A rare combination of thick fog, high humidity and scattered rainstorms has descended over the United Arab Emirates, disrupting travel on roads, in the air and at sea as authorities issue a strong advisory to both residents and tourists. From Abu Dhabi’s coastal highways to Dubai’s sprawling suburbs and the desert routes around Al Ain and Al Dhafrah, visibility has plunged in places while damp, humid air and unstable clouds signal a period of unsettled weather right across the Emirates.

What Is Happening Across the Emirates Right Now

On the morning of February 7, 2026, the National Centre of Meteorology reported dense fog across large parts of the country, particularly over major intercity routes linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. Weather bulletins highlighted a red alert for thick fog lasting into the late morning, warning of a sharp deterioration in horizontal visibility on key highways and internal roads.

At the same time, meteorologists forecast a noticeable rise in humidity, especially overnight and during early mornings, leading to mist and fog formation over coastal, western and inland areas. In several locations, the combination of saturated air and cooler ground temperatures has produced near-whiteout conditions at daybreak, with some stretches of highway effectively disappearing behind a wall of grey.

Adding to the complexity, the national forecast from Saturday through the middle of next week calls for partly cloudy to cloudy skies, increasing cloud cover and a chance of rain over islands, coastal belts and northern and eastern regions. Showers are most likely at night and into early morning, particularly between Saturday night and Sunday, and again around Tuesday, turning what would normally be straightforward winter travel into a much more unpredictable experience.

Fog, Humidity and Rain: The Perfect Storm

The current episode is the result of several overlapping winter-time factors that are common in the Gulf individually, but more disruptive when they coincide. Humid air is being advected inland from the Arabian Gulf over relatively cool desert surfaces at night and in the early morning. As the ground radiates heat away, the air immediately above it cools, reducing its capacity to hold moisture and leading to condensation in the form of fog and dense mist.

This radiation fog, a familiar winter phenomenon in the Emirates, has been enhanced by very high humidity readings, in some areas climbing close to 90 percent during the night and early morning. When that humidity is paired with only light winds, the fog lingers, thickening over low-lying corridors such as the Dubai–Abu Dhabi road and stretches around Al Khatim, Jebel Ali and Sweihan, where it can drop visibility to just a few dozen metres.

Layered on top of this, a passing weather system and shallow trough aloft have allowed clouds to build over the Arabian Gulf and drift inland. Forecasts from the country’s meteorological service point to showers over islands and coastal districts, as well as northern and eastern emirates, particularly late in the day. These showers are not widespread thunderstorms, but they are enough to leave surfaces slick, complicating driving conditions already affected by fog and haze.

Impact on Road, Air and Sea Travel

Road travel has been the most visibly affected, with police forces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emirates issuing repeated alerts to motorists. Variable speed limits on key routes such as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway have been reduced at times to as low as 80 kilometres per hour as fog banks roll in and out. Electronic message boards urge drivers to maintain safe distances, avoid sudden lane changes and follow the changing limits that respond to live conditions.

In Abu Dhabi, authorities have singled out areas such as Al Shahamah, Al Rahba and the long, straight sections between the capital and Al Ain as particularly hazardous, where dense fog can arrive unexpectedly. Around Dubai South, Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum International Airport, similar warnings have been issued as fog drifts inland from the coast. Minor collisions and traffic build-ups have been reported during previous foggy mornings this winter, prompting officials to urge even greater caution during the present spell.

Air travel has also faced disruptions. While no nationwide shutdown has been declared, thick fog around major airports has the potential to delay take-offs and landings, and some flights may be diverted to alternate airports when visibility briefly drops below operating minima. Passengers are being advised to monitor airline notifications closely, allow additional time to reach the airport and be prepared for last-minute gate or schedule changes when early-morning flights coincide with the densest fog.

At sea, the conditions are less dramatic but still significant. The marine forecast calls for generally slight to moderate seas, occasionally turning rough in the Arabian Gulf as winds freshen around approaching weather systems. Combined with mist and low cloud, this can reduce visibility for smaller craft and recreational boaters, especially near harbour entrances and coastal inlets. Maritime authorities recommend caution for all non-essential trips during early morning hours when fog is at its thickest.

Official Alerts and Advice for Residents and Tourists

The National Centre of Meteorology has been issuing red and yellow alerts as fog forms, particularly across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and parts of the Al Dhafrah region. These alerts specify locations where horizontal visibility is expected to drop below safe thresholds, sometimes to less than one kilometre and, in the most severe pockets, to near-zero. The warnings typically remain in force from the early hours of the morning until mid or late morning, when rising temperatures help the fog to dissipate.

Police forces in multiple emirates have amplified these messages with public safety campaigns. Through roadside signs and social media channels, motorists are reminded to switch on low-beam headlights, avoid the use of hazard lights while moving, and strictly adhere to the reduced speed limits displayed on electronic boards. Drivers are also urged not to overtake or weave through traffic in dense fog, where judging distances accurately becomes extremely difficult.

Tourism and hospitality authorities, meanwhile, are encouraging visitors to build flexibility into their daily plans. Hotels are sharing weather updates with guests, advising early-morning tour operators to review itineraries and prepare for delayed departures. Desert safaris, mountain trips to Hajar foothills and inter-emirate excursions are all being assessed on a day-by-day basis, with operators urged to prioritise safety above rigid schedules.

How Long Will the Unsettled Weather Last

According to the latest multi-day forecast, the current pattern is expected to persist from Saturday, February 7, through at least Wednesday. During this period, residents and visitors can expect humid mornings with mist or fog on several days, mainly over coastal, western and internal areas. Afternoons are likely to be fair to partly cloudy, with clouds thickening at times over islands and northern and eastern regions.

