The UAE is set to experience unsettled weather on New Year’s Eve, with scattered rainfall, strong winds, and rough to very rough sea conditions expected across several regions. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), skies will be fair to partly cloudy with periods of low cloud over islands, coastal areas, and northern regions. Humidity will rise overnight into Thursday morning, raising the chance of light fog or mist in some inland locations.
North-westerly winds are forecast to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h at times, raising dust and sand and reducing visibility in parts of the north and east. Temperatures will drop noticeably, adding to the wintry feel as the country heads into New Year celebrations. Maritime conditions are expected to be hazardous, with waves in the Arabian Gulf reaching up to seven feet and up to six feet in the Sea of Oman.
Conditions are likely to stabilise slightly on Thursday, with fair to partly cloudy skies, lighter winds, and gradually easing seas. Humidity will remain high overnight into Friday, keeping the risk of fog or mist in coastal and internal areas. By Friday, temperatures will rise slightly, but seas in the Arabian Gulf may become rough again by nightfall as winds freshen.
The NCM has urged the public to exercise caution, avoid swimming and diving, and suspend marine activities during periods of rough seas. Residents and visitors planning outdoor or coastal New Year’s Eve events are advised to monitor official weather updates and follow safety guidelines to ensure a secure transition into 2026.
