Heavy fog across vast parts of the UAE led to a red alert being issued on Tuesday morning.
Commuters found themselves delayed on their way to work with visibility reduced to less than a few metres in some areas between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
A Dubai Airports spokesman said 12 flights were cancelled in the early hours of Tuesday at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International because of the adverse conditions. Another 23 flights were diverted elsewhere, he said.
Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines and partners to minimise disruption to travellers and restore normal operations, he added.
"The weather conditions in Dubai on 10 February have resulted in select flights being cancelled, delayed or diverted," a representative for flydubai said. "We are doing all we can to minimise disruption to our passengers' travel schedules and are co-ordinating with all relevant stakeholders."
Congestion was compounded by a collision involving several vehicles, including a school bus, on exit 32 to Yas Island in the capital at about 7am. The National Centre of Meteorology, which issued the notice, said the alert was to remain in place until at least 9.30am on Tuesday.
The forecast for the week ahead suggests foggy conditions will continue on Wednesday in coastal areas and islands.
Windy.com predicts heavy fog in the Ghantoot area between Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Wednesday from about 5am to 8am.
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Fog across parts of the UAE led to a red alert being issued. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visibility was reduced to a few metres in some areas -
Off to school as fog blankets Dubai -
Off to school as fog blankets Dubai -
Morning fog in Dubai
