UAE weather: Red alert issued as heavy fog hits Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Motorists are urged to exercise caution during hazardous morning conditions

Early morning fog blankets the Ibn Batutta Mall area in Dubai on Friday. James O'Hara / The National

Speed limits have been reduced after heavy fog enveloped parts of the UAE on Friday, with red alerts issued in some areas.

The National Centre of Meteorology issued a red alert that was to remain in effect until 9.30am. It covered large parts of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai emirates, with visibility reduced to less than 1km in some areas.

Abu Dhabi Police cut the speed limits to 80kph on parts of several key roads in the emirate. The system of imposing temporary speed limits was established in April 2019 to ensure safety during severe weather.

Motorists have been told to drive carefully during the fog and follow all speed limits. The risk of fog is expected to persist into the weekend.

In its latest five-day bulletin issued on Friday, the NCM said fog patches could appear on Saturday and Sunday.

Such weather is common during the winter months. Severe fog caused major disruption in the UAE in 2019, with flights diverted and crashes reported as drivers were caught up in lengthy traffic jams.