Abu Dhabi Fog Alert: 80km/h Speed Limits Activated on Key Roads as Visibility Drops
By Thasmiya
Motorists in Abu Dhabi faced reduced visibility on **Wednesday, September 30, 2026**, as fog and mist developed across parts of the emirate, prompting authorities to temporarily lower speed limits on several major roads.
The **National Centre of Meteorology (NCM)** issued a fog alert from **1am until 9am**, warning that horizontal visibility could fall below **1,000 metres** in affected areas.
In response, Abu Dhabi Police activated temporary **80km/h speed limits** on a number of roads and urged motorists to follow the changing limits displayed on electronic information boards.
## **Which Abu Dhabi roads have an 80km/h speed limit?**
The temporary 80km/h restriction was activated on the following road sections:
**Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road:** Al Mugheirah Bridge to Gareen Al Aish Bridge.
**Sheikh Salama Bint Butti Road:** Zayed City Bridge to Zayed City.
**Umm Al Hosn Road:** Liwa to Ghayathi.
**Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan the First Road:** Zayed City to Ghayathi.
**Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road:** Abu Al Abyad to Barakah.
**Sweihan Road:** Zayed Military City to Coopri Bridge.
Drivers travelling on these routes should follow the speed displayed on the electronic signs rather than the road’s normal speed limit.
## **Why are speed limits reduced during fog?**
Abu Dhabi uses a variable speed-limit system during adverse weather conditions.
When fog significantly reduces visibility, authorities can temporarily lower the maximum speed to **80km/h** to reduce the risk of collisions. Electronic signs and other warning systems are used to notify motorists when the temporary restriction is active.
The normal speed limit should only be resumed once authorities officially restore it.
## **Police urge motorists to drive carefully**
Abu Dhabi Police has advised motorists to slow down, maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead and follow official traffic instructions during periods of reduced visibility.
Drivers should also avoid sudden lane changes and distractions and pay close attention to electronic road signs.
Using headlights appropriately and keeping windscreens clear can also improve visibility when travelling through fog.
## **Will fog continue in the UAE?**
Fog and mist could remain a concern over the coming days.
According to the NCM forecast, humidity is expected to increase overnight across some coastal and internal areas, creating further chances of **fog or mist**. Temperatures are also expected to gradually decline, although internal areas could still reach around **45°C on Wednesday**.
Residents driving early in the morning should therefore continue checking weather and traffic alerts before beginning their journey.
## **What happens when visibility improves?**
The 80km/h limit is temporary.
Once conditions improve and authorities determine that the affected road is safe, the normal speed limit can be restored.
Motorists should not increase their speed simply because the fog appears to have cleared. They should wait until electronic road signs indicate that the normal limit has returned.
## **Why this matters**
Fog can develop quickly in Abu Dhabi, particularly during humid overnight and early-morning conditions.
For motorists, the most important thing to remember is that **temporary speed limits are enforceable speed limits**. When an electronic sign shows 80km/h during fog, drivers should follow that limit even if the road normally permits a higher speed.
Checking NCM forecasts and Abu Dhabi Police traffic alerts before an early-morning journey can help motorists avoid dangerous conditions and unexpected speed-limit changes.
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