As cooler mornings settle across the UAE with temperatures dipping into single digits in parts of Al Ain this week, the country’s mild but beautiful winter has arrived. It’s the season for road trips, mountain drives, and clear blue skies — but it also brings its own motoring challenges. Occasional fog, rain, and even sudden dust storms can test both your car and your confidence behind the wheel.

Here’s how to make sure your car is ready for the UAE’s version of winter — safe, smooth, and road-trip ready.

Check your tyres

Even in the mild UAE winter, a few degrees’ drop in temperature can reduce tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres affect grip, braking distance, and fuel economy — and on mountain roads, they can be dangerous. Check pressure weekly, preferably early in the morning before the tyres heat up, and ensure tread depth is healthy.

You don’t need winter tyres here, but you do need well-maintained ones. If you’re planning weekend drives to Jebel Jais, Hatta or Al Ain, make sure your tyres are in top shape. Under- or over-inflated tyres with shallow treads can struggle on damp roads or mountain curves — and don’t forget the spare.

Keep your battery in check

Summer heat is the biggest enemy of UAE car batteries, but failures often show up once the temperatures fall. A weak battery that survived summer strain can suddenly give up on a cool morning.

If your battery is more than two years old, get it tested. Check for corrosion on the terminals and ensure the connections are tight. Keeping a compact jump starter in the boot can save the day on a chilly morning.

Engine oil and seasonal shifts

As temperatures dip, engine oil behaves differently. In the UAE, where summer heat often exceeds 45 degrees Celsius, many drivers use higher-viscosity oils (like 10W-40 or 20W-50) to withstand extreme engine temperatures. However, as winter sets in — especially in the northern emirates and desert interiors — switching to a slightly lower viscosity (for instance, 5W-30 or 5W-40) can help engines start more smoothly and reduce wear during cold starts.

Always use high-quality synthetic oils — they resist oxidation and sludge build-up better, especially when vehicles sit unused for long stretches or endure dust-heavy conditions. Before making any switch, check your car’s owner’s manual for manufacturer-approved grades, as some modern engines already use multi-grade oils that perform well across all seasons.

Be ready for fog and dust

Fog, dust storms, and occasional drizzle are common across the emirates this time of year, and all can dramatically cut visibility. Before heading out, clean your headlights, taillights, and fog lamps — a thin layer of desert dust can reduce brightness by half.

Use low beams in fog or sandstorms — never high beams — and switch on fog lights only when visibility is genuinely reduced. Replace worn wiper blades and fill the washer reservoir with proper cleaning fluid, not plain water. During a dust storm, switch the HVAC system to recirculation mode so that no dust from outside enters the cabin. And if visibility drops to near zero, pull over safely, well off the road, and switch on your hazard lights to alert others that you’re stationary. Never use hazard lights while driving — they make it harder for others to see your turn signals or judge your speed.

Keep your fluids topped up

It’s easy to assume coolant isn’t critical in mild UAE winters, but it’s essential year-round. The coolant regulates engine temperature and prevents corrosion. Make sure levels are topped up, and use the manufacturer-recommended mixture. Coolant, oil, brake fluid, and washer fluid are all essential, even in cooler months.

Prepare for mountain and desert drives

Winter is road-trip season in the UAE — from the Hajar mountains to the Liwa dunes. Before you set off, get the brakes and suspension inspected. Carry essentials like water, a torch, jumper cables, portable tyre inflator, fire extinguisher, emergency triangle, and first-aid kit.

For off-road adventures, remember to lower tyre pressures on sand — but always reinflate before returning to tarmac. At higher altitudes, temperature drops can cause mild condensation and misting inside the windscreen, so keep a clean microfiber cloth handy.

Protect your car’s exterior

Dust, drizzle, and morning fog can leave residue that dulls your paintwork. Regular washing — ideally once a week — removes salt, sand, and grime that accumulate during foggy or rainy spells. Apply a coat of wax or ceramic protection to help repel moisture and fine dust. Don’t forget to clean underbody components after off-roading, as sand can accelerate corrosion over time.

Drive smart and stay patient

Winter mornings can be deceptively dangerous. Sudden fog, slick roads, and impatient drivers create the perfect recipe for accidents. Maintain a safe following distance, avoid sudden braking, and use hazard lights only when stationary.

The UAE’s winter is gentle by global standards, but it still demands respect. A few simple checks — tyres, battery, fluids, and visibility — can keep you safe and your car performing at its best. Before you plan that next early-morning drive to the mountains or desert, take a moment to ensure your car is as ready for the season as you are.

