Photo taken on May 10, 2018 shows the hotel Burj Al-Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A sandstorm hit Dubai and some other emirates on May 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Mahmoud Khaled)

DUBAI, May 10 (Xinhua) -- A strong sandstorm on Thursday hit parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), disrupting traffic and affecting outdoor activities, Dubai daily Gulf news reported.

Predictions of dust storms and winds at speeds exceeding 55km/hour for the Gulf state were given out earlier in the day by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the report said.

Apart from low visibility and high risk while driving, there are health risks for people with breathing problems and asthma, said the report.

It said hospitals warned children against outdoor activities. Most public beaches, outdoor cafes and food outlets were closed in Dubai.