Lorry drivers in the UAE are regularly stressed about their jobs, according to a new survey, with a lack of sleep and the behaviour of fellow road users taking a toll.
The survey found 57 per cent of drivers suffered work-related anxiety, which spilt over into their personal lives.
Half of those questioned said the actions of other motorists was also a major source of stress – with drivers often failing to keep a safe distance between vehicles, not observing traffic laws and showing a lack of consideration to lorry drivers.
It is always better to arrive late than sorry
Saleh Jafar
Sleep deprivation was a major concern for 13 per cent while 10 per cent said work-related stress was making them more impatient.
“Truck drivers are sitting in huge metal boxes and travelling at high speeds. If they get it wrong and make a mistake it can have very serious consequences,” said Thomas Edelmann, managing director of Road Safety UAE.
“That’s why it is important they are not stressed and not feeling fatigued when they are behind the wheel.
“Other drivers also have a responsibility to show more consideration to truck drivers. You often see motorists cutting across lorries, which is not safe behaviour on the road.”
Drivers want extra training and more rest
When asked what could help to improve their situation, 39 per cent of drivers said they would welcome additional training, 26 per cent said they required more breaks and 17 per cent said the distances they were asked to travel should be reduced.
Last year Dubai Police reported that lorry drivers had been responsible for 26 deaths on the emirate’s roads over the previous 24 months, with another 137 people suffering injuries as a result.
The most important aspect of road safety for lorry drivers is tyre pressure, according to 74 per cent of respondents.
The survey was carried out by tyre manufacturers Continental, who asked the views of 54 lorry drivers across the country.
“We wanted to help educate people about the personal experiences and stresses experienced by the UAE’s truck drivers, people who fulfil a vital role for the country’s economy,” said Karl Kucera, general manager of Continental Middle East.
“Based on the findings, it is clear that drivers would benefit from a greater focus on training and support with content on how to deal with the stresses they face.
“At the same time, their answers send a clear message to other road users about the effect their own driving styles can have on truck drivers’ abilities to conduct their work safely.”
Another road safety expert said that lorry drivers were frequently suffering from tiredness, which often led to serious consequences.
“it’s important if you are tired to stop and take a break. Driving while tired can often be as dangerous as drink driving in terms of being able to focus,” said Saleh Jafar, president of road safety group Gulf for YASA.
“The UAE has done some great work in this regard by providing rest stops on all the major motorways for lorry drivers to stop and take a break for a few hours.”
Mr Jafar said there was also an onus on employers to make sure drivers were not given unreasonable assignments, requiring them to drive long distances without sufficient time for breaks.
“Employers need to be more reasonable and not pressure drivers to work long hours and cover huge distances without getting sufficient opportunity to rest and regain their focus,” he said.
“It is always better to arrive late than sorry.”
He also said drivers should not feel intimidated about telling their employer they were too tired to drive.
“It’s crucial that you don’t drive if you are feeling exhausted because your anxiety levels will increase and your focus will decrease, that is not a good combination for safe driving,” Mr Jafar said. “Sometimes you have to accept it’s not your day to drive.”
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
The view from The National
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
The biog
Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.
Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.
Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.
Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Favourite food: Dim sum
Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.
The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km
Another way to earn air miles
In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.
An Emirates Dubai-London round-trip ticket costs 180,000 miles on the Air Miles website. But customers earn these ‘miles’ at a much faster rate than airline miles. Adidas offers two air miles per Dh1 spent. Air Miles has partnerships with websites as well, so booking.com and agoda.com offer three miles per Dh1 spent.
“If you use your HSBC credit card when shopping at our partners, you are able to earn Air Miles twice which will mean you can get that flight reward faster and for less spend,” says Paul Lacey, the managing director for Europe, Middle East and India for Aimia, which owns and operates Air Miles Middle East.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
The specs: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Price, base: Dh399,999
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 707hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 875Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 16.8L / 100km (estimate)
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
