by Driving through the UAE is far more than a simple journey, it is a true trial of both skill and endurance. The towering dunes of the Empty Quarter, the sharp climbs of Jebel Jais reaching 1,900 meters, the sudden fog along Fujairah’s winding roads, and the searing 45 °C heat on the Dubai–Liwa highway all present unique challenges. Without careful attention to the smallest details, even the shortest route can quickly become a hazardous test.
Technical Base: Tires, Oil, Brakes
Let’s start with the most obvious thing: the wheels. The pressure on the track should remain within 32-35 PSI. But as soon as the car enters the sand, it is reduced to 15-18 PSI. The spare tire is inflated more strongly, up to 60 PSI a forgotten moment, which then costs a lot. The tire tread is another factor: the law allows 2.0 mm, but experienced drivers don’t take any chances and change it already at 3.0 mm.
Now the cooling system. When the engine is operating at temperatures above 45°C, the liquid level must be strictly between MIN and MAX. For European-made machines, ready-made G48 or G12 mixtures are used, which hold up to 120 °C. Oil check with a dipstick. If the level is below 75% or you have traveled more than 5,000 km since the last replacement, you need to act.
Brakes on the streamers of Jebel Hafit or in the Masfi area solve everything. The minimum thickness of the pads is 3 mm, and this is the limit of safety. The liquid is only light yellow, without dark shades.
Electrics And Battery
The battery in the UAE is the weak link. Three years of operation in the heat is the limit. When the engine is turned off, 12.4–12.7V is considered the norm, while in motion 13.7–14.7V. If the starter is turning sluggishly, it is better to postpone the trip. Light is a separate topic: lamps should be lit brightly. Fog lights are especially important on Fujairah’s mountain roads.
Necessary Equipment
Even the most prepared car is useless without a set of things. A compressor for pumping tires, a cable, traction boards, a shovel. First aid kit, 4-5 liters of water per person, food. GPS devices or offline maps are used for navigation – communication is often lost in the Wadi Wuraya area. A flashlight, charging, and a power bank are required.
Driving Features
Smoothness is important in the sand. Any sudden movement, and the wheels bury themselves. The dunes are traversed at an angle, maintaining a uniform acceleration. The situation is different on the 120–kilometer Dubai-Fujairah highway: hot asphalt is replaced by steep serpentines, where worn tires and weak brakes become a deadly risk.
Routes
- Dubai — Liwa: 350 km, 4 hours by E11.
- Dubai — Fujairah: 120 km, 1.5–2 hours, last chance to refuel at Masfi.
- Ras Al Khaimah — Jebel Jais: ascent to 1,900 meters, without refueling on the route.
- Dubai — Hatta: 150 km, the landscape is mixed — plains, dunes and rocky slopes.
- Dubai — Jebel Hafit: 170 km, altitude 1240 meters.
- Sharjah — Kalba: coastal views and mangrove forests.
Planning And Security
Before departure, be sure to inform the route and time of return. A lonely trip to the desert is a risk. It is better to drive in a convoy of two cars. It’s worth getting on the road at dawn, before the engine and air overheat. On average, a tourist takes 4-5 liters of water per day. Do not forget about strict speed control.
A trip to the UAE is a chance to see oases, mountain serpentines, mangrove forests and sandy expanses. But any route be it Liwa, Hatta, Kalba or Fujairah requires preparation. Tires, oil, cooling system, battery and brakes are all checked in advance. Equipment, water supplies, maps, and light are what turn the trip into an adventure rather than a struggle for survival. For those who want their vehicle to look as sharp as it performs on these long drives, regularcar detailing Dubai services before the journey help maintain both appearance and protection. A prepared car is a guarantee that the road will provide exciting experiences, not problems.
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