🌪️ NCM Advice: How to Stay Safe During Dusty Weather in the UAE

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE has issued important guidance for residents and visitors as dusty weather conditions sweep through parts of the country — particularly after a yellow dust alert was announced on December 28, 2025.

Dust storms are a common occurrence in the UAE due to its desert climate and occasional wind-driven sand and dust uplifts. Although these events are natural, they can pose challenges for public health, travel safety, and outdoor activities. To help you navigate these conditions with confidence, we’ve broken down the key precautions recommended by the NCM and why they matter.

🛡️ What the NCM Is Urging Everyone to Do

The NCM’s advisory focuses on simple but crucial steps that everyone can take to protect themselves and their surroundings when dusty weather hits. These are especially important for families, commuters, and vulnerable groups like children and elderly residents.

1. Avoid Direct Exposure to Dust

Dust particles in the air can irritate your eyes, nose, and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies. The NCM strongly recommends limiting outdoor exposure when dust levels are high.

2. Keep Doors and Windows Closed

To reduce the amount of dust entering homes, offices, and vehicles, keep all doors and windows closed during dusty periods. This helps maintain indoor air quality and prevents dust from settling on surfaces.

3. Exercise Extra Caution While Driving

Dust can significantly reduce visibility on the roads, which increases the risk of traffic accidents. Always:

• Drive at a safe, reduced speed,

• Keep headlights on,

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Being cautious behind the wheel saves lives, particularly when horizontal visibility drops during dust events.

4. Stay Updated with Official Forecasts

Weather conditions can shift rapidly — especially in the UAE’s winter months when unstable air systems interact with desert winds. The NCM recommends relying only on official weather bulletins for updates and guidance rather than rumours or unverified posts.

This ensures you always have the latest information before planning travel, outdoor activities, or work schedules.

🌬️ Why Dusty Weather Happens in the UAE

Dust storms in the UAE are often caused by:

• Strong winds lifting dust from desert regions,

• Shifting pressure systems,

• Gusty conditions that stir and sustain airborne dust over populated areas.

These conditions can reduce horizontal visibility drastically — sometimes to just a few hundred meters — and make driving hazardous.

Although dust storms don’t always last long, their effects on air quality and road safety can be significant. That’s why following safety tips from the NCM isn’t just recommended — it’s essential for everyday life during such weather events.

🧠 Practical Tips Beyond the Official Advice

Here are some extra precautions you can take to stay safe and comfortable when dusty weather hits:

🧴 Protect Your Airways

If you must go outside during a dust storm:

• Wear a mask or wrap a cloth over your nose and mouth,

• Consider protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from irritation and flying particles.

🚗 Prepare Your Car

Before driving in dusty or low-visibility conditions:

• Make sure your air conditioning is set to recirculate rather than pull in outside air,

• Check that headlights and taillights are working,

• Ensure windshield wipers and washer fluid are ready to clear dust from your windscreen.

🏠 Safeguard Indoor Air Quality

Put towels or draft stoppers at the base of doors or windows where dust might seep through, and consider using air purifiers if available — especially for sensitive individuals at home.

🚸 Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups

Dusty weather can be more than just uncomfortable — it can be a health risk for:

• Children

• Older adults

• People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory illnesses

If anyone in your household has breathing difficulties, be extra cautious about time spent outdoors and ensure medications or inhalers are readily accessible.

📌 Final Thoughts

Dust storms and dusty conditions are part of life in the UAE’s desert environment. While picturesque at times from a distance, they can have real impacts on health, visibility, and travel safety.

By following the NCM’s safety recommendations — staying informed, indoors where possible, and cautious on the roads — you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the worst effects of dusty weather.