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Near-zero visibility: UAE residents to face monster fog all this week
Dubai residents woke to a grey, hazy skyline as heavy fog blanketed parts of the emirate and visibility dropped causing traffic jams
- PUBLISHED: Tue 24 Feb 2026, 5:23 PM UPDATED: Wed 25 Feb 2026, 4:36 PM
Residents in the UAE should expect a few more foggy mornings and near-zero visibility conditions before temperatures start to rise at the beginning of March. On Tuesday, Dubai residents woke to a grey, hazy skyline as heavy fog covered parts of the emirate. Visibility dropped causing traffic jams during the morning rush hour.
Motorists crawled along major highways, driving at snail's pace through the mist, while school buses and office commuters took extra time for travel. Similar conditions were reported in parts of Sharjah, with drivers describing the experience as “driving through a cloud”.
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According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), a combination of calm winds and a high-pressure system created the perfect recipe for fog. Dr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the NCM, told Khaleej Times on Tuesday that “calm wind conditions and a high-pressure system over the region — affecting both the lower and upper layers of the atmosphere — have led to cooler temperatures near the surface.”
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“When these factors combine, they create ideal conditions for fog formation, resulting in very poor visibility.”
The foggy spell is not over. Dr Habib noted that “fog has been reported over the past two days and is expected to continue even after Wednesday.” He added there remains a chance of fog over the next few days, particularly across internal areas of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.
Fog is common during seasonal transitions
For residents in these areas, this could mean more slow-moving traffic and cautious early-morning commutes.
A shift in weather patterns is expected later this week. “On the 26th, cloud formation is expected with the air mass beginning to change thereafter,” Dr Habib said, explaining that while fog remains possible, “the chances will not be as high as in recent days.”
Afternoons could bring different challenges. “Northwesterly winds are forecast in the afternoons, which could make sea conditions rough,” he said. “As these winds strengthen, the likelihood of fog formation will decrease.”
The veteran meteorologist explained that such recurring weather patterns are common during seasonal transitions, when changes in temperature and humidity combine to create the perfect conditions for fog to develop.
“Such conditions are typical for this time of year. The UAE’s winter season generally lasts until March 21, and fog episodes are common during periods of stable atmospheric conditions,” he added.
Temperatures are expected to gradually increase on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, with northwesterly winds returning on the 27th, a temporary dip in temperatures is likely.
“From March 1, residents can expect a gradual warming trend once again.”
