Car Breakdown Procedure in the UAE
What to do if your car breaks down on a UAE road: step-by-step safety procedure, who to call and how to stay safe on highways.
Step-by-step breakdown procedure
- Turn on hazard lights immediately — before attempting anything else.
- Move off the road — steer to the hard shoulder, emergency lane or the nearest safe area. If possible, coast to an exit.
- Place the warning triangle — at least 50 metres behind the vehicle on normal roads, 200 metres on highways.
- Stay behind the barrier — all passengers should exit from the side away from traffic and stay behind the road barrier.
- Call for help — contact your insurance roadside assistance, or call the relevant authority (see below).
- Do not attempt repairs on the highway — changing a tyre on a live highway is extremely dangerous. Wait for professional recovery.
Highway shoulder
The hard shoulder is not a safe zone. Stay behind the metal barrier whenever one exists. Standing next to a broken-down vehicle on the shoulder is one of the most dangerous positions on a highway.Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police (all emirates) | 999 |
| Ambulance | 998 |
| RTA Recovery (Dubai) | 800-1900 |
| Abu Dhabi Police | 800-555 |
| Sharjah Police | 06-563-2222 |
| RAK Police | 07-235-4444 |
Breakdown on desert roads
If you break down on a desert highway (e.g. the E11 between Abu Dhabi and Al Ruwais, or the E44 through the Hajar Mountains), stay with the vehicle. Walking in extreme heat is dangerous. Keep water, sun protection and a charged phone in the car at all times. Phone signal may be intermittent — try moving the phone to higher ground.
Breakdown — FAQ
Is roadside assistance included in UAE car insurance?
Many comprehensive insurance policies include roadside assistance. Check your policy or call your insurer. Otherwise, register with a service like AAA UAE, Zurich, or your car manufacturer's roadside program.
Will I be fined for breaking down on the highway?
You will not be fined for a genuine breakdown, but you can be fined if you do not use hazard lights or place a warning triangle. Abandoning a vehicle without proper notification can also result in a fine.
What if my car breaks down in a tunnel?
Turn on hazard lights and try to coast through to the exit. If you cannot, stay in the vehicle with seatbelt on, turn off the engine, and use the emergency phones in the tunnel. Do not walk in a tunnel.