The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued red and yellow fog alerts for large swathes of the UAE in the early hours of 3 December 2025, with visibility dropping below 300 metres in Liwa, Al Hamim and sections of the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain highway. Police activated automated speed-reduction systems, cutting limits to 80 km/h on multiple arterial roads.
Dubai Airports said operations continued but urged passengers to check flight status and allow extra time, noting that low-visibility procedures can add up to 20 minutes to turnaround times. Several inbound regional flights were reportedly held in holding patterns, though no cancellations were announced by midday.
![Red-alert fog blankets UAE, prompting travel advisories and speed limits]()
The fog season typically peaks between December and February, but this week’s density caught many commuters off-guard just as National Day holiday traffic intensified. Logistics providers rerouted some early-morning truck deliveries, while ride-hailing platforms applied surge pricing.
For mobility managers, contingency plans should include flex-time allowances and remote-work options when dense fog alerts are issued. Travellers with same-day meetings are advised to build in buffer time or consider videoconferencing to avoid missed appointments.
NCM forecasts suggest humid, misty nights through 7 December; airlines and road-transport regulators will keep low-visibility protocols on standby.
Dubai Airports said operations continued but urged passengers to check flight status and allow extra time, noting that low-visibility procedures can add up to 20 minutes to turnaround times. Several inbound regional flights were reportedly held in holding patterns, though no cancellations were announced by midday.
The fog season typically peaks between December and February, but this week’s density caught many commuters off-guard just as National Day holiday traffic intensified. Logistics providers rerouted some early-morning truck deliveries, while ride-hailing platforms applied surge pricing.
For mobility managers, contingency plans should include flex-time allowances and remote-work options when dense fog alerts are issued. Travellers with same-day meetings are advised to build in buffer time or consider videoconferencing to avoid missed appointments.
NCM forecasts suggest humid, misty nights through 7 December; airlines and road-transport regulators will keep low-visibility protocols on standby.
