Fog triggers 80km/h speed limits on eight Abu Dhabi roads
Motorists across Abu Dhabi have been urged to drive with caution as fog is forecast to lower visibility across parts of the UAE on Sunday morning, October 18. The National Centre of Meteorology warned of possible fog formation and deteriorating horizontal visibility over coastal and inland areas from 1:30 am to 9:00 am, with visibility potentially dropping further at times.
Fog warning and activated speed limits
The variable speed limit system has been activated at 80km/h on the following road sections:
Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Road from Al Jabib Bridge to Al Hayer; Sweihan Road from Al Khafr Bridge to Al Shawib; Malaqat Street from Green Mubazzarah Bridge to Mazyad; Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road from Abu Samra to Al Salamat; Al Taff Road from Sweihan Oval Roundabout to Al Saad Roundabout; Sweihan Road from Sweihan Oval Roundabout to Sweihan Hills; Sweihan Road from Budday to Nahil; and Sweihan Road from Bida to Nahil.
Police advice and safety tips
Abu Dhabi Police urged motorists to exercise caution and follow the changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards.
Motorists should remain alert, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and follow the speed limits displayed on electronic signs.
With reduced visibility posing risks on the roads, motorists are advised to take precautions before setting off and adjust their driving to the conditions.
Check weather alerts: follow updates from the NCM, Abu Dhabi Police and other official channels for fog warnings and changing road conditions.
Delay your journey if necessary: if visibility is severely reduced, consider postponing your trip until conditions improve.
Check your vehicle: clean the windscreen, mirrors and headlights; ensure fog lights and brake lights are working; use the air conditioning or demister to keep windows clear.
Reduce your speed: drive at a speed appropriate for visibility and follow variable speed limits displayed on electronic signs.
Use the correct lights: switch on low‑beam headlights or fog lights where fitted; avoid high beams, which can reflect off fog and make it harder to see.
Keep a safe distance: leave extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead to allow more time to react if traffic slows or stops.
Avoid sudden manoeuvres: brake gently, steer smoothly and avoid unnecessary lane changes.
Do not use hazard lights while moving: reserve them for emergencies when your vehicle is stopped.
Follow road markings: use lane markings as a guide, stay in your lane and avoid sudden changes in direction.
Stay focused: do not use your phone while driving, minimise distractions and avoid cruise control in poor visibility.
If visibility becomes too poor to continue safely, pull completely off the road into a safe parking area or lay‑by, if available; once stopped, switch on hazard lights to warn other motorists and remain inside the vehicle with seatbelt fastened until it is safe to continue.
Avoid stopping in live traffic lanes; if you cannot reach a safe stopping place, prioritise avoiding sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.
Motorists should check official weather and police channels for the latest fog alerts, speed‑limit changes and road safety advice; navigation apps can help identify traffic conditions but drivers should not interact with their phones while behind the wheel.
Weather outlook
The NCM forecast a humid start to Sunday, with a chance of mist forming in some coastal and inland areas. The weather is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with convective clouds developing over eastern areas in the afternoon and bringing possible rainfall. Winds will shift from southeasterly to northwesterly, generally reaching 10 to 25 km/h and strengthening to 50 km/h at times with cloud activity. Stronger winds may raise dust and reduce visibility in affected areas. The Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight.
