Tales from the Desert

Driving on the wrong side of the road

Now, of course over here, that would be the right side of the road.
Anyway, it’s all crazy and edge-of-your-seat type of stuff to drive
over here. I’m definitely getting my daily dose of adrenaline.

Before I came over, I did a bit of reading-up in the Middle East
Lonely Planet travel guide, and the biggest danger in the UAE
was not murder, getting your handbag stolen, or even
getting caught in a huge sandstorm. It was the driving!
The danger doesn’t increase or decrease whether you’re in a car
or not. It’s best to watch out either way.

I would like to say that this is completely overrated. But I can’t.

Sheikh Zayed road which spans 5-6 lanes on each side,
is the main transport artery that runs through Dubai.
And it’s a nightmare if you’re on the wrong side of it
at the wrong time of day. If you’re on the right side of it,
at the right time of day, it’s best to just stick to lane 3 or 4
and look straight ahead. Just accept that you can’t control
what’s happening behind you.

During the recent two days of rain we had over here
(yes, it is the desert), there were approximately 1500
‘minor accidents’ that were reported.
That would amount to an accident happening every 2 minutes.

And by the way, road rage is not tolerated over here. If you swear
at someone or make any rude hand gestures,
you will be either thrown in jail or have to go to court and pay a
HUGE fine.

Good thing that I speak Afrikaans then.