Abu Dhabi: Those with asthma and other chest-related conditions have been advised to remain indoors as much as possible by an official from the National Centre for Metrology and Seismology.
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Concern has been raised due to the dust storm currently sweeping across the UAE that began on Thursday evening.
"We are currently in the throes of one of a series of seasonal dust storms that occur as a result of the country's shifting weather conditions," the meteorologist said.
"This storm originated in Southern Iraq, where a 55 km/h wind emerged as a result of a collision between low eastern air pressure and high western air pressure.
"It will spread until it reaches the western coast of the Arabian Gulf."
When the dust storm arrived, it reduced visibility to approximately 300-500 metres on the island of Abu Dhabi as well as the Western Region before spreading to other emirates including Dubai and Fujairah over the weekend.
"While for most areas visibility has not been affected, there have been locations, such as Al Ain, where visibility dropped to two kilometres," the official said. "Also, motorists travelling on highways within the UAE might experience areas with just 100-metre visibility. However, the weather has begun clearing since Sunday and the storm is expected to leave by Tuesday."
Alerts
The representative also noted that alerts had been issued to all the relevant authorities including the police, civil defence and other emergency response departments prior to the storm's arrival.
"We always experience such shifting weather due to the transitional period that occurs in the UAE when the seasons begin to change," he said.
"The UAE has a stable atmosphere, which means that it is easier to trap moisture and dust at lower levels compared to other countries.
"In addition, the winds are able to pick up sediment present in various emirates that then leads to conditions such as the one we are currently experiencing."
A spokesperson for the Abu Dhabi Airports Company said there have been no flight disruptions.
"Abu Dhabi International Airport is operating as usual and flights are taking off and landing as per schedule," he said.
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