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

After 14 years of marriage and more than 20 years together,  Prince William  is still publicly declaring his love for  Kate Middleton  . His recent visit to North Wales on November 25th is a testament to this. Was it because they were near where they lived during the first five years of their marriage, or because it was close to the anniversary of  their engagement, announced on November 16, 2010  ? Whatever the reason (and does one really need to be explained?), the Prince of Wales’s gesture towards his wife was touching.

“An even better woman”

The heir to the throne was visiting young people at the Youth Shedz Cymru shelter, founded by Scott Jenkinson, a former homeless drug addict. According to journalist  Rebecca English,  during a conversation with Jenkinson and his wife, he told William that it was “with the support of (his) wife” that he had managed to get his life back on track. To which the heir to the throne immediately replied: “That’s it! Behind every ordinary man is an even better woman.”

A couple inseparable

The Prince of Wales’s statement is very similar to the saying that “behind every great man there is a woman.” Kate, however, doesn’t hide, and her husband makes no secret of the support she gives him. In an interview with Madame Figaro , journalist Marc Roche, author of *My Life Among the Windsors*, described  Kate and William as a “close-knit couple ,” a “tandem,” adding that “William asks ‘Where’s my wife?’ twenty times a day.” Regarding Kate, he even defined her as “the power behind the heir to the throne.” A power temporarily weakened by  the cancer she battled in 2024. All of this certainly warranted a tribute.

Daily Mail

is stepping up its nationwide crackdown on violators of residency, labour and border security laws, with large-scale joint inspection campaigns resulting in the deportation of tens of thousands of people so far this year.

The sweeping operations, carried out across both major cities and regions, mark one of the Kingdom’s most extensive enforcement drives in recent years.

With enforcement measures showing no sign of slowing, the number of weekly deportations is expected to remain high as authorities expand their inspection campaigns and strengthen border monitoring.

Last week, 14,206 people were deported, and weekly figures consistently range between 10,000 and 15,000 deportees.

The ongoing crackdown also marks a significant phase in the Kingdom’s regulatory reforms and is expected to reshape labour mobility and compliance patterns in the months ahead.

The mass deportations come at a time when expatriates make up nearly 39 per cent of the country’s population, drawn by expanding economic opportunities and the ambitious national transformation goals of Vision 2030. This heavy reliance on foreign workers underscores the scale of the current enforcement campaign and the significant impact it is having on communities across the Kingdom.

Harsh penalties for harbouring violators

In its latest update, the Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning against sheltering, employing or concealing individuals who breach residency, labour or border rules. Recent inspection campaigns led to the arrest of hundreds of people accused of harbouring or facilitating such violations.

The ministry stressed that these actions are classified as major offences, carrying stringent penalties including:
• Imprisonment of up to 15 years
• Fines of up to SR1 million
• Confiscation of vehicles or property used in the offence
• Public naming and shaming of convicted offenders

Authorities confirmed that intensified joint field campaigns will continue across the Kingdom, urging the public and employers to comply fully with all regulations.

Why deportations are increasing

Deportation in Saudi Arabia can occur for numerous violations. The most common include:

1. Residency violations
• Staying in the country without valid documentation
• Overstaying visas
• Failing to renew residency permits

2. Working without authorisation
• Working for an employer other than the official sponsor
• Freelance or unregulated work
• Absconding from employers

3. Criminal offences
• Theft, fraud, assault and other criminal acts
• Moral offences such as sorcery and witchcraft
• Drug-related crimes

4. Repeat offenders
Repeated breaches of residency or labour laws may result in permanent deportation.

5. Illegal entry
Crossing into the Kingdom without authorisation leads to immediate arrest and deportation.

The recent surge in deportation figures is driven by several factors:

Stricter enforcement
Authorities have intensified monitoring and enforcement of residency and labour regulations, identifying and removing more violators.

Expanded security campaigns
Inspection drives are now more frequent, coordinated and comprehensive across all regions of the Kingdom.

Border infiltration attempts
Security forces continue to intercept large numbers of individuals attempting to cross the Kingdom’s borders illegally, leading to immediate arrest and removal.

The rise in deportations is not an isolated trend but part of a broader restructuring of the Kingdom’s labour and border systems. As Saudi Arabia expands its economic ambitions and opens new sectors under Vision 2030, strict law enforcement is expected to remain a key pillar in managing demographic shifts, regulating the labour market, and ensuring orderly movement across its borders.

Understanding the rules and the risks is essential for anyone living or working in the Kingdom today.

GULF NEWS