The weather is changing, and if your morning commute looks more like a scene from a mystery movie than a regular drive, you’re not the only one seeing close to nothing on the roads. Dense February fog blanketed parts of the UAE today, reducing visibility to just a few metres on major roads. While it may set the mood for a day in (might be the perfect excuse to WFH), those driving on highways might turn your drive into a risky adventure, regardless of how perfect a driver you are! If you need to drive down to work or for any other errands during the foggy weather, here’s your ultimate guide to staying safe, calm, and fine-free on foggy UAE roads.
Also Read: Flu Season In UAE: What Precautions To Take, Vaccinations & More
When And Where To Expect Fog
Fog is most common from November to May, typically between 3 AM and 10 AM.
Hotspots:
- Major highways: E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road), E311 (Emirates Road), E611
- Desert and open areas with cooler air
- Coastal cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain
Early mornings in these areas? Stay extra alert.
Safety First, Before You Hit The Road
Preparation is key so, don’t leave home blindly.
- Check The Weather
Use apps such as the UAE NCM, Google, or official social media channels to receive fog alerts. Conditions can change fast. - Delay Your Trip If Needed
Low visibility? It’s only safe to pause your commute. Many schools and workplaces allow delays during extreme fog. Keep in mind that safety > punctuality. - Prep Your Car
- Clean windscreen, mirrors, headlights
- Check fog lights and brake lights
- Turn on your defogger or A/C to prevent condensation
Driving In Foggy Conditions? Here Are The Dos And Don’ts
No matter where you experience fog, the low visibility requires a different driving style than on a sunny day.
- Use The Right Lights
- Low-beam headlights or fog lights are your friends
- Avoid high beams, they reflect off fog and blind you
- Use rear fog lights if available so the drivers behind you are aware of your car in front of them
- Skip Hazard Lights While Driving
While it makes sense to use the bright orange lights flashing aggressively during low-visibility drives, use them only when you’re stationary. Using them while moving confuses other drivers and is illegal - Slow Down And Stay Calm
Reduce speed and avoid sudden moves. Panic braking can cause accidents - Keep A Safe Distance
Stay 3-5 car lengths behind the vehicle in front to give yourself sufficient reaction time - Follow Road Markings
Use lane lines, slow-speed lanes or the right edge of the road as a guide, especially in poor visibility
What To Do If You Need To Stop
Sometimes, fog is just too thick. Here’s how to pull over safely:
- Pull completely off the road into a parking area or onto the yellow emergency lanes (hard shoulders)
- Turn on hazard lights once stopped
- Stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened until it’s safe to continue
Avoid The Pesky Fines – Here Are UAE Traffic Laws To Remember
The UAE has strict rules for foggy conditions. Follow them to avoid fines and, more importantly, to protect lives on the road.
- Driving with hazard lights switched on: Fine of AED 500 + 4 black points
- Driving without lights in fog: Fine of AED 500 + 4 black points
- Reckless driving during foggy weather: Fine up to AED 2000 + 23 black points
- Driving without taking safety precautions (speeding in fog or not leaving enough distance): Fine of AED 2000 + 23 black points + 60-day vehicle impoundment for dangerous driving during adverse weather
- Taking Photos/Videos during bad weather: Fine of AED 800 + 4 black points.
For more information on fines, visit the official Dubai Police website.
Extra Safety Tips
- Avoid cruise control as foggy roads require full control
- Lower the music to hear your surroundings
- Avoid using phones while driving
- Feeling unsafe? Just pull over and wait
Stay In The Know
Follow these apps for live updates on weather changes, road rules to plan your commute and avoid accidents/fines.
- Weather: National Center of Meteorology (NCM)
- Traffic: RTA Dubai App, Dubai Police App
- Navigation: Google Maps, Waze
Fog may make the UAE look like a scene from a woodsy-based horror movie, but your drive doesn’t have to be. Keep calm, drive smart, and remember, safety first, accidents and fines last. If you’d like more safety tips and a guide to avoid those nasty fines, keep cruising through Gulf Buzz for all the latest updates on roads, weather, and more!
