Dust storm in UAE: Visibility down to 100 metres in some areas

A dust storm has hit parts of Abu Dhabi, with visibility reduced to less than 100 metres in some areas. The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a dust storm alert, with varying intensities expected:

Suspended dust reduced visibility to less than 100 metres in Al Hamra (Al Dhafra) and Umm Al Sheif Island on Tuesday morning. Visibility has been brought down to less than 500 metres on Dalma Island, according to the NCM.

Countries in the Middle East have been hit by sand storms, with flight operations in two Arab countries – Kuwait and Iraq – affected.

Last night, the NCM had predicted that a storm brewing over the Arabian Gulf would hit the western part of the UAE today after blowing over Saudi Arabia.

On Tuesday, social media handle Storm Centre posted satellite images showing the movement of the dust:

Earlier today, forecasters predicted severe dusty weather conditions in the UAE with a decrease in temperatures over the next few days. Windy conditions will persist, with speeds reaching 45kmph, affecting visibility.

• Look: Kuwait turns orange as dust storm blankets country