The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a critical weather advisory for residents and travellers in the United Arab Emirates. A dense fog blanket is predicted to severely reduce visibility across several regions, including Dubai and internal and coastal areas, from midnight until 10 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This isn't just a picturesque morning scene; it's a significant safety hazard that demands caution.
Weather Advisory Details and Forecast
The NCM's alert specifically warns of potentially near-zero visibility during the early morning hours of January 3. The atmospheric conditions are a perfect storm of high humidity and specific pressure systems, creating an ideal recipe for thick mist and fog formation. Authorities stress that these conditions will make driving particularly difficult and hazardous, especially on highways and open roads at first light.
According to the detailed forecast, today's weather will be fair to partly cloudy overall. However, the nights and mornings are expected to be humid, significantly increasing the potential for fog. Winds are projected to be light to moderate but may become fresh to strong over the sea, which could lift dust particles. Sea conditions will vary from moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf, while the Oman Sea will remain slight.
Impact on Travel and Safety Precautions
Motorists are being advised to exercise extreme caution. The horizontal visibility is expected to drop sharply, sometimes approaching zero. Drivers should reduce speed, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and be prepared for sudden pockets of low visibility. Additionally, changing winds could introduce blowing dust, particularly near highways and open desert areas.
This alert follows familiar patterns in the UAE, where fog, mist, and dust events frequently recur, leading to official safety warnings and necessary traffic adjustments. Similar alerts in the past have often prompted red and yellow warnings from local police, who consistently remind drivers to adhere to posted speed limits and avoid distractions on foggy roads.
Beyond the Fog: A Weekend of Changing Weather
While the dense fog is expected to dissipate by mid-morning on Saturday, the weather drama is far from over. The NCM's five-day bulletin indicates the UAE is entering a transitional period. As the fog clears, a shift in air pressure will bring stronger northwesterly winds, with speeds potentially reaching up to 50 km/h by Sunday, January 4.
This means the "white" fog will likely be replaced by "yellow" dust clouds, further hampering visibility throughout the remainder of the weekend. Sunday is expected to be dusty and partly cloudy with these strong winds, reducing visibility due to blowing sand and dust. Looking further ahead, Monday and Tuesday may again see fog and mist formation at night and early morning, particularly in western internal areas. Mariners and beachgoers should also note that sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are predicted to turn rough to very rough.
In summary, the weekend of January 3-4, 2026, demands heightened awareness from everyone in the UAE. The sequence of dense fog followed by strong dust-laden winds creates a double challenge for travel and outdoor activities. Staying updated with the latest NCM advisories and exercising prudence is essential for safety.
