Weather

Dense fog blankets Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan shares striking skyline photo

Published

3 months ago

February 24, 2026

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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.

(Additional photos and videos by Sudha Dash)

Related Topics:DubaiFog dubainews DubaiSkyline FogAdvisory sheikhhamdan TrafficAlert uaeweather UAEWeatherToday uaeweekly weather weather forecast

Michael Gomes

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.

Weather

UAE to see dusty winds, blowing sand and temperature fluctuations until May 19

Published

6 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast generally stable but dusty weather conditions across the UAE from Friday until May 19, with fluctuating temperatures, active winds and blowing dust expected in several areas.

According to the forecast, residents can expect periods of dusty weather accompanied by fresh winds reaching up to 40km/h at times, particularly over the weekend and early next week. Sea conditions are also expected to vary between calm and rough across the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Friday’s weather is expected to remain fair overall, although dusty conditions may develop during the daytime. Winds will range from light to moderate, becoming active at intervals and causing blowing dust across exposed areas.

On Saturday, temperatures are forecast to rise slightly, while partly cloudy skies are expected in eastern regions. Dusty winds may continue intermittently, although sea conditions are likely to remain relatively calm.

Sunday could bring a noticeable change, with dusty conditions increasing alongside a drop in temperatures over western parts of the country. The NCM also expects active winds to stir up dust and sand, while sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf may become moderate to rough.

By Monday, temperatures are forecast to decrease further, with dusty weather continuing in some areas. Winds are expected to strengthen again, particularly by evening, when rough sea conditions may also develop in the Oman Sea.

Conditions are likely to improve slightly on Tuesday, with fair to partly cloudy skies and temperatures gradually rising once again. However, occasional active winds may still affect parts of the country.

Authorities typically advise residents during dusty weather to drive carefully, especially in areas with reduced visibility, and to avoid outdoor exposure during periods of strong winds and blowing sand.

Weather

UAE weather: Sunny skies and cooler winds to start the week

Published

4 days ago

May 11, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Residents across the UAE can expect mostly sunny skies and lighter winds to start the week, as the dusty conditions seen over the weekend gradually ease.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Monday’s weather will remain generally fair, with southwesterly winds helping make outdoor conditions more comfortable.

Looking ahead, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are likely to be humid, with mist formation expected over some northern coastal areas during the early hours.

Temperatures throughout the week are expected to remain in the mid to high 30s across coastal areas, while inland regions could see highs climbing into the low 40s.

By Thursday, dusty conditions are forecast to return as stronger winds trigger blowing dust and sand in some parts of the country, potentially reducing visibility.

The NCM said the current weather pattern is linked to weak surface pressure systems interacting with upper-level high pressure, conditions commonly associated with the transition into early summer.

Weather

UAE weather: Fair skies now, but hot and dusty conditions expected this weekend

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast generally fair weather across the UAE, with temperatures set to rise gradually before dusty and windy conditions develop towards the weekend.

General outlook

Conditions today are expected to remain mostly clear, with some cloud formation over eastern areas in the afternoon.

Temperatures will climb to:

40°C to 45°C inland
Up to 39°C in coastal areas

Humidity could reach 85% along the coast, particularly during the night and early morning.

Winds will be light to moderate, occasionally fresh, with speeds reaching up to 35 km/h.

What to expect in the coming days

Similar weather patterns are expected to continue, with fair to partly cloudy skies across the country.

Winds will gradually shift direction, from north-westerly to south-easterly, and may strengthen at times, especially over the sea.

Weekend changes ahead

By Friday, temperatures are expected to dip slightly, but wind speeds could increase to around 40 km/h, making sea conditions rougher in the Arabian Gulf.

Heading into the weekend, dusty conditions and blowing sand are likely, particularly in exposed areas, as winds pick up further on Saturday and Sunday.

Sea conditions are forecast to be:

Moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf
Slight to moderate in the Oman Sea

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the conditions are linked to weak surface pressure systems combined with an upper-air high-pressure extension, contributing to rising temperatures and shifting wind patterns.