A long UAE road trip might mean Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, up to Fujairah and the east coast, or further to the northern emirates and the mountains near Hatta. The highways are generally good, but heat, long distances, heavy luggage and mountain or desert-edge roads put far more strain on a car than a weekly school run or commute. A careful check a week before you go, rather than the night before, gives you time to fix problems calmly.
Start With Tyres, Including the Spare
Tyres suffer most in UAE heat. Check tread depth, look for cracks, bulges or uneven wear, and check pressures when the tyres are cold, using the figure on the driver door sticker or in the manual, not the number on the tyre wall. Adjust for a full load if the manual advises it. Do not forget the spare tyre, jack and wheel wrench, and practise locating them before you need them on a hard shoulder.
If tyres are old, even with tread left, heat and age can weaken them. A trusted garage can advise on age and condition. Replacing a doubtful tyre at home is far cheaper and safer than a blowout far from help.
Cooling System, Oil and Other Fluids
Overheating is a classic road trip risk here. Check coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold, and look for leaks under the car. Never open a hot radiator cap. If coolant needs frequent topping up, get the system inspected before a long drive rather than just carrying water.
- Engine oil level and condition, and whether a service is nearly due
- Brake fluid and power steering fluid where applicable
- Windscreen washer fluid, topped up for dusty roads
- Automatic transmission fluid only if your manual says it is user-checkable
If a service is due within the next few weeks, bring it forward. Tell the garage you are doing a long trip so they check belts, hoses and the battery as part of the visit.
Brakes, Battery and Air Conditioning
Listen for squealing or grinding from the brakes and notice if the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels soft. Any of those needs professional attention before you go, especially if your route includes steep descents from mountain areas where brakes work harder.
Car batteries often fail with little warning in hot climates, commonly after a few years of use. If starting has felt slow, or lights dim at idle, have the battery tested. Clean, tight terminals matter too. Test the air conditioning on a hot afternoon drive, not just for comfort but because travelling for hours in extreme heat without it can be genuinely unsafe, particularly for children and older passengers.
Lights, Wipers and Visibility
Check all headlights, indicators, brake lights and hazard lights, and replace failed bulbs. Even though rain is infrequent, sudden showers and dust mean wipers and washers should work properly. Top up fuel well before remote stretches.
Documents, Salik, and Rules for the Route
Carry your driving licence, vehicle registration card and insurance documents, and make sure the registration and insurance are in date. If you are driving a borrowed or company car, carry permission as required. The Roads and Transport Authority, known as RTA, is the Dubai authority for vehicle registration and driving matters, and official RTA channels are the place to check Dubai-specific requirements.
Check your Salik balance if your route passes through Dubai toll gates, and plan for tolls elsewhere if applicable. Follow speed limits, which change between urban areas, highways and some rural roads, and never drive tired. On long trips, share driving if another licensed driver is insured, or plan a break at least every couple of hours.
Pack an Emergency Kit That Suits the UAE
- Plenty of drinking water for people, plus extra for a delay
- Phone charger, power bank and a torch
- Warning triangle, high-visibility vest and basic first aid kit
- Jump leads or a portable jump starter, if you know how to use them safely
- Sun protection, hats and a light blanket for evening or air conditioning
- Offline map or downloaded route in case mobile signal drops
Finally, tell someone your route and expected arrival time, keep your phone charged, and leave earlier than you think you need to. A well-prepared car turns a long UAE drive from a worry into one of the best ways to see the country beyond the city.