeback this week, following last month’s intense mix of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds that swept across the country.
Stormy reminder from last month
Residents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond still remember the early hours of March 27, when thunder and flashes of lightning lit up the skies.
One viral moment stood out, a lightning strike near the iconic Burj Khalifa, captured on video and widely shared online.
Rain could return this week
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), scattered showers are expected on:
Monday, April 6
Thursday, April 9
Friday, April 10
Looking ahead, even more rain could be on the way. Weather app are predicting showers over the weekend (April 11–12), especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Why this unpredictable weather
The weather in the UAE can change quickly. Rain systems can build or fade within hours, meaning one area could see heavy showers while another stays completely dry. Sudden gusts of wind can also add to the drama.
While it may not be a full-blown storm, it’s a good idea to stay prepared. Keep an eye on forecasts, especially if you’re planning travel or outdoor activities.
Residents across the UAE can expect a mix of calm skies, foggy mornings, and potential rainfall over the coming days, as shifting weather systems begin to influence the region.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), an interaction between a surface low-pressure system from the east, a high-pressure ridge from the west, and an upper-air low is setting the stage for variable conditions.
Today’s weather will remain largely fair to partly cloudy, offering a relatively pleasant break with slightly cooler temperatures. However, as night falls, humidity levels are expected to rise, increasing the likelihood of fog or mist, particularly in inland areas by early Friday morning.
Moving into the weekend, conditions will stay partly cloudy, but mornings may begin with reduced visibility due to persistent fog and mist. Temperatures are also forecast to climb gradually, signalling a return to warmer conditions. By Saturday and Sunday, cloud cover is expected to increase, bringing a chance of light rainfall, especially in coastal and northern regions.
The most noticeable shift is expected on Monday, when light to moderate rain could extend across coastal, northern, and eastern parts of the country. Winds are also likely to pick up, occasionally becoming fresh and causing blowing dust, while sea conditions may turn moderate to rough at times.
For residents, this means staying cautious during early morning commutes due to fog, preparing for occasional dusty conditions, and keeping an eye on the skies as the chances of rain increase.
As the UAE transitions through these changing conditions, the coming days promise a dynamic mix of weather, offering everything from misty mornings to potential showers.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has announced the resumption of several major bus routes following temporary suspensions caused by heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions across the UAE.
The authority confirmed that services are now operating again, allowing passengers to travel safely and more smoothly, although minor delays may still occur as operations gradually return to full capacity.
Several key routes have resumed, including:
E315 between Etisalat Bus Station and Muwaileh (Sharjah)
E101 to Abu Dhabi, now operating from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station instead of Ibn Battuta Bus Station due to earlier waterlogging
E411 service to Ajman from Etisalat Bus Station
Route 201 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain
The service restoration comes after disruptions triggered by adverse weather, which led to the temporary suspension of multiple bus routes to ensure passenger safety.
RTA said all necessary safety and operational measures are in place to support a smooth return to normal services.
Advice for commuters
Passengers are encouraged to:
Allow extra travel time
Check updates through official RTA channels
Follow safety guidelines while commuting
Authorities added that services will continue to stabilise over the coming days as conditions improve.