UAE Issues Urgent Fog Warning as Hazardous Driving Conditions Expected to Last All Week

Authorities issued a weather warning after dense fog engulfed parts of Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning, with more challenging conditions expected during morning commutes next week. In response to the hazardous weather and reduced visibility, Abu Dhabi Police reduced speed limits to 80kph on key roads in the capital as a vital safety measure. Motorists were strongly urged to exercise caution and strictly adhere to the adjusted speed limits displayed on electronic road signs.

The National Centre of Meteorology stated that a weather warning remained in place until 10am for vast areas of the Emirates, noting that visibility could drop to less than 1,000 metres in some parts. In its latest five-day weather bulletin, the NCM indicated a continuous probability of mist and fog forming until at least Thursday.

Abu Dhabi Police first began to enforce the 80kph speed limit during bad weather conditions—such as heavy rain, sandstorms, and fog—in April 2019. These temporary speed limits are posted on electronic signboards across the roads and announced on social media to effectively alert road users. The scheme was originally introduced after the Department of Transport's traffic safety committee approved a plan to reduce speeds during poor weather.

Motorists who fail to stick to the revised speed limits face strict penalties. Police impose fines of Dh300 ($81.6) for drivers who exceed speed limits by up to 10kph, and this fine is doubled for those breaking the speed limit by no more than 20kph. Penalties increase progressively in line with the severity of the traffic regulation breach. Furthermore, drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 80kph will be hit with a hefty Dh3,000 fine and have their vehicle seized for 60 days.