Everything you need to know before UAE safari trips and what to do if your vehicle gets stuck in sand.
Desert safari trips in the UAE are among the most thrilling experiences, but they demand proper preparation to avoid getting stuck in dunes or losing control of the vehicle.
First: never head into the desert in a regular sedan. Always use a 4x4 and deflate tires to 15-18 PSI to increase the contact patch on the sand.
Second: never go alone. Take at least one other vehicle and bring a tow strap, sand tracks, a shovel and an air compressor.
Third: when stuck, stop trying to move immediately so the wheels don't dig deeper. Get out, assess the situation, then dig sand away from the wheels and place the tracks underneath.
Fourth: if your attempts fail, call a specialized recovery service. Recovery Emirates has dedicated desert teams equipped with 4x4 vehicles and powerful winches reaching famous safari spots like Big Red, Mleiha and Fossil Rock.
Fifth: always share your location via WhatsApp using GPS — descriptive addresses don't work in the desert. Drink water, stay in the shade beside your vehicle, and never walk away on foot.
For more on general road safety procedures see our article What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down, and for moving sports cars in the desert see Luxury Car Transport Tips.