Rain chances are highest on Saturday night and Sunday, and again around Tuesday, when cloud bands associated with passing disturbances push inland from the Arabian Gulf. Any showers will be variable in intensity and distribution, meaning that one district may see a brief downpour while nearby areas remain mostly dry. Nonetheless, the presence of scattered rain on top of already slick surfaces means extra caution is needed whenever showers do occur.

Temperatures are forecast to rise gradually into Monday, with daytime highs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai climbing into the upper twenties Celsius before easing slightly, particularly along the coast, as cooler air filters in behind passing systems. Coastal and island regions can expect highs generally in the mid to upper twenties, while internal areas may reach the low thirties at times. Overnight lows in many urban areas will sit in the high teens to low twenties, maintaining the high humidity that favours fog formation.

Practical Safety Tips for Navigating the Weather

For drivers, the most important step is to accept slower journey times as a temporary reality. That means leaving earlier for work, school or the airport, allowing enough buffer so that reduced speeds and occasional hold-ups do not translate into rushed, risky behaviour behind the wheel. Maintaining a generous following distance, using low-beam headlights and keeping windscreens and mirrors clear of condensation can dramatically improve safety during foggy commutes.

Pedestrians and cyclists should also take extra care, particularly when crossing busy roads or roundabouts where drivers’ reaction times are compromised by low visibility. Wearing light-coloured or reflective clothing in the early morning hours, when visibility is poorest, can make a significant difference. Joggers and cyclists using highways or service roads in the dim pre-dawn light are advised to reconsider their routes or training times until conditions improve.

Visitors planning excursions to the desert, mountains or coastal islands should stay in close contact with tour operators and be prepared for itinerary adjustments. A planned sunrise desert drive, for example, may be delayed or re-routed if fog blankets internal highways or if sudden showers make off-road tracks slippery. In coastal areas, boating and watersports operators will monitor visibility and sea state, rescheduling activities if conditions are deemed unsafe.

The Takeaway

The recent spell of weather in the UAE is a reminder that even a country known for clear skies and predictable sunshine can experience sudden, disruptive conditions in winter. Thick fog, high humidity and scattered rainstorms have converged to create a challenging environment for travellers on roads, in the air and at sea, prompting an unusually strong series of alerts from meteorologists and police.

For residents and tourists alike, the key is to treat these advisories as more than routine bulletins. Slower driving, more flexible planning and careful attention to official updates will go a long way toward keeping journeys safe during this unsettled period. The fog will lift, the clouds will thin and the Emirates will soon return to their familiar blue, but for now, prudence and patience are the most important items on every traveller’s itinerary.

FAQ

Q1. Is it still safe to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the current fog and rain?
Yes, travel remains possible, but authorities strongly advise caution. Speed limits on major roads may be reduced, and visibility can deteriorate suddenly, so drivers should allow extra time, follow posted limits closely and avoid non-essential trips during the foggiest early-morning hours.

Q2. How long is this spell of thick fog and unsettled weather expected to last?
Forecasts indicate that humid mornings, fog and a chance of rain are likely from Saturday, February 7, through at least Wednesday, with the intensity and exact locations of fog and showers varying from day to day.

Q3. Will flights be cancelled because of the fog in the UAE?
While widespread cancellations are not guaranteed, thick fog around major airports can lead to delays, diversions and schedule changes, particularly for early-morning flights. Travellers should monitor airline notifications closely and arrive at the airport with extra time to spare.

Q4. Which areas of the Emirates are being hit hardest by the fog?
The most affected areas typically include major intercity corridors such as the Dubai–Abu Dhabi highway, stretches around Al Khatim and Sweihan, parts of Abu Dhabi’s suburbs and low-lying zones near Jebel Ali, Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Q5. Are desert safaris and outdoor excursions still operating during this weather?
Many operators continue to run tours but adjust departure times and routes based on daily conditions. Some sunrise trips may be delayed, shortened or rescheduled if fog, poor visibility or rain make driving or off-road routes unsafe.

Q6. What should tourists do if they have long-distance road journeys planned this week?
Tourists should check the latest weather and police advisories before setting off, avoid travelling in the densest early-morning fog where possible, and build flexibility into itineraries. If conditions look hazardous, postponing or adjusting departure times is the safest option.

Q7. How should drivers use their lights in thick fog in the UAE?
Authorities recommend using low-beam headlights rather than high beams, which can reflect off fog and further reduce visibility. Drivers should avoid using hazard lights while moving, reserving them for when the vehicle is stationary or in an emergency.

Q8. Are coastal and island areas facing different weather risks than inland cities?
Coastal and island regions are seeing high humidity, morning fog and a particular chance of showers, with seas turning moderate to rough at times. Inland cities share the fog risk but may experience slightly higher daytime temperatures.

Q9. What health precautions are recommended during periods of high humidity and fog?
Most healthy people can carry on normal activities, but those with respiratory issues may prefer to limit outdoor exertion in damp, cool air. Wearing appropriate clothing, avoiding sudden temperature changes between air-conditioned interiors and the humid outdoors, and staying hydrated are all sensible measures.

Q10. Where can residents and visitors find reliable updates about the latest weather and alerts?
Reliable updates are issued by the UAE’s official meteorological agency and by local police forces, which share real-time information on visibility, speed-limit changes and safety advisories through broadcast media, roadside signs and official social channels.