Operational Context
A severe fog event is expected to form during the early hours of 02 December, driven by typical late-autumn atmospheric conditions in the UAE including radiational cooling, light winds and residual moisture. Similar events in recent weeks have caused visibility to drop below 200 metres, triggering speed restrictions, multi-vehicle collisions and airport low-visibility procedures. Businesses and critical sites should anticipate short-duration operational slowdowns and prepare for commuter delays and last-mile logistics disruption.
Executive Summary
- Event Date: 02 December
- Location: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, UAE
- Risk Category: Environment
- Severity Level: 3 / 5
- Confidence Score: 78 %
Forecasts indicate dense to very dense fog across coastal and inland urban corridors, with pockets persisting longer where temperature inversions remain. Expected impacts include visibility drops to below 200 metres, increased road accidents, flight delays under low-visibility procedures and minor business disruptions. The event is short but operationally significant.
Current Updates
National Centre of Meteorology advisories highlight dense fog formation with visibility below 50 metres in some areas. Authorities urge motorists to drive slowly, use fog lamps and avoid abrupt lane changes. Airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are preparing for low-visibility operations. Transport departments have issued preliminary warnings regarding delays to bus and taxi services.
Known Hotspots & Sensitive Zones
High-Impact Zones: Major highways (E11 Sheikh Zayed Road, E66 Dubai–Al Ain Road), DXB, AUH, SHJ airports.
Medium-Impact Zones: Abu Dhabi Corniche, Dubai Marina, Al Ain–Dubai corridor.
Low-Impact Zones: Inland desert roads where traffic volumes are lower.
Recurring seasonal fog patterns typically peak between late November and January.
Impact on Transportation & Services
Road mobility may slow substantially due to enforced speed limits and lane restrictions. Airports may face delays or diversions under low-visibility protocols. Public transport (buses, taxis, inter-emirate shuttles) may experience delays. Business operations could see late arrivals, restricted external works and delays in last-mile logistics. Communication systems remain functional, but operations centres often experience peak call volumes.
Recommended Action
- Immediate: Implement low-visibility SOPs; delay non-essential travel; activate fog protocols for fleet vehicles; enforce convoy spacing; suspend external works.
- Short-Term: Enable flexible working hours; activate shuttle escorts; ensure site access control and enhanced perimeter lighting.
- Long-Term: Integrate visibility sensors, update driver training programmes and conduct periodic drills.
- Support Agencies: UAE NCM, local police, transport authorities, municipal emergency units.
Multi-Dimensional Impact
Dense fog may disrupt National Day events, DXB peak-season travel flows and large-scale logistics movements, increasing congestion risks and compressing operational timelines across sectors.
Emergency Contacts
- UAE Police / Ambulance: 999 / 998
- Civil Defence: 997
- National Centre of Meteorology: ncm.ae
Situational Outlook
Baseline scenario (60%) indicates short-duration fog with manageable transport delays. Moderate escalation (30%) may extend fog into midday, causing repeated flight delays and multi-vehicle collisions. Severe escalation (10%) could trigger major airport disruptions, extended road closures and adverse impacts on National Day events.
Strategic Takeaway
The risk trajectory remains moderate but operationally significant. Early-morning visibility hazards require proactive route planning, internal communication and strict fleet safety discipline. Businesses should utilise predictive tools such as Datasurfr to strengthen early-warning capability and ensure timely continuity decisions. Stay ahead of operational risks with real-time alerts, scenario modeling, and expert advisories with datasurfr’s Predict. Start your 14-day free trial of Datasurfr’s Risk Intelligence Platform today.
