Emergency Roadside Assistance in Abu Dhabi: A Driver's Guide

A breakdown on a busy Abu Dhabi road is stressful at any time of year. In summer, with the car's A/C off and the sun on the tarmac, it quickly becomes a safety risk as well. This guide covers what to do if your car breaks down, who to call, which faults cause most breakdowns in the heat, and how to make one less likely.

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down

1. If the car still moves, keep going to the nearest exit or a safe place off the road. Abu Dhabi Police advise against stopping on the hard shoulder except in a real emergency.
2. Never stop in a live lane unless the car cannot move. Stopping in the middle of the road without a valid reason carries a Dh1,000 fine and six black points under UAE traffic law.
3. Switch on your hazard lights straight away.
4. Get everyone out of the car on the side away from traffic, and wait behind the barrier if there is one. Do not stay inside a car that has stopped on a fast road.
5. If the car has stopped somewhere dangerous, call the police on 999.
6. Then arrange recovery, through your insurer, your car's roadside programme or a recovery company.

Who to Call for Roadside Help

• Police: 999 if the car is stuck in a dangerous position or anyone is hurt.
• Your car insurance. Many policies include roadside help or recovery. Check your policy before you need it.
• Your car's roadside programme. Many new cars come with one through the dealer. The number is usually in the owner's pack or on a windscreen sticker.
• A recovery company, if you have no other cover.

Al Zaabi Autocare is a workshop in Mussafah, not a roadside rescue service. Once your car has been recovered, we diagnose the fault and repair it, with a written price before any work starts. If your car has our Premium service contract, it includes one recovery in Abu Dhabi.

Why Some Cars Must Go on a Flatbed

Many four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars should not be towed with two wheels on the road. The driveline links the axles, so turning one set of wheels while the other is held still can damage the gearbox or transfer case. These cars should be carried on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. The same applies to many cars with an electronic parking brake that has locked on. Your owner's manual says how your car should be transported.

The Faults Behind Most Summer Breakdowns

Experts quoted by Khaleej Times in July 2026 named the problems that strand most drivers in the UAE summer:

• Batteries. Heat speeds up battery wear, and one rental company reported 25 to 35 percent more battery service requests in summer. See our battery replacement service.
• Tyres. Both over-inflated and under-inflated tyres raise the risk of a blowout. See tyre change.
• Cooling. A coolant leak can lead to overheating. See car overheating repair.
• Air conditioning. Worn A/C parts leak refrigerant and fail when the system works hardest. See car A/C repair.

How to Make a Breakdown Less Likely

• Have the battery tested before summer, especially if it is more than two summers old.
• Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, and look for cracks, bulges and worn tread.
• Check the coolant level and look for leaks under the car.
• Keep to the service schedule. We recommend a minor service every 10,000 km or six months, whichever comes first.
• Carry water, a charged phone and your insurance and recovery numbers on long drives.

FAQs

What should I do first if my car breaks down in Abu Dhabi?

If the car still moves, get to the nearest exit or a safe place off the road. If it cannot move, switch on the hazard lights, get everyone out on the side away from traffic and call 999 if the car is in a dangerous position.

Can I stop in the middle of the road if my car has a problem?

Only if the car cannot move. Stopping in the middle of the road without a valid reason carries a Dh1,000 fine and six black points under UAE traffic law.

Does Al Zaabi Autocare offer roadside assistance?

We are a repair workshop in Mussafah, not a roadside rescue service. Our Premium service contract includes one recovery in Abu Dhabi. Once your car has been recovered, call us on +971 50 669 7282 and we will book it in for diagnosis and repair.

Which cars need to be carried on a flatbed?

Most four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive cars, and many cars with an electronic parking brake that has locked on. Towing them with two wheels on the road can damage the gearbox or transfer case.

How can I avoid a breakdown in summer?

Have the battery, tyres, coolant and A/C checked before the hottest months, and keep to the service schedule.