• Dust storms reduced visibility in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dust storms reduced visibility in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A lone runner ventures out during hazy weather in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A lone runner ventures out during hazy weather in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A sandstorm hits Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A sandstorm hits Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Hazy skies above the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Hazy skies above the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Drivers have been urged to take care during challenging weather conditions. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Drivers have been urged to take care during challenging weather conditions. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Public urged to be 'extremely vigilant' as thick dust blankets UAE


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People have been urged to be "extremely vigilant" as thick dust continues to blanket vast parts of the country.

The National Centre of Meteorology issued the alert on Tuesday evening, warning the public that "hazardous weather events of exceptional severity are forecast" until 10pm.

A map released by the bureau on Wednesday morning showed there would be more hazardous weather conditions because of dust, which is expected to be severe in some areas. The alert is in force until 2pm.

Forecasters at the NCM said light to moderate winds will suspend and blow dust on Wednesday. Temperatures will reach 39°C in Abu Dhabi and 40°C in Dubai. The mercury could top 45°C in the south.

Temperatures will remain in the high 30s for the rest of the week.

The dusty weather looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, lasting until at least Sunday, forecasters said.

Dust storms have affected the UAE regularly over the past couple of weeks, with the latest causing greatly reduced visibility throughout Tuesday.

The NCM tweeted shortly after 5pm that "suspended dust" had cut visibility in Dubai.

A similar notice was issued for Abu Dhabi earlier in the day.

The NCM said visibility would be reduced to less than 2,000 metres in some parts of the Emirates.

The forecaster had earlier predicted several days of dusty weather due to a system over Syria, Iraq and northern Saudi Arabia, and moving towards the Arabian Gulf.

The Plume app, which monitors cities around the world, described air quality as 'very poor' in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Tuesday evening.

Kuwait has also been affected, resulting in the suspension of flights because of severe weather.

The NCM said north-westerly winds reaching up to 40kilometres per hour would kick up dust clouds on Tuesday in parts of the UAE.

The Emirates has been hit by a bout of dusty weather in recent days.

Abu Dhabi Police has issued regular alerts on social media this month, calling for motorists to exercise caution on the roads.

The force reminded drivers not to take photographs of the hazy weather while behind the wheel.

Protect your health in dusty weather

Doctors in the UAE have advised people to remain indoors and wear face masks as dust and sandstorms sweep across the country.

The use of air purifiers is also recommended for people with breathing difficulties.

Dr Emad Al Nemnem, a pulmonary disease consultant at Burjeel Medical City, said people with respiratory illness are at greater risk and must take extra care.

“Sandstorms are especially dangerous for patients with respiratory disorders, particularly those with chronic bronchitis and asthma,” Dr Nemnem said.

“The symptoms start with an increase in coughing, sputum and chest tightness.”

He advised asthma patients to carry their inhalers at all times and consult a doctor or head to the emergency department if breathing becomes difficult.

“We urge patients to drink lots of water, wear good-quality masks even at home and get an air purifier,” he said.

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Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Mina Cup winners

Under 12 – Minerva Academy

Under 14 – Unam Pumas

Under 16 – Fursan Hispania

Under 18 – Madenat

Updated: May 25, 2022, 4:01 AM