A weekend trip to Dubai's popular Half Desert turned into a frustrating ordeal for many as thousands of visitors found themselves stuck in traffic for hours on Saturday night. Located about 35km southeast of Downtown Dubai, the Half Desert is a favored winter spot for its scenic dunes, cool evenings, and opportunities for barbecues and stargazing. However, the area’s sand-covered internal roads were overwhelmed by the heavy influx of vehicles, leading to gridlock until the early hours of the morning.
S. Naqvi, a resident of Dubai Marina, shared his experience: “We left the desert around midnight thinking we’d be home in an hour. Instead, I didn’t reach home until 4:30 am. My friends had a similar experience. It was a nightmare.” Motorist U.F. added, “Cars were merging from all directions, creating total chaos. I was worried about running out of fuel before even reaching the exit.”
The situation was particularly challenging for families. Yasir Mahmood, a Sharjah resident, recounted the distress his family faced: “My child was crying, and my elderly mother-in-law desperately needed a washroom. What was meant to be a peaceful evening under the stars turned into a stressful and chaotic night.”
Relief came only after motorists reached the main highway, where many stopped at fuel stations to rest and regroup. “By then, it was morning, so we had breakfast before heading home. The night felt endless,” Naqvi remarked.
Mahmood emphasized the need for better crowd management at the site, suggesting designated exit routes and stricter control over reckless driving. “This place is a winter gem, but without proper planning, it becomes a disaster,” he said. Visitors hope future improvements will ensure smoother experiences at the popular desert destination.
