Unexpected DU in Dubai (For EK pilots)

[extricate]

Hi,

I just landed in Dubai. (From a foreign airline). On descent into DXB, I was told to hold for 40mins due to DU. I'd like to enquire from local knowledge, is it normal in this case for a long holding even though DXB has 2 runways with CAT III approaches?

Case in point: Heard an EK aircraft commenting they were able to hold for 1hr. TAF from dispatch did not show TEMPO period with DU.

Thanks In advance.

[Emma Royds]

Landing flow rates reduce due to LVOs at DXB, which is no different from other airports. Given that there is no cross-border ATFM system in the Middle East, the lack of flow management into the holds only exacerbates the congestion.

Dust storms are commonplace in the UAE, which result in the visibility reducing to a few kilometers but it is very rare to see the visibility drop down to LVO levels though.