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Health hazard warning as dusty weather to continue in UAE

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The world’s tallest building disappeared behind a grey layer of dust on Thursday as sandstorms that have swept the Middle East hit the United Arab Emirates, prompting weather and traffic warnings.
The 828-metre tall Burj Khalifa, which towers over Dubai and is usually visible across the busy financial hub, retreated behind a curtain of airborne dirt that shrouded much of the country.
The UAE is just the latest country in the path of sandstorms that have smothered Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran and others in recent days, closing airports and schools and sending thousands to hospital with breathing problems.
Capital city Abu Dhabi’s air quality index soared into the “hazardous” zone overnight, according to waqi.info and the Plume pollution app.
The Middle East’s sandstorms are becoming more frequent and intense, a trend associated with overgrazing and deforestation, overuse of river water and more dams.
Experts say the phenomenon could worsen as climate change warps regional weather patterns and drives desertification.

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File picture of the buildings on the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.

Emirati authorities issued a nationwide warning urging residents to remain vigilant.
“Abu Dhabi Police urges drivers to be cautious due to low visibility during high winds and dust,” the police force tweeted, as residents took to social media to publish photos and videos.
“Please do not be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone,” it added.
A National Center for Meteorology graphic showed nearly all the country covered by the storm, with the warning: “Be on the alert: hazardous weather events are expected.”
Winds with speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour are blowing the dust, it said, reducing visibility in some areas to less than 2,000 metres.
However, a Dubai airports spokesman said there was no impact on air traffic. Weather conditions were expected to remain the same for the next few days.
In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, badly hit on Tuesday, conditions eased in the capital Riyadh on Wednesday but continued to restrict visibility in the city centre.
Emergency rooms in Riyadh hospitals received some 1,285 people suffering from respiratory problems over 24 hours from the sandstorm, the state-run Al-Ekhbariya channel reported late on Tuesday.
The Saudi national weather centre reported that dust was also affecting visibility in the west and south, specifically in Assir, Najran, Hael and Medina provinces. Medina is home to Medina city, the second-holiest city in Islam.
The centre predicted another sandstorm would arrive in the kingdom by Sunday.

Agence France-Presse

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New Dubai bridge linking Emirates Road to Al Qudra Road now open

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Motorists can now use a new bridge connecting Emirates Road to Al Qudra Road, as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues work to improve traffic movement along the corridor.

The newly opened bridge provides a direct connection for vehicles travelling from Emirates Road towards Al Qudra Road, helping improve access to the surrounding areas and ease traffic movement.

The opening is part of ongoing enhancement works on Al Qudra Road aimed at improving the efficiency of Dubai’s road network and supporting growing traffic demand.

The RTA said the latest improvement is expected to help reduce congestion and provide smoother, more efficient journeys for motorists.

Further road development works along the Al Qudra corridor are continuing as part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen connectivity and keep pace with the emirate’s urban expansion.


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UAE motorists warned of road closures in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah this week

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Motorists in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah should plan this week, with authorities announcing temporary road closures for maintenance and infrastructure works.

Abu Dhabi: E22 to close overnight

Abu Dhabi Mobility will close the E22 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road towards Abu Dhabi on the nights of August 19, 20 and 21.

The closure will be in effect from midnight until 6am each night.

Drivers are advised to plan their journeys around the overnight closure and follow traffic signs and approved diversions in the affected area.

Sharjah: Three-day road closure

Meanwhile, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced a three-day closure on a section of road running from Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Bu Alian Square to Saeed bin Obaid Al-Jarwan Square, on the Al-Jazat side.

The closure will run from Wednesday to Friday as authorities carry out road maintenance and infrastructure development works.

Motorists have been advised to use approved alternative routes, follow diversion signs and comply with traffic safety instructions.

Drivers travelling through either emirate are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and check road conditions before setting out.


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Dubai traffic update: RTA just cut peak-hour travel times on Al Marabea Street by 30%

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Motorists using Al Marabea’ Street in Al Quoz can expect smoother journeys after Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completed a series of road upgrades aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow.

The project covered a 1.1-km stretch between the Al Khail Road exit and Al Asayel Street, increasing road capacity by 30% and cutting journey times by up to 30% during peak hours.

The improvements are part of RTA’s wider programme to expand Dubai’s road network and respond to rising traffic linked to the emirate’s rapid urban growth.

Congestion cut by 50%

As part of the works, an intersection was expanded with an additional lane for vehicles travelling from Al Marabea’ Street towards Street 16A.

The extra lane has reduced congestion and vehicle queues at the intersection by 50%, according to the RTA.

New modern lighting poles have also been installed to improve visibility and road safety, particularly at night.

More upgrades coming

RTA is continuing work on Al Marabea’ Street, with a new service road and continuous pedestrian walkway planned to serve the neighbouring industrial area.

The ongoing project also includes a new access point at the beginning of the Al Khail Road exit towards Al Marabea’ Street, designed to improve access and safety.

The remaining works are expected to be completed by the end of August 2026.

Al Marabea’ Street is an important route through Al Quoz, connecting Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Street while providing access to industrial, commercial and residential areas. The corridor also serves traffic travelling to and from Al Quoz, Al Meydan, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai.


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