A thick blanket of fog brought major traffic disruptions across several parts of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday morning, significantly affecting commuters during peak hours. Visibility dropped to extremely low levels on key highways, including major routes connecting Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, forcing motorists to slow down and causing long traffic queues.
The fog, which formed due to high humidity and low wind conditions overnight, enveloped city skylines and expressways, reducing visibility to less than 100 meters in some areas. Iconic skyscrapers were partially obscured, while drivers struggled to navigate roads safely. Authorities reported multiple minor accidents and vehicle breakdowns, largely attributed to reduced visibility and sudden braking.
Police and transport officials issued repeated safety alerts, urging drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and use fog lights. Electronic road signs displayed warning messages, and patrol units were deployed to manage traffic flow and respond quickly to incidents. In some areas, speed limits were temporarily reduced to minimize the risk of collisions.
Public transport services also experienced delays, particularly buses operating on intercity routes. Many commuters reported extended travel times, with journeys taking nearly double the usual duration. Schools and offices noted late arrivals, though most institutions remained operational.
Meteorological authorities stated that foggy conditions are common during the winter months in the UAE, especially in coastal and low-lying areas. They advised residents to stay updated through official weather forecasts and traffic advisories.
As conditions gradually improved later in the morning, traffic began to normalize. However, officials emphasized continued caution, reminding motorists that sudden patches of fog can still occur and pose serious road safety risks.
