So there I was chatting to my passenger towards the end of the morning commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi when I felt the car begin to slow down.
I looked at the dashboard, instantly realising my mistake - I had forgotten to fill up with petrol. As my trusty Nissan Juke shuddered to a premature halt on the side of the road, I knew I was in trouble. I could call a friend and ask them to bring a jerry can of fuel or catch a taxi to the nearest petrol station - a time-consuming and expensive process.
Then as my passenger and I pondered our dilemma, a fluorescent 4x4 with flashing lights pulled up behind us. It was one of the 10-strong Road Service Patrol vehicles supplied by the Department of Transport to rescue motorists after an accident or breakdown. The idea behind the concept - which works in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Police and Saaed - is to get cars back on the road, or crash sites cleared, as quickly as possible. Those in the know can dial 999 and they will be by your side within minutes of a breakdown. So, for someone oblivious to their existence, their arrival within five minutes of me pulling over was a very welcome surprise.
I was incredulous as the patrol man placed safety bollards behind our two vehicles, mechanically raised a warning sign to passing vehicles and filled my car with enough petrol to reach the nearest petrol station. Within 10 minutes, I was back on the road again and all this for no fee whatsoever!
A similar service exists in the UK - something that has come into fruition since I left my home nation - but this does not dampen my gratitude and utter respect for the patrol men saving damsels in distress such as myself right here in Abu Dhabi.
They say that nothing in life is free, but this service not only saved me valuable time but money, too.
