The Dubai World Cup is well-known as an opportunity to get all dressed up.
But race-goers will need to be prepared for the possibility of some far from ideal weather during the huge sporting spectacle.
After initial reports that the UAE was set for a sunny weekend, the forecast has changed, with the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) reporting a chance of rain and fresh winds causing poor visibility - so those dressed to impress may need to hold on their hats while watching the action.
Saturday started with outbreaks of rain over Dubai, and the radar showed showers over the Arabian Gulf.
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The rain falls in Dubai on Thursday, March 28 during a week of unsettled weather. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Cars plough through water in front of Al Raha Mall in Abu Dhabi on March 28. Victor Besa / The National -
The rain falls in Dubai on March 28. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The rain falls in Dubai on March 28. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Drivers in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, slow down as the roads become damper on March 28. Victor Besa/The National
It was a bright start in Abu Dhabi before overcast conditions rolled in amid increased winds. In the western region there was light rain over Al Marfa and Al Ruwais.
The NCM said there's "a chance of convective cloud formation associated with rainfall and fresh winds causing blowing dust and sand with poor visibility to less than 2,000 metres over land, and rough seas with wave heights of 6-8ft".
Temperatures will reach a pleasant 30°C in Dubai, while it will be slightly higher at 32°C in Abu Dhabi.
The race day arrives on the back of an unsettled week of weather across the UAE.
Residents have experienced sandstorms, thunder and lightning, heavy rain and high winds as the seasons transition from winter to summer.
On Friday, a number of flights at Dubai International Airport were delayed for hours after a blanket of fog covered the emirate.
The disruption came on the one of the busiest travel weekends of the year after the school term ended for the spring break.
