· 5 min read
What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on Sheikh Zayed Road
A step-by-step safety guide for drivers stranded on the UAE’s busiest highway, from hazard lights to calling a recovery truck.
1. Get to the hard shoulder immediately
As soon as you notice warning lights, loss of power, smoke or a flat tyre, signal right and move to the far-right hard shoulder. Never stop in a live lane unless the car has completely broken down and it is unsafe to continue.
If you cannot reach the shoulder, switch on hazard lights straight away and stay belted until it is safe to exit.
2. Make yourself visible
Turn on your hazard lights. Place your warning triangle at least 50–100 metres behind the vehicle on high-speed roads like SZR. At night, keep sidelights on.
3. Get everyone out and behind the barrier
Exit from the passenger side, away from traffic. Move all passengers behind the crash barrier. Sitting inside a stationary car on a 120 km/h highway is one of the most dangerous places to be.
4. Share your exact location
Call a 24/7 car recovery service and share your live location on WhatsApp. Mention the nearest interchange number, the direction of travel (towards Abu Dhabi or towards Deira) and any landmarks nearby.
If there is an accident or injury, call 999 (Police) or 998 (Ambulance) first.
5. Agree the price before dispatch
A reputable recovery company will give you a fixed price on the phone before sending a truck. Avoid roadside “freelance” tow trucks that stop unasked and quote after loading your car.