UAE fog: Abu Dhabi speed limits reduced as murky weather rolls in

Police call on motorists to drive carefully after fog covers large parts of the country

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Much of the UAE woke up to a thick blanket of fog on Monday, prompting authorities in Abu Dhabi to reduce road speed limits.

Residents in the emirate received an emergency alert by text message warning them of an 80 kilometre per hour restriction.

Early morning fog is expected to persist across the UAE into New Year’s Day, bringing with it poor visibility on many of the country’s roads.

Fog is particularly prevalent during the winter months in the Emirates, with dangerous driving conditions often resulting in major accidents.

“Fog forms in high humidity of more than 95 per cent and calm wind,” said a spokesman at the National Centre of Meteorology (NMC).

“Stable weather in general in the atmosphere can result in fog. So if you have stable weather and high humidity, or an increase in relative humidity, and [reducing temperatures], it can lead to fog.”

Experts at the NMC warned of further fog affecting many inland areas and some coastal regions between 11pm on Monday and 10.30am on Tuesday.

Humidity will rise again on Thursday and Friday night, but is not expected to result in reduced visibility after New Year’s Day.

Last February, a lorry ploughed into a line of traffic in thick fog between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, causing a 44 vehicle pileup on the E311.

Abu Dhabi Police periodically warn drivers against speeding in poor visibility, encouraging motorists to pull over if roads become too dangerous.

According to campaign group Road Safety UAE, drivers should increase the distance between their own car and the vehicle in front during thick fog.

A rough guideline is to ensure a minimum of five seconds between cars to allow motorists more time to brake if needed.

In addition to using front and rear fog lights, drivers should also use low beam headlights to increase their visibility.

If fog becomes too heavy, motorists should pull over to a rest area, petrol station or even the side of the road and switch on their hazard lights.