Thick fog blankets UAE once again

Most of the UAE covered in heavy fog, but drivers exercise more caution following yesterday's 32 car-pileup.

ABU DHABI // Heavy fog blanketed the north and western areas of the country this morning, but most was expected to dissipate by 10am.

Officials at the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the fog covered most of the UAE, particularly the coastal areas.

NCMS officials urged drivers to be aware of lowered visibility. Visibility in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah was recorded at 100 metres this morning, while visibility was up to 200 metres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"Drivers on the highways should be careful and use caution on the roads," an official said.

By 8.30am, no accidents had been reported in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, according to traffic police. Yesterday, 16 people were injured in a 32-car pile-up on Dubai Bypass Road. Authorities attributed the crash to heavy fog and high travelling speeds.

"Hopefully, people learned from yesterday, and they will be careful this morning," said Lt. Imran Abdullah from the Dubai Traffic Police.

The fog will return tomorrow morning but is expected to dissipate by Friday when a strong northwesterly wind arrives.