The United Arab Emirates experienced severe fog conditions on January 3, 2026, prompting meteorological authorities to issue critical safety alerts. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) activated yellow and red fog warnings from midnight until 10:00 AM across multiple regions, with particularly dense formations reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In response to the hazardous driving conditions characterized by dramatically reduced visibility, Abu Dhabi Police implemented temporary speed restrictions on Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, reducing the maximum permitted speed from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. The precautionary measure aimed to enhance road safety during the challenging weather phenomenon.
The NCM disseminated comprehensive safety protocols for motorists navigating the fog-affected areas. Key recommendations included strict adherence to posted speed limits, maintaining increased following distances between vehicles, refraining from using hazard lights while in motion, and remaining within designated travel lanes. Authorities emphasized the importance of obtaining weather information exclusively through official channels and discouraged the circulation of unverified reports.
Meteorological data indicated temperature ranges of 15-24°C for Abu Dhabi and 13-24°C for Dubai during the fog event. The phenomenon created surreal visual conditions where streetlights diffused through the thick mist and vehicles emerged suddenly from the obscuring fog bank, necessitating extreme caution from all road users.
This weather event followed similar fog conditions reported on January 2, indicating a pattern of reduced visibility during early morning hours in the winter season. The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric conditions and provide timely updates to ensure public safety.