A number of early-morning flights to Dubai were diverted on Saturday after thick fog engulfed the emirate.
Dubai Airports said 21 inbound flights due to land at Dubai International Airport were diverted during the challenging weather, along with another two due to arrive at Al Maktoum International.
A Dubai Airports spokesperson said operations returned to normal after the brief morning disruption, with efforts focused on "keeping delays to a minimum".
A safety warning was issued to motorists after the dense fog blanketed parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Abu Dhabi Police temporarily cut speed limits to 80kph on a number of key routes in the capital owing to the hazardous conditions.
The force urged drivers to "exercise caution" and to abide by variable speed limits displayed on electronic road signs.
The National Centre of Meteorology warned that the fog would persist until at least 10am, with visibility falling below 1km in some areas.
The weather centre called on commuters to "exercise maximum caution on the roads, maintain safe following distances, and adhere to traffic instructions to ensure public safety during the period of reduced visibility".
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A resident takes a picture of dense fog which engulfed Dubai on Saturday morning. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
Thick fog blanked skies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with more hazy weather expected next week -
Visibility fell below a kilometre in some areas. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Fog blanketed the Dubai skyline on Saturday morning -
Motorists were urged to take care due to poor visibility -
Commuters were greeted by foggy skies in Dubai -
The Dubai skyline was shrouded by fog
Keep to speed limits
Abu Dhabi Police began to enforce the 80kph speed limit during bad weather – such as heavy rain, sandstorms and fog – in April 2019. The activation of temporary speed limits is posted on electronic road signs, and announced on social media to alert people about to set off on journeys.
The scheme was introduced months after the traffic safety committee of the capital's Department of Transport agreed to reduce speeds during poor weather. Motorists who break the 80kph limit face fines.
Abu Dhabi Police emphasised that the speed limit posted on electronic road signs supersedes any fixed speed limit signs.
Drivers should abide by the revised speed limit until electronic signboards indicate it has been lifted. Police also typically post on social media to confirm when temporary speed limits have been removed.
More fog expected
In its latest five-day weather bulletin, the NCM predicts that more fog will roll in over the coming days, with strong winds and dust also expected.
Cloudy and dusty weather is forecast for Sunday, with winds set to reach up to 50kph in some areas.
More fog is forecast for Monday and Tuesday, along with windy weather throughout the week.
