Residents across the UAE can expect dusty skies, strong winds and soaring temperatures today as weather conditions become increasingly hot and unsettled.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast generally fair weather, but warned that strengthening winds could trigger blowing dust and sand in several areas, reducing visibility and creating challenging driving conditions.

Dust and strong winds expected

Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds are forecast to strengthen throughout the day, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h.

The NCM has advised motorists to drive carefully in dusty conditions and urged residents to keep windows and doors closed to limit dust entering homes and workplaces.

Temperatures near 47°C

Temperatures will remain high across the country, particularly in inland areas where highs are expected to range between 42°C and 47°C.

Forecast highs include:

• Dubai: 39°C
• Abu Dhabi: 40°C
• Sharjah: 41°C
• Al Ain: 44°C
• Fujairah: 44°C
• Ras Al Khaimah: 43°C
• Liwa: 44°C

Rough seas

While conditions in the Oman Sea are expected to remain relatively calm, the Arabian Gulf is forecast to become moderate to rough, with offshore waves reaching up to six feet.

Residents planning beach trips or marine activities, particularly along the western coastline, are advised to monitor conditions and exercise caution.

Warm and windy week

The latest forecast signals the start of a warmer and windier spell across the UAE, with dusty conditions likely to persist in exposed areas as summer temperatures continue to rise.

Authorities are advising residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and follow official weather updates throughout the week.

Dubai motorists can expect faster access to Dubai Harbour this summer as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) prepares to open a major new bridge that will dramatically cut travel times in the area.

The new bridge is expected to significantly ease congestion around Dubai Harbour and nearby communities.

RTA says the project will reduce travel times from around 12 minutes to just three minutes, while accommodating up to 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Now, nearly 90 per cent complete, the 1.5-km bridge features two lanes in each direction, providing direct entry and exit between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour.

First phase to open this month

The first phase of the bridge will open later this month, allowing traffic travelling from Sheikh Zayed Road, from both Deira and Jebel Ali directions, to access Dubai Harbour directly.

The second phase, scheduled for July, will open routes from Dubai Harbour towards Al Naseem Street, as well as connections to the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Al Naseem Street.

Connecting key areas

The bridge starts at Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near the American University in Dubai and extends to Dubai Harbour Street.

The route passes through key intersections, including Al Naseem Street, Al Falak Street and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, improving connectivity across one of Dubai’s busiest coastal districts.

Once fully operational, the bridge is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and support growing demand in Dubai Harbour and surrounding residential and tourism areas.

Dubai government employees will enjoy a public holiday on Monday, June 15, to mark the Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448 AH), authorities have confirmed.

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced that all government departments, entities and institutions will observe the holiday, with normal working hours resuming on Tuesday, June 16.

Three-Day weekend

As the holiday falls on a Monday, most Dubai government employees who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend will benefit from a three-day break.

However, departments operating essential services or shift-based systems may adjust work schedules to ensure uninterrupted public services during the holiday period.

UAE-wide public holiday

The announcement follows confirmation from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which declared June 15 an official holiday for both public and private sector employees across the country.

Sharjah residents get a 4-day break

For government employees and students in Sharjah, where the official weekend runs from Friday to Sunday, the holiday creates a four-day weekend.

DGHR extended its congratulations to the UAE leadership, citizens, residents and the wider Arab and Islamic world, wishing continued prosperity, progress and stability.