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🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates /Culture & Society

Returning From a Trip Abroad? Expert Says Readjusting to UAE Roads Should Be a Priority

From Khaleej Times · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A driving expert warns that fatigue, heavy luggage and unfamiliarity with UAE roads can make the journey home from the airport hazardous.
  • Returning residents are advised to use a taxi, ride-hailing service or another driver if they are too tired to drive.
  • The guidance also covers securing luggage, leaving more following distance and avoiding phone use while driving, with fines and black points applying to several violations.

For residents returning to the UAE after a long-haul flight, the trip home from the airport can pose its own risks. Drivers may have spent 12 hours or more travelling, then face fatigue, heavy luggage and the need to readjust to local roads after several weeks away.

In reality, driving home tired, overloaded with luggage, and out of practice after weeks abroad is its own hazard.

· Jaber Al HarbiHe warned that the journey from the airport can remain dangerous after a long flight.

Jaber Al Harbi, managing director of Bin Yaber Driving Institute, said motorists often assume the difficult part of the journey ends when the plane lands. “In reality, driving home tired, overloaded with luggage, and out of practice after weeks abroad is its own hazard,” he said.

Al Harbi advised anyone struggling to stay alert after an overnight or long-haul flight to avoid driving. Travellers can take a taxi or ride-hailing service, or ask someone else to collect them. Driving in a way that endangers the driver or others can bring a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points and vehicle impoundment for light vehicles, although the UAE has no separate fine specifically for jet lag.

Your body after a long flight is nowhere near a suitable state to drive. Arrange a taxi, a ride-hailing app, or ask someone else to do the pickup.

· Jaber Al HarbiHe advised exhausted travellers not to drive themselves home.

Returning families should also store suitcases securely in the boot and ensure that luggage does not block visibility or move inside the car. Overloading a light vehicle or carrying cargo outside permitted limits can result in a Dh500 fine and four black points. Drivers should leave extra space between vehicles while readjusting to local traffic, since failing to maintain a safe following distance carries a Dh400 fine and four black points.

Airport pickups often mean more bags than the car was packed for. Take the extra minute to stack and secure everything properly in the boot.

· Jaber Al HarbiHe urged returning families to secure their luggage before driving.

Al Harbi also urged drivers to set navigation destinations and check messages before leaving the parking area. Using a mobile phone while driving carries a Dh800 fine and four black points. The supplied article ends while quoting his warning against circling the airport road while using a phone.

Give yourself more space than you think you need on that first drive back.

· Jaber Al HarbiHe recommended leaving a greater following distance while readjusting to UAE traffic.
About this summary

Originally published by Khaleej Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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