Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted for the first time in more than 10,000 years, impacting Yemen and Oman. Though the ash clouds are expected to move towards the direction of Pakistan and India, there are concerns about the plumes spreading towards the UAE and other Gulf countries.
Ethiopia is reporting what scientists say is its first confirmed volcanic eruption in thousands of years after the Hayli Gubbi volcano in the remote Afar region burst to life. Researchers say this marks the volcano’s first recorded activity and likely its first eruption in many… pic.twitter.com/rzhMDttAfu
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The volcano, which is sits in the Great Rift Valley, is located where two tectonic plates meet. It is erupting for the first time in recorded history, sending ash clouds more than 14 km into the sky.
How will the volcanic plumes from Hayli Gubbi impact the Gulf?
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, stated that aviation authorities have issued warnings about the potential hazard posed to aircraft engines. Several flights over the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula have been delayed, diverted or cancelled due to the ash clouds.
“The event offers a rare opportunity for scientists to study a volcanic system awakening after a very long period of inactivity,” Arabic newspaper Emarat Al Youm quoted Jarwan as saying.
Ethiopia is reporting what scientists say is its first confirmed volcanic eruption in thousands of years after the Hayli Gubbi volcano in the remote Afar region burst to life. Researchers say this marks the volcano’s first recorded activity and likely its first eruption in many… pic.twitter.com/rzhMDttAfu
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 24, 2025
Emissions of sulfur dioxide accompanying the eruption has triggered concerns about health impact on populations. If the volcanic gases interact with moisture, it could even result in acid rain.
Jarwan pointed out that the eruptions has already affected the air quality in several parts of the Arabian Peninsula. “Ash and sulfur dioxide have been transported toward Yemen and Oman, causing a decline in air quality and potential irritation of the eyes and respiratory system,” he said.
He said it is important to monitor the movements of the plumes in order to reduce the risks posed to people in the affected regions.