Gulf News

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia: Volcanic activity in northern Ethiopia’s long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano subsided Tuesday after an eruption over the weekend that left a trail of destruction in nearby villages and caused flight cancellations after ash plumes disrupted high-altitude flight paths.

Villages in the district of Afdera in the Afar region were covered in ash, officials said residents were coughing, and livestock found their grass and water totally covered.

India’s flag carrier, Air India, said it canceled 11 flights, most of them international, on Monday and Tuesday to inspect aircraft that may have flown over affected areas, acting on a directive from India’s aviation safety regulator.

Another Indian operator, Akasa Air, said it had canceled flights to Middle East destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled over the past two days.

At least seven international flights scheduled to depart from and arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the Indian capital of New Delhi were canceled on Tuesday, while at least a dozen were delayed, according to an official at the airport.

An official in charge of health in northern Ethiopia’s Afdera district, Abedella Mussa, said the residents were coughing and mobile medical services from the larger Afar region had been launched in the remote area.

“Two medical teams have been dispatched to the affected kebeles (neighborhoods) like Fia and Nemma-Gubi to provide mobile medical services,” he said.

Another official in charge of livestock, Nuur Mussa, said animals were unable to find clean water or grass. “Many animals, especially in the two affected kebeles, cannot drink clean water or feed on grass because it is covered by volcanic ash,” he said.

Atalay Ayele, a geologist at Addis Ababa University, said such eruptions occur because Ethiopia is situated along an active rift system where volcanism and earthquakes are frequent.

“This is the first recorded eruption of Hayli Gubbi in the last 10,000 years,” he told the AP. “It will likely continue for a short period and then stop until the next cycle.”

The ash cloud is moving towards China and is expected to clear Indian skies by 1400 GMT Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department said in a statement.

The high-level winds carried the ash cloud from Ethiopia across the Red Sea, Yemen, Oman, the Arabian Sea and then towards western and northern India, the weather office added.

Gulf news

In a groundbreaking scientific achievement that reinforces the UAE’s and Sharjah’s leadership in environmental research and plant discovery programmes, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has announced the successful discovery of three plant species recorded for the first time in the UAE by a team of field researchers from the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium.

The newly recorded species include Dactyloctenium australe (Durban Crowfoot Grass), a notable addition to the UAE’s wild flora, along with two new varieties of Neurada procumbens, namely Neurada procumbens var. stellata and Neurada procumbens var. al-eisawii.

Commenting on this significant achievement, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, emphasised that the discovery of three new recorded plant species for the first time in the UAE is a testament to the EPAA’s unwavering commitment to scientific research and biodiversity conservation.

She stated: “This milestone reflects our dedication to field research through the efforts of our specialized team at the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium, which stands as one of the most successful scientific research initiatives launched by the Government of Sharjah. The initiative is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Sharjah’s plant biodiversity, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.”

She further highlighted that this discovery is the result of meticulous scientific exploration using advanced and innovative research techniques. The field team conducts regular expeditions to explore, collect, analyse, and document wild plant species and seed samples, reinforcing national efforts to protect biodiversity and address environmental challenges.

Al Suwaidi also pointed out that these newly recorded plant species, distinguished by their unique characteristics, open new avenues for future scientific studies on their ecological role within desert environments. She emphasized that the discovery further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading center for environmental sustainability and ambitious scientific initiatives.

Expressing her appreciation for the dedication of the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium team, she stated: “Their ongoing efforts to explore the local environment not only expand our scientific knowledge of native plant species but also enhance research collaboration at both local and international levels. Through their work, we continue to document rare and previously unrecorded wild plants, contributing to global botanical research.”

She reaffirmed EPAA’s commitment to sustainable strategies for conserving natural resources, with a strong focus on raising environmental awareness and fostering international collaboration to ensure a prosperous and ecologically balanced future. Additionally, EPAA remains dedicated to training and equipping national talents in field-based scientific research and practical applications.

It is worth noting that the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium, launched in 2018 in Al Dhaid, is a pioneering initiative aimed at preserving rare wild and desert plant species in the UAE. The Seed Bank plays a crucial role in developing a comprehensive database on plant biodiversity, contributing to the discovery and documentation of new plant species in the UAE for the first time.

Furthermore, the initiative actively publishes scientific research in international journals, playing a vital role in updating the Arabian Peninsula’s plant registry and the Red List of endangered plant species. Through its work, the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium continues to strengthen national efforts in preserving the UAE’s natural resources and fostering sustainable environmental conservation.

WAM