What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down in Abu Dhabi (2026 Guide)

“This is an excellent guide, and I greatly recommend it. However, some of the tips and pieces of advice here just do not apply. First of all, you will not be given an International Driving Permit if you do not have car insurance. Having car

Step 1: Remain Calm and Focus on Safety

“The first thing to keep in mind when it happens to you is not to panic. Before anything else, it’s important that you prioritize your own safety as well as the safety of other road users.”

If you see that there’s a problem while you’re driving:

Signal as soon as possible and move to the shoulder or emergency lane, if you can

Do not park your car in the middle of the road or on a blind curve

Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you slow down

If you are traveling on a highway like Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road or Abu Dhabi-Dubai Road, braking abruptly may not be safe. Always slow down gradually and pull over.

"Once stopped":

Remains in the vehicle in heavy traffic conditions

Exiting the car, if it can be done safely, is the next step

Step 2: Turn On Hazard Lights and Warning Signs

If you are traveling at night or in

Visibility in Abu Dhabi is important, especially at night or during sand storms.

Immediately:

Turn on the hazard warning lights.

Put your warning triangle in a safe distance behind your vehicle, if available.

Many drivers ignore the use of the warning triangle, which is an easy and effective measure for avoiding accidents and thus warning road users to slow down.

Step 3: Identify the Problem (If It’s Safe)

To identify

You don’t necessarily have to be a mechanic yourself, although having a basic understanding of the problem can definitely make things easier when you do make a call for help.

Common breakdown reasons in Abu Dhabi include:

Dead battery (quite common because of the heat)

Engine overheating

Flats or damaged tires

Fuel problems

Electrical malfunctions or warning lights

If there appears to be smoke or leakage of fluids or a smell of burning, do not open the hood. Move to a safe distance and call assistance immediately.

Step 4: Contact Roadside Assistance or Emergency Service

In this step

This is where preparation comes into play.

If you have roadside assistance

Call your roadside assistance service and provide:

Specifically, the exact location (landmark, road, or GPS)

Car information

Description of Problem

The problem entails analyzing

Normally, most of the roadside assistance companies in Abu Dhabi offer their clients the following

Towing

Battery jump-start

Flats Tire Replacement

Fuel delivery

Lockout support

Response rates differ, but having roadside service can save you time and money.

If you do not have roadside assistance

You can:

Contact a local recovery service

Contact your car insurance company to find out if emergency services are covered.

In emergency or dangerous situations, call the Abu Dhabi Police Department

Step 5: Refrain from Parking Your Car Alone

If you

In Abu Dhabi, an abandonned broken-down automobile, especially on a major thoroughfare, can lead to fines or tow-away fees.

If you absolutely have to exit the vehicle:

Call roadside assistance or police

Turn on hazard warning lights

Return as soon as possible

Never leave your car without informing someone, especially in highways.

Step 6: Prevent Dehydration and Overexposure to the Sun

Through

The weather in Abu Dhabi can be harsh, not least during the summer season.

If You’re Waiting for Help:

Stay Hydrated

Do not remain outside under direct sun exposure

Use air conditioning only when it is safe to do so and when the engine will permit.

Heat-related fatigue can build up fast, so take care to be comfortable and safe during the wait.

Step 7: Know the Legal Side of a Breakdown

Under the rules of the

Most drivers are not aware that car breakdowns have certain implications in the UAE.

Key points:

Your car always has to be in a condition fit for the road.

It may result in fines if traffic is obstructed

Involvement of the police could be necessary in instances where the vehicle obstructs traffic

Invol

An accident or road congestion may necessitate a record from authorities due to a breakdown that resulted in towing.

Step 8: Towing - What to Expect

Depending on the nature of the damage, repairs would not always be feasible on the spot; hence, your car would need to be

In Abu Dhabi:

Only recovery trucks approved for the job should tow your car

Order Online Only

The towing fees dependent upon distance and time

Certain insurance policies may provide coverage for towing to a certain extent

Before accepting tow service:

Confirm the destination of the car

Ask about the costs beforehand

Receipts for insurance claims, if any

Step 9: What to Do After the Breakdown

After the breakdown has

After your car has been fixed or towed, it is imperative to

Inform your insurance company about the damage caused by the breakdown

Schedule a complete inspection to avoid similar problems

Check if you have appropriate insurance or roadside assistance coverage

Breakdown

A breakdown might indicate that preventive maintenance is needed.

How to Prevent Car Breakdowns in Abu Dhabi

Prevention is always better than cure.

Important preventive advice:

Regular check-up for battery (especially before summer)

Monitor coolant and engine temperatures

Check tires for wear and pressure

Car Services as Per Car Makers’ Schedules

Always have the contact numbers of emergency services on your cell phone

Including roadside services in your car insurance policy is perhaps the easiest means of being ready.

Conclusion

It would

A car breakdown in Abu Dhabi is not something anyone ever looks forward to, but having some preparation can make all the difference. If you remain calm, keep safety as your first priority, and know whom to contact, you can manage a breakdown effectively. When equipped with the appropriate preparations, even an emergency like a roadside breakdown can be dealt with effectively. “In a car-driven city, being roadworthy is not an option – it’s a necessity,” reads the website of the popular