If you are in the UAE this weekend, pack patience for the roads: the National Centre of Meteorology says fog, blowing dust and easing temperatures are all on the cards. Temperatures are expected to fall gradually from Wednesday, but humidity could climb as high as 90% in coastal and internal areas — the classic recipe for thick overnight fog and mist that can cut visibility to near zero on highways.

The short version: expect cooler-feeling days, murky mornings, dusty afternoons on exposed routes, and a rough sea by Friday. Here is the day-by-day breakdown for travellers and residents.

Temperatures ease — but it is still the UAE

The gradual cool-down brings inland highs of 39–45°C, coastal areas and islands 34–39°C, and the mountains a relatively mild 29–35°C. Thursday starts fair to partly cloudy, with clouds building over eastern areas and some possibly turning convective in the afternoon. Friday is partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times over eastern and southern areas — with coastal temperatures rising again as the day goes on.

A desert highway in the UAE with blowing dust haze reducing visibility
Blowing dust can reduce visibility on desert highways — allow extra time on exposed routes.

The relief is real but relative: humidity of up to 90% will keep it feeling close, especially along the coast. If you are still deciding when to plan a trip, our guide to the best time to visit Dubai explains which months bring the genuinely pleasant weather.

Fog risk: the overnight and early-morning watch

The NCM flags a real chance of fog or mist overnight and into the mornings, hitting coastal and internal areas as humidity peaks. Fog is the UAE’s most dangerous recurring driving hazard — it can descend quickly and wipe out visibility on major roads including the E11 and E311.

  • Keep your distance — double or triple your normal following gap.
  • Use low beams — high beams reflect off the fog and make visibility worse.
  • Slow down and stay in lane — do not swerve around slow traffic in poor visibility.
  • Leave earlier — fog burns off, but flight and check-in schedules do not wait.

See our Dubai safety tips for tourists for more on staying safe on UAE roads, whatever the weather.

Blowing dust and stronger winds

Winds stay light to moderate for the most part but will strengthen at times, reaching 35–40km/h — strong enough to lift dust and sand in exposed areas. That means reduced visibility on desert highways and around open construction zones. Drivers on routes toward Abu Dhabi or into the desert interior should expect hazy spells and keep headlights on.

Hazy sun glowing behind the silhouette of the Burj Khalifa under a dusty sky
Dust in the air over Dubai — skies stay hazy as winds stir up sand through the weekend.

Desert excursions need extra care in these conditions. If you have a trip booked, check with your operator before heading out, and read our overview of desert safari locations so you know which areas are most exposed. Light, breathable clothing and sun protection still matter despite the cloud cover — our notes on what to wear in Dubai as a tourist still apply.

Rough seas by Friday

The Arabian Gulf turns rough by Friday morning, and the Sea of Oman will be moderate to rough at times. If you have boat trips, fishing charters or beach plans on the east coast or in Fujairah, confirm before you go — operators often cancel or reschedule in these conditions, and swimming in rough water is not worth the risk.

Frequently asked questions

Will it rain in the UAE this weekend?

No significant rainfall is in the forecast. The main features are fog, mist, blowing dust and easing temperatures, with some convective cloud building over eastern areas on Thursday afternoon.

What are the expected temperatures?

Inland areas 39–45°C, coastal areas and islands 34–39°C, and the mountains 29–35°C, easing gradually from Wednesday. Coastal temperatures are expected to rise again on Friday.

When is fog most likely?

Overnight and into the mornings, in coastal and internal areas, as humidity reaches up to 90%. This is when visibility drops most on the roads.

Is it safe to drive in the fog?

Take it slowly: keep a wide distance from the car ahead, use low beams rather than high beams, stay in your lane, and allow extra time. Fog is one of the leading causes of pile-ups on UAE highways.

How rough is the sea this weekend?

The Arabian Gulf is expected to be rough by Friday morning, and the Sea of Oman moderate to rough at times. Check with boat and water-sport operators before heading out.

Source: Dubai Standard (National Centre of Meteorology data), with further outlook via Dubai Standard.