UAE issues 'public alerts' as massive dust storm looms ahead new year

The UAE weather alert team has warned of a massive dust storm ahead of the new year.

The National Centre of Meteorology NCM has urged motorists and residents to strictly follow dust-related safety guidelines, warning that strong winds in the coming days could reduce visibility, create hazardous driving conditions, and increase exposure to airborne dust.

The Gulf public advisory stressed the need for extra caution during dusty weather, especially while driving and advised people to follow road safety rules.

The public was also urged to limit direct exposure to dust and sand and residents were also advised to keep doors and windows closed to prevent dust from entering homes and buildings and to rely on official sources for weather updates.

On Monday, December 29,2025 weather conditions across the UAE are expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with a chance of convective cloud formation and rainfall over some coastal, northern and eastern areas.

Southwesterly to northwesterly winds will be moderate to fresh, strengthening at times and causing blowing dust, with speeds of 15–30 km/h, reaching up to 45 km/h, reports.

As reported by Gulf News, northwesterly winds are expected to strengthen further, blowing dust and sand at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

NCM warns of rough seas; Yellow alerts issued for 7-foot waves off UAE coast

NCM also warned people for visiting the seaside, as powerful winds across the UAE may trigger rough sea conditions and offshore conditions are expected to be particularly turbulent, especially in the Oman Sea.

The NCM has issued a yellow alert as wave heights could reach up to seven feet.

The country is set to experience unsettled weather conditions over the coming days, as an extension of a weak surface low-pressure system continues to influence the country.