UAE heat drives car safety warnings as temperatures near 50°C

Temperatures across the United Arab Emirates have risen to nearly 50 °C, with a peak of 49.8 °C recorded in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi. In response, Dubai Police have issued a public safety campaign urging motorists to check their vehicles for roadworthiness, focusing on tyre condition, battery storage, and potential fire hazards.

Drivers are advised to perform regular maintenance, avoid unauthorised modifications, and monitor vehicle systems during the extreme heat. Specific recommendations include turning off air‑conditioning, using the cabin heater to draw heat from the engine, stopping safely if overheating occurs, and allowing the engine to cool before inspecting coolant levels. Authorities also warned that items such as pressurised cans, power banks, hand sanitiser, and perfumes can ignite if left in a car during the hottest months.

The traffic department reported thousands of safety violations this year, including thousands for unroadworthy vehicles and expired tyres. The campaign aims to reduce heat‑related breakdowns, tyre blowouts, and vehicle fires, protecting motorists and road users from serious accidents.