The UAE woke up to thick fog on Sunday morning, September 27, 2026, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to issue a weather alert and Abu Dhabi Police to cut speed limits on key roads. If you’re visiting Dubai or traveling between emirates this week, here’s what you need to know.

Dense fog over Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai during UAE weather alert September 2026

Dense Fog Engulfs Abu Dhabi and Dubai: September 27 Alert

Dense fog blanketed parts of Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas early Sunday, dropping visibility below 1,000 metres in some spots. The NCM issued a weather warning valid until 10am, urging motorists to drive with extreme caution.

Abu Dhabi Police responded by reducing speed limits to 80 km/h on affected roads — a standard safety measure enforced since April 2019 during hazardous weather. The reduced limits are displayed on electronic signboards, and violations carry heavy penalties.

UAE Fog Forecast: NCM Warns of Fog Until Thursday

This isn’t a one-morning event. The NCM’s five-day bulletin warns of a “probability” of mist and fog forming until at least Thursday, particularly overnight and in the early morning hours. Coastal and internal regions are expected to be hardest hit as humidity spikes after sunset.

Daytime conditions remain fair to partly cloudy, with temperatures still hot — highs around 42°C in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Overnight lows dip to about 27°C. Sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are calm.

UAE Fog Safety Guide: Tips for Tourists and Drivers

Driving in Fog: Essential Safety Tips for UAE Roads

  • Slow down — obey the 80 km/h limits where displayed and keep well below the usual limit in fog
  • Increase following distance — low visibility means longer stopping distances
  • Use fog lights, not high beams (high beams reflect off fog and worsen visibility)
  • Avoid sudden lane changes and never stop on the hard shoulder unless it’s an emergency

Flights Delayed? What Travelers Should Do During the Fog Alert

Morning fog can delay flights at DXB and Abu Dhabi airports and push back desert safari pickups or early tours. Check with your airline or tour operator before heading out, and allow extra travel time. If you’ve booked a desert safari or city tour, confirm pickup times — operators often adjust for weather.

Why September Fog Happens in the UAE

Late September in the UAE sits at the tail end of summer, when high humidity overnight meets still-warm air — classic fog conditions. The NCM issues these alerts regularly at this time of year, and they typically clear by mid-morning as the sun burns through.

For the latest updates, follow the National Centre of Meteorology and The National’s live coverage.

Published September 27, 2026. Weather conditions change quickly — check the NCM bulletin before traveling.