Abu Dhabi Lifts Road Speed Limits After Morning Fog Clears

Temporary speed limit caps imposed on a number of Abu Dhabi roads were lifted shortly after 8am on Tuesday morning after dense fog had shrouded skies in the capital.

Abu Dhabi Police moved to reduce speed limits to 80kph on key routes as a safety measure after foggy conditions reduced visibility. The National Centre of Meteorology had issued an alert over the challenging weather conditions, urging people to exercise caution.

"Speed limits on all the external roads of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are now back to normal," Abu Dhabi Police said in a social media message at 8.15am.

In its latest five-day weather bulletin, the National Centre of Meteorology said further mist and fog formations were in prospect until at least Saturday. The UAE has contended with several bouts of fog—particularly in low-lying areas—over recent weeks, prompting safety warnings from authorities.

Abu Dhabi Police began to enforce the 80kph speed limit during bad weather—such as heavy rain, sandstorms, and fog—in April 2019. Temporary speed limits are posted on electronic signboards on roads and announced on social media to alert road users.

Motorists who fail to stick to the revised speed limits face penalties. Police impose fines of Dh300 ($81.6) for drivers who exceed speed limits by up to 10kph, and penalties increase in line with the severity of the breach of traffic regulations, including vehicle seizure.