DUBAI // Fishermen and swimmers have been urged to stay on dry land for the next two days as strong winds whip up 3.6metre waves.
Drivers were also advised to be extra cautious as fog is expected across much of the country today and tomorrow, with visibility reduced to 200 metres.
"Over Sunday and Monday the seas will be rough to very rough," said a meteorologist at the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology in Abu Dhabi.
"This is why we are warning fishermen not to head out to sea because waves will be as high as 12feet."
The rougher sea conditions are being caused by a strong northwesterly winds coming into the central and western parts of the country from the Mena region.
"It will be about 20 knots over the sea and this is what will cause the higher waves," the meteorologist said.
The unsettled weather is normal for this time of year as wind speed and temperatures fluctuate, he said.
"The fog will start from the early morning and stay for a few hours especially in the coastal areas. However, as the day progresses the fog will disappear and visibility will be back to normal."
The high winds could also cause dust storms.
"The temperature will also drop by between 8°C and 10°C so it will feel cooler over the next couple of days," the meteorologist said.
Bigger waves are normally a huge attraction for surfers, but the inexperienced should take care.
"Twelve-foot high waves are too dangerous for most people, I think," said David Thomas, from the UK, who occasionally surfs in Dubai. "To be honest, I wouldn't risk it with conditions like that.
"It would be very easy to get into trouble in the water and when it's that choppy you can become disorientated pretty quickly."
Some residents said they would head for the beaches in any event.
"I normally go to the beach at JBR in the morning for a swim and a run before I head into work," said Thomas Weston, a Canadian.
"I see people in the water even when there are warnings about rough seas, so unless it's really bad I think people will be out there again over the next few days as well.
"I'm a reasonably good swimmer but when the waves are rough it doesn't matter how good you are.
"There have been a few deaths with riptides over the past year or so and people are a lot more cautious about getting into the water.
"But sometimes even when warning flags are out I still see some people going into the water."
He called for better signage at public beaches and more lifeguards on duty to make sure warnings are enforced.
nhanif@thenational.ae
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As he spoke, Mr Aboul Gheit repeatedly referred to the need to tackle issues affecting the welfare of people across the region both in terms of preventing conflict and in pushing development.
Lebanon is scheduled to host the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in January that will see regional leaders gather to tackle the challenges facing the Middle East. The last such summit was held in 2013. Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki told The National that the Beirut Summit “will be an opportunity for Arab leaders to discuss solely economic and social issues, the conference will not focus on political concerns such as Palestine, Syria or Libya". He added that its slogan will be “the individual is at the heart of development”, adding that it will focus on all elements of human capital.
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BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."