Dubai motorists were urged to exercise extra caution on Tuesday morning as fog reduced visibility across parts of the emirate, with Dubai Police reminding drivers to follow safety measures on the roads.
Dubai Police issued the warning on October 6 as fog formed in several areas, telling motorists to prioritise safe driving and remain alert in conditions where visibility can deteriorate quickly.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) also reported fog in several parts of the UAE, including locations in and around Dubai as well as areas in other emirates. The conditions followed a humid overnight period that favoured the development of fog and mist.
For Dubai drivers, the immediate concern is reduced visibility. Police advised motorists to lower their speed, leave a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and use low-beam headlights when driving through fog. Drivers were also told to avoid sudden lane changes.
What Dubai drivers should do in fog
Motorists should adjust their driving to the visibility available rather than maintaining normal speeds simply because the posted road limit allows it.
Dubai’s official road-safety guidance recommends slowing down in fog, increasing the distance between vehicles and using fog lights and low beams to improve visibility. High-beam headlights should not be used in fog because their light can reflect back and make it harder to see.
Drivers should also avoid abrupt manoeuvres and unnecessary lane changes. If conditions become too difficult to continue safely, motorists should find a safe place to stop rather than stopping in an active traffic lane.
Dubai Police also reminded motorists not to activate hazard lights while the vehicle is moving. Electronic road signs should be monitored closely because variable speed limits may be displayed during periods of reduced visibility.
Fog can affect morning journeys
The latest conditions are part of a wider period of humid weather in the UAE. The NCM had warned of fog or mist developing across some coastal and inland areas from Monday night into Tuesday morning, with visibility potentially deteriorating significantly where fog formed.
The weather outlook for Tuesday called for generally fair to partly cloudy conditions, with the possibility of convective clouds developing over eastern and southern areas during the afternoon and a chance of rainfall. Humidity was also expected to increase again overnight and into Wednesday morning, creating another possibility of fog or mist.
Winds were forecast to remain light to moderate, occasionally becoming stronger and capable of raising dust.
Dubai’s road-safety guidance notes that fog can lengthen drivers’ reaction times because visibility is restricted. It specifically recommends keeping a greater distance from other vehicles and avoiding sudden movements.
For commuters setting out during periods of poor visibility, checking official weather and police updates before travelling can help them anticipate changing road conditions.
The fog warning is therefore not simply a weather update for Dubai residents. For people travelling by car during affected periods, visibility can change quickly, making lower speeds, greater following distances and careful lane discipline particularly important.
For the latest conditions, motorists should follow updates from Dubai Police and the National Centre of Meteorology and obey any temporary instructions shown on electronic road signs.
What happened in Dubai on October 6, 2026?
Fog formed across parts of Dubai on Tuesday morning, reducing visibility and prompting Dubai Police to remind motorists to drive carefully.
What did Dubai Police advise drivers to do?
Drivers were advised to slow down, maintain a safe distance, use low-beam headlights and avoid sudden lane changes.
Should drivers use high beams in fog?
No. Dubai’s official road-safety guidance advises against high-beam headlights in fog because reflected light can further reduce visibility.
Should motorists use hazard lights while driving in fog?
Dubai Police advised drivers not to switch on hazard lights while the vehicle is moving.
Why were drivers told to watch electronic road signs?
Electronic signs can display variable speed limits during poor visibility. Motorists should follow the speed shown on the signs and any official instructions.
Could fog return after Tuesday morning?
Yes. The weather outlook indicated another possibility of fog or mist over some coastal and inland areas during Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Is rain also possible in the UAE?
Yes. Convective clouds were forecast to develop over eastern and southern areas on Tuesday afternoon, with a possibility of rainfall.
