The sandstorm hit the capital of Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia today, reducing visibility and affecting transport, according to Agence France-Presse.
The National Meteorological Center has warned of “dusty winds” in the east of the country and in Riyadh. As a result, visibility will be reduced. Similar weather conditions are forecast for the western part of Saudi Arabia, including the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina.
A thick cloud of dust covered Riyadh, and even tall objects could not be seen at a distance of more than a few hundred meters.
Electronic signs along the roads of Riyadh warn drivers to reduce speed. Cars and buildings in the city center are covered with sand, an AFP correspondent found.
Dust storms usually hit Saudi Arabia in March and May. However, in recent months they have become more frequent.
Neighboring Iraq has survived eight sandstorms since mid-April. This phenomenon is due to drought and low rainfall due to climate change, according to AFP.
In Iran, public institutions, schools and universities in several provinces were closed today due to sandstorms, according to local media.