Visibility dips as dust envelops UAE

Dubai: Motorists have been advised to reduce speed and drive carefully due to low visibility caused by the sand storm hitting many part of the UAE on Friday.

According to the National Centre of Metreology and Seismology (NCMS) in Abu Dhabi, the sand storm that was kicked off due to atmospheric changes in Iraq, affected Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, before hitting the UAE.

The sand storms mainly hit Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, causing a reduced visibility of 400 metre in Al Hamra and 500 metres in Dalma Island.

The sand storm has helped in a three to four degree dip in temperature across the country.

The dusty weather situation is expected to continue in the UAE on Saturday, said the NCMS. The sand storm is expected to slowly clear up by Sunday.

The centre warned residents not to go to the sea and to avoid getting exposed to the dust, especially those with breathing problems.