Travelers heading to the United Arab Emirates in the coming days are being urged to brace for a spell of unsettled winter weather, as dense fog, strong winds, and rough seas converge across the country. With red alerts for fog, warnings for choppy conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea, and wind gusts expected to strengthen over coastal areas, the latest forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) point to a challenging period for road, sea, and air travel through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates.

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Changeable Winter Pattern Grips the Emirates

The UAE is entering one of its most volatile winter stretches so far this season, with the NCM flagging a combination of fog, cooler temperatures, and periods of strong northwesterly winds sweeping across the country. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, forecasters expect partly cloudy skies with low cloud forming over coastal and northern regions, while humidity builds overnight to set the stage for further early-morning fog.

Across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, daytime temperatures are forecast to remain comfortably mild, generally topping out in the mid-20s Celsius. However, the cooler air and heightened humidity are creating ideal conditions for fog formation over internal and coastal areas, especially around dawn. The NCM has already issued a red alert for dense fog in some areas during the morning hours, warning that visibility could suddenly drop to near zero on major highways and urban routes.

Behind the scenes, the current pattern is being driven by a clash between a surface low-pressure system extending from the east and higher pressure to the west, coupled with a weak upper-level disturbance. Meteorologists say this setup is encouraging unstable conditions: clear to partly cloudy periods punctuated by fog, brisk winds, patches of dust, and at times unsettled seas. These ingredients are expected to recur over several days, keeping residents and visitors on alert.

Fog Alerts Raise Concerns for Morning Commuters and Flyers

Fog is set to be one of the most disruptive features of this winter spell, particularly for early-morning commuters and passengers catching dawn flights. Over recent days, dense fog has repeatedly blanketed Abu Dhabi and Dubai, triggering red and yellow alerts, cutting visibility on key motorways, and prompting authorities to reduce speed limits on major roads.

Police in Abu Dhabi and other emirates have renewed calls for motorists to drive with caution, use low-beam headlights, and avoid sudden lane changes when encountering thick fog. Variable speed limits on highways have been lowered during peak fog hours, and smart traffic signs have been activated to warn of reduced visibility and slower-moving traffic ahead.

The aviation sector is also watching conditions closely. Thick fog in the UAE has historically led to delays and diversions at Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International, and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, particularly during the busy winter travel season. While airports have well-rehearsed procedures to handle low-visibility operations, extended periods of near-zero visibility in the early hours can disrupt tightly packed flight schedules, affecting not only arrivals and departures in the UAE but also long-haul connections to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Travelers with early flights over the coming days are being encouraged to monitor airline updates frequently, allow extra time to reach airports, and be prepared for possible schedule changes if fog thickens overnight or lingers beyond mid-morning. Those due to transit through UAE hubs may also wish to keep an eye on their connecting times, in case inbound flights are slowed by the conditions.

Winds Strengthen Over Sea and Desert, Stirring Dust and Swell

Alongside fog, the NCM has warned of strengthening winds, particularly over the sea and exposed desert areas. Forecasts for this weekend and into early next week highlight moderate to fresh northwesterly winds that may become strong at times, especially offshore, with gusts that can raise dust and sand and cause rough to very rough seas in the Arabian Gulf.

In recent bulletins, the weather authority has noted wind speeds over coastal waters reaching 40 to 55 kilometers per hour during peak periods, pushing up wave heights and prompting marine alerts. On some days earlier this month, yellow alerts were issued for fresh northwesterly winds and rough sea, with offshore waves reported around two to three meters, occasionally higher.

On land, these stronger winds can whip up blowing dust and sand, reducing visibility in open areas and along some highways, especially in the western and interior regions. While forecasts for the coming days point primarily to fair to partly cloudy skies, any uptick in wind strength may still bring localized dust, which can be a nuisance for drivers and those with respiratory sensitivities.

For travelers, the rougher conditions at sea present the most immediate challenges. Authorities continue to advise small boat owners, fishermen, and leisure craft operators to closely follow the latest marine warnings, and to avoid venturing out when alerts indicate very rough seas in the Arabian Gulf or rough conditions in the Oman Sea.

Rough Seas Threaten Ferry Crossings and Coastal Excursions

With marine forecasts pointing to rough and at times very rough seas, coastal and island trips are likely to be among the first casualties of this unsettled winter pattern. The NCM expects the Arabian Gulf to turn rough by morning on some days, gradually subsiding to moderate conditions later, while the Oman Sea may also see choppy waters as winds build.

For visitors planning ferry crossings, island resorts, fishing charters, or sightseeing cruises from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, operators may need to adjust or cancel departures at short notice to comply with safety guidance. In previous similar spells, excursions to offshore islands, sunset cruises, and smaller yacht charters have been scaled back or rescheduled when seas became too rough for safe operations.

Ports and coast guard units across the emirates remain on heightened alert during such periods, monitoring wave heights and advising mariners accordingly. For commercial shipping, the conditions are generally manageable, though captains may adjust speed and routing to account for higher swells and reduced visibility if fog and dust combine with rough seas.

Visitors booked on coastal or offshore activities over the coming days are advised to keep in close contact with their tour providers, confirm departure times on the day of travel, and have backup plans in case excursions are postponed due to safety concerns. Those prone to seasickness may also find the rolling conditions challenging, even on larger vessels.

Cooler Temperatures and Classic Gulf Winter Feel

Amid the fog and wind, the UAE is experiencing the kind of cool, crisp weather that many residents associate with the heart of Gulf winter. Recent days have seen minimum temperatures in the high teens Celsius in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with some interior locations dropping to around 9 degrees at night, especially away from the coast.

The latest forecasts suggest that on Sunday, January 18, the mercury could fall to about 18 degrees in Abu Dhabi and 19 degrees in Dubai, with daytime highs capped at around 23 to 25 degrees across the main urban centers. For many visitors arriving from colder climates, these readings feel pleasantly mild, especially during the daytime. However, coastal breezes and nighttime humidity can make it feel noticeably cooler in the evenings and early mornings.

The NCM notes that January is typically one of the coolest months in the UAE, with historical averages around 18 degrees and periodic dips much lower in desert and mountain locations. It is also a month marked by higher relative humidity, especially in the early hours, which increases the likelihood of fog and mist over coastal and internal areas.

Travelers planning outdoor activities, desert safaris, or rooftop dining during this period may want to pack light layers, particularly for early-morning excursions and evening events. While frost and extreme cold are rare at sea level, the combination of wind, humidity, and cooler air can make conditions feel brisk, especially on open-water excursions or elevated viewing decks.

Impact on Travel Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Other Emirates

With the UAE serving as a major global transit hub and a popular winter holiday destination, any spell of disruptive weather can quickly ripple through travel plans. The current pattern of fog, wind, and rough seas is poised to affect multiple modes of transportation simultaneously, though the extent of disruption will depend on how severe and persistent each element becomes on a given day.

On the roads, dense fog remains the biggest challenge. Motorways linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as key routes in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain, are vulnerable to sudden drops in visibility during the early hours. Authorities have reiterated that drivers should avoid speeding, maintain safe distances, and use fog lights rather than hazard lights while moving. In previous episodes this month, localized traffic delays and minor collisions have accompanied the thickest fog banks.

At airports, ground and air traffic controllers are accustomed to managing winter fog, relying on advanced landing systems and strict low-visibility protocols. However, when conditions deteriorate rapidly or persist longer than expected, airlines may be forced to delay takeoffs, hold incoming flights in holding patterns, or divert aircraft to less affected airports in the region. Passengers connecting through the UAE’s hubs should monitor their airlines’ alerts and consider travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.

Across the emirates, public transport systems, including the Dubai Metro, trams, and intercity buses, typically continue operating during fog and wind, though journey times can lengthen if road conditions slow traffic. Tour operators may adjust timings for open-top bus tours, desert drives, and boat trips, shifting popular outdoor experiences to the clearer afternoon hours once fog lifts and seas stabilize.

How Long Will the Unsettled Pattern Last?

According to recent NCM outlooks, variable winter conditions are likely to persist through much of the third week of January, with the atmosphere oscillating between humid, fog-prone nights and mornings and breezier, partly cloudy afternoons. Some days may bring only light mist and moderate winds, while others could see more pronounced fog banks, stronger gusts over sea and desert, and extended periods of rough conditions offshore.

Earlier this month, forecasters signaled a stretch of changeable weather running from early January through at least mid-month, with temperatures mostly at or slightly below seasonal norms. That pattern has evolved into the current sequence of fog alerts, gusty northwesterly winds, and occasional light rain in parts of the country, especially the northern and eastern regions.

Looking ahead, meteorologists expect the unsettled theme to continue in the short term, though the exact timing and intensity of fog, wind, and rough seas will vary from day to day. High-pressure systems pushing in from the west may help stabilize conditions at times, before the next spell of humid nights or breezy fronts resets the cycle.

For travelers, the key takeaway is that winter in the UAE, while far milder than in many parts of the world, is not entirely predictable. Conditions can shift quickly from clear and calm to foggy or windy within a matter of hours, particularly along the coast and in interior low-lying areas.

Practical Advice for Visitors and Residents

Tourism authorities and safety officials are urging both residents and international visitors to adopt a flexible mindset over the coming days, building weather contingencies into their plans and staying tuned to local advisories. Regular updates from the NCM, police forces in each emirate, and airport and port operators will be essential in tracking how the fog, winds, and sea state evolve each day.

Motorists are advised to check visibility forecasts before setting out on long drives, especially early in the morning, and to heed any temporary reductions in speed limits on major roads. Those planning desert excursions or cross-country drives between emirates should allow extra time, carry water and warm layers for cooler evenings, and avoid stopping on the hard shoulder in low-visibility conditions unless absolutely necessary.

For air travelers, airlines recommend confirming flight status online or via mobile apps before heading to the airport, particularly for departures scheduled around dawn. Allowing additional time for check-in and security can help absorb any fog-related delays on approach roads or at terminal entry points. Travelers with tight connections may wish to discuss rebooking options if a prolonged fog event appears likely.

Mariners and leisure boat passengers should pay close attention to marine bulletins, especially any yellow or red alerts for rough or very rough seas. If in doubt, operators say, it is safer to postpone offshore trips until conditions ease. Coastal hotels and resorts are also advising guests that certain water activities may be temporarily suspended for safety reasons during periods of high swell or reduced visibility.