Abu Dhabi Police reduce speed limits on major roads as dense fog affects visibility.
Abu Dhabi: Dense fog covered several parts of the UAE early on Saturday, significantly reducing visibility and leading Abu Dhabi Police to lower speed limits to 80km/h on a number of major roads across the emirate.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a fog warning for some coastal and inland areas, effective from 11pm on Friday until 8.30am on Saturday. The weather authority cautioned that horizontal visibility could drop considerably, potentially reaching near-zero levels in certain locations.
Throughout the early morning hours, Abu Dhabi Police issued several safety alerts, advising drivers to remain cautious on fog-affected roads and comply with the temporary speed limits shown on electronic road signs.
The temporary 80km/h speed limit was enforced across several key roads in Abu Dhabi as fog affected visibility.
On the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road, the restriction applied to sections between Al Wathbah and Al Faya, as well as Al Khaznah and Al Rimah. Reduced speed limits were also introduced along Al Taff Road, including the stretches from Sweihan to Al Ajban and from Sweihan to Al Saad Bridge.
Police also lowered the speed limit on Umm Az Zumoul Road between Bu Krayyah and Sha’ab Al Ghaf, while motorists travelling on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road between KIZAD and Sih Shuaib were instructed to follow the temporary 80km/h restriction.
The same limit was implemented on Mohamed Al Falahi Al Yasi Road between Al Mirfa and Zayed City, and on Sheikha Salama bint Butti Road between Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road and Zayed City.
Several sections of Sweihan Road were also affected, including the routes between Al Hayer and Sweihan City Roundabout and between Al Faya Bridge and Sweihan City Roundabout.
Additional speed restrictions were announced on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road between KIZAD and Seih Shuaib, as well as Al Fayah Road between Al Haffar and Seih Shuaib.
The measures are part of Abu Dhabi’s variable speed limit system, which allows authorities to temporarily reduce maximum speeds during fog and other weather conditions that affect visibility. Drivers are required to comply with the limits displayed on electronic road signs for as long as the restrictions remain active.
Abu Dhabi Police advised motorists to maintain a safe following distance, refrain from making sudden manoeuvres and pay close attention to any changes in speed limits while driving in low-visibility conditions.
The fog comes amid forecasts of increased overnight humidity across parts of the UAE’s coastal and inland regions. According to the NCM, humid conditions during the night and early morning could continue to create the possibility of fog or mist in the coming days.
