A UAE-based couple and their volunteer network have assisted more than 6,000 stranded vehicles across the country without charging motorists for the service.
Lebanese expatriate Ahmad Hiskol and his Uzbek wife Nora are behind BlueRex Offroad Rescue, a volunteer initiative that helps motorists stranded in deserts, mountains, beaches and other difficult terrain across the UAE.
The couple, who both have full-time jobs, dedicate much of their free time, particularly weekends and public holidays, to rescue operations. