The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued simultaneous red and yellow alerts for dense fog across large swathes of the UAE early on 24 September, reducing horizontal visibility on key highways to less than 200 metres. Dubai Airports reported low-visibility operations for two hours around dawn, although no flights were diverted. Ground-handling teams slowed baggage and catering operations, adding minor delays to several morning departures. In Abu Dhabi, police activated the automated speed-reduction system on the E11 and E311 motorways, cutting limits from 120 km/h to 80 km/h. Logistics firms running time-critical road feeders between Jebel Ali port, Al Maktoum Airport and Dubai Industrial City said inbound trucking schedules slipped by up to 45 minutes. Temperature swings and overnight humidity are expected to keep fog risk high through the end of the month. For business travellers, the main implication is at the start of the daily “banker’s rush” of 06:00–09:00 flights to GCC capitals and South Asia. Travel-management companies recommend opting for flights later in the morning when possible, or building slack into meeting agendas. Companies that rely on just-in-time import of perishables should alert customs brokers to potential late-gate cut-offs. The NCM says drivers should use low-beam headlights, maintain safe distances and avoid hazard lights while moving—violations can incur fines of AED400. Aviation authorities emphasise that UAE airports are CAT III-equipped and can continue operations in low visibility, but passengers must monitor airline channels for gate changes or revised departure times. With the peak inbound winter season approaching, travel insurers warn that weather-related claims tend to spike from now through January; executives travelling with tight connection windows should consider policies that cover short-duration delays and provide lounge-access benefits during wait times.
Source: Khaleej Times
