UAE weather alert issued as dusty conditions reduce visibility

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a yellow and orange dust alert across the UAE, with strong winds reducing visibility to below 3,000 metres in some parts of the country.

The weather alert will be in place until noon on Wednesday, and residents have been urged to be extra cautious when stepping outdoors.

They have also been advised to "lock all doors and windows to prevent dust from entering the buildings". 

#Alert #Dust_Alert #NCM#تنبيه #تنبيه_الغبار #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد pic.twitter.com/X2LwNsqUR6

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) April 16, 2025

#غبار #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد#Dust #NCM pic.twitter.com/0eoHEagMtv

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) April 15, 2025

Speaking to Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda, Geophysics expert Dr Diana Francis from the Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, explained that the UAE is facing the impact of a larger sandstorm in the region.

A sandstorm in Iraq on Wednesday forced airports to shut and left 1,800 people in hospital with respiratory problems.

"The shift in seasons pointed out by scientists, regarding the climate change could be seen this year," Dr Francis added, explaining that we could see "early summer and late winter". 

Meanwhile, some schools in Dubai announced cancellation of outdoor activities on Wednesday due to the dusty weather conditions. 

In an advisory, Abu Dhabi Police urged drivers to be vigilant during the hazardous conditions, and follow changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards.

"For your safety and for the safety of others on the road, please do not be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone," the police cautioned in their social media post. 

#Urgent | #Warning #AbuDhabiPolice
urges drivers to be cautious due to low visibility during high winds and dust .. And for your saftey and for the safety of others on the road, please do not be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone. pic.twitter.com/MbBsxpRDfk

— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) April 16, 2025

#urgent | #fog#AbuDhabi_Police call on motorists to exerise caution due to reduced visibility during the fog. They are urged to follow changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards.
Drive Safely

— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) April 16, 2025

The UAE has been facing dusty conditions since Tuesday. 

Sara Basart, Scientific Officer at the World Meteorological Organisation, explained how an early sand and dust storm warning system in Saudi Arabia will play a crucial role for the region. 

It was in December that Saudi Arabia’s UNCCD COP16 presidency announced the launch of an international initiative for sand and dust storm monitoring in a major boost for global early warning systems.