The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an official alert warning of a weak low-pressure system set to linger from Thursday 25 December through Monday 29 December. The system will draw medium- and low-level cloud bands over the islands and northern emirates, producing light-to-moderate rain in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and parts of Sharjah. Overnight temperatures in Dubai are forecast to fall to 16 °C, while Jebel Jais logged 3.5 °C—this winter’s lowest reading—earlier this week.
Although the advisory is primarily meteorological, it carries mobility implications. Fog formation is likely on inland highways at dawn, prompting police to impose rolling speed-limit reductions and, if visibility drops below 50 m, temporary road closures. Historically, such fog protocols add 30-60 minutes to the drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and can trigger departure delays at both DXB and AUH when pilots invoke low-visibility take-off minima.
If the unsettled weather forces last-minute travel plan changes, VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork side of things. Through its UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), the service lets visitors extend visas, obtain multi-entry permits or arrange courier passport pick-ups entirely online—handy if fog disrupts trips to embassies or typing centers.
![National Centre of Meteorology issues 25-29 December weather alert that could disrupt holiday travel]()
Mariners have been told to avoid deep-sea excursions late Sunday when fresh north-westerlies could make the Arabian Gulf rough. The Ports, Customs & Free-Zone Corporation has pre-emptively instructed private yacht operators to secure berths and cancel leisure sailings if wave heights exceed 1.8 m.
For tourism and events planners the key takeaway is contingency: Christmas markets, desert safari operators and mountain-hiking guides should budget indoor alternatives or reschedule until clearer skies. Airlines are advising passengers to use online check-in and arrive early in case poor weather slows baggage screening and boarding.
Residents driving to neighbouring GCC states should keep vehicle insurance “orange card” documents on hand; the Oman Police customarily tighten Hatta and Khatm Al Shakla border checks during fog advisories. Travellers whose UAE visit visas expire this weekend but intend to cross by road should lodge online extensions before setting out to avoid overstay fines if roads close unexpectedly.
Although the advisory is primarily meteorological, it carries mobility implications. Fog formation is likely on inland highways at dawn, prompting police to impose rolling speed-limit reductions and, if visibility drops below 50 m, temporary road closures. Historically, such fog protocols add 30-60 minutes to the drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and can trigger departure delays at both DXB and AUH when pilots invoke low-visibility take-off minima.
If the unsettled weather forces last-minute travel plan changes, VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork side of things. Through its UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), the service lets visitors extend visas, obtain multi-entry permits or arrange courier passport pick-ups entirely online—handy if fog disrupts trips to embassies or typing centers.
Mariners have been told to avoid deep-sea excursions late Sunday when fresh north-westerlies could make the Arabian Gulf rough. The Ports, Customs & Free-Zone Corporation has pre-emptively instructed private yacht operators to secure berths and cancel leisure sailings if wave heights exceed 1.8 m.
For tourism and events planners the key takeaway is contingency: Christmas markets, desert safari operators and mountain-hiking guides should budget indoor alternatives or reschedule until clearer skies. Airlines are advising passengers to use online check-in and arrive early in case poor weather slows baggage screening and boarding.
Residents driving to neighbouring GCC states should keep vehicle insurance “orange card” documents on hand; the Oman Police customarily tighten Hatta and Khatm Al Shakla border checks during fog advisories. Travellers whose UAE visit visas expire this weekend but intend to cross by road should lodge online extensions before setting out to avoid overstay fines if roads close unexpectedly.
