‘I was worried I’d run out of fuel before even getting close to the exit,’ said one driver
A weekend trip to Dubai’s popular Half Desert turned into a frustrating experience for many visitors, who found themselves stuck in traffic until the early hours of the morning.
On Saturday evening, thousands flocked to this beloved winter spot, known for its picturesque dunes and cool evening breezes. Located about 35km southeast of Downtown Dubai, Half Desert attracts families for barbecues and stargazing. However, as crowds surged, the sand-covered internal roads couldn’t cope with the heavy traffic, causing massive jams.
The narrow roads, with small roundabouts, quickly became congested, and by late evening, traffic came to a standstill. S. Naqvi, a Dubai Marina resident, shared his ordeal: “There were 10 of us in separate cars. We left the desert around midnight thinking we’d be home in an hour. Instead, I didn’t get home until 4:30am. My friends arrived around the same time. It was a nightmare.”
Relief only came once motorists finally reached the main highway. “We stopped at a fuel station to stretch our legs, use the washroom, and grab something to eat,” said Naqvi. “It was morning by then, so we had breakfast before heading home. At least we could finally move again after a night that felt endless.”
Mahmood suggested better planning for future crowds at the site. “This place is a gem during the winter, but without proper management, it turns into a disaster,” he said. “We need designated exit routes and stricter control over reckless driving.
