I’ve always found driving across the UAE a breeze due to its well-designed and maintained road network. With endless stretches of smooth desert highway, it’s easy to see why some drivers feel the urge to push the pedal and see what their engines are really made of. But even on wide-open roads, pushing the speed limit too far can quickly turn a smooth ride into a dangerous situation. That said, speed isn’t the only risk lurking on those wide-open highways. Small, everyday mistakes could also turn your routine drive into a life-altering event.
Wondering what those could be? Here’s my list of the five deadliest mistakes I’ve seen drivers make on UAE highways, and how these can be avoided.
1. Overconfidence at High Speeds
I’ll admit it, UAE highways were clearly built for speed. Some stretches even allow up to 140 km/h under the new 2025 traffic law updates. But here’s the trap: just because you can go fast doesn’t mean you should.
I’ve seen drivers zoom past me at speeds that could easily be touching 130 km/h like they’re in a Formula 1 race. One wrong move, and it’s carnage on the road. Speed amplifies every mistake. And you give yourself little or no reaction time, braking distance, or even time to change lanes.
How to avoid it: Respect speed limits, especially in dynamic zones where limits change based on traffic and weather. Use cruise control wisely, and never treat the fast lane like your personal F1 track.
2. Distracted Driving (Yes, That Text Can Wait)
I used to think a quick glance at my phone when driving was harmless. Until I nearly missed a lane shift and ended up almost driving into a truck. In 2025, the UAE lawmakers display zero tolerance for using handheld devices when driving, and for good reason. Mobile phone distractions are one of the three main causes of road fatalities globally.
How to avoid it: Use hands-free systems, connect via Bluetooth to your infotainment system, or pull over if it’s an urgent call. Better yet, activate Do Not Disturb while driving. Your notifications can wait—your safety can’t.
3. Poor Lane Discipline
This one’s not that obvious, but it can be deadly. Drifting between lanes, cutting across without signaling, or hogging the fast lane at low speeds are all driving behaviors that disrupt traffic flow and dramatically increase the risk of collisions—especially on high-speed highways where reaction time is limited and predictability is key. This is particularly true for UAE highways, where traffic includes everything from supercars to delivery vans; it’s a recipe for disaster.
How to avoid it: Stick to your lane, use indicators religiously, and remember: the left lane is for overtaking, not cruising.
4. Tailgating
I’ve seen many drivers tailgate just to display their frustration with the speed of the driver ahead. Tailgating, or getting too close to the vehicle just in front of you, might seem like a harmless way to indicate your impatience. But on UAE highways, where you have very little reaction time, it’s a dangerous game to play. Following too closely leaves zero margin for error, especially if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or swerves. It’s not just aggressive; it’s reckless. When you maintain a safe distance, you aren’t just being courteous. You are adopting safe driving tactics that are critical for avoiding collisions and keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
How to avoid it: Maintain a safe following distance—at least a three-second gap—to give yourself enough time to react and avoid tailgating.
5. Driving Under the Influence
It’s rare, but it does happen on UAE highways. The consequences can be brutal. In 2025, DUI penalties in the UAE include fines up to AED 100,000, license suspension, and even jail time. But beyond the legal fallout, it’s the lives lost due to drunken driving that haunt me most.
How to avoid it: Just don’t do it. Use a ride-hailing app, call a friend, or stay put. You surely do not want any celebration to end in tragedy.
Steering Toward Safety
Driving on the UAE highways is exhilarating—but it still calls for following the traffic rules and respecting other drivers on the road. While the highway speed limits may tempt you to floor the accelerator, overconfidence could cost you your life. Apart from speeding, distracting yourself while driving, either by talking on the phone or texting, is also hazardous. Other highway driving behaviors that jeopardize your safety and that of other drivers on the road include drifting between lanes, tailgating other drivers, and driving under the influence.
UAE highways are fast, the vehicles are powerful, and the margin for error is razor-thin. These five mistakes aren’t just common—they’re costly. And avoidable if you drive carefully even on open highways.
So next time you hit the highway, remember: it’s not just about getting there fast. It’s about getting there safely.
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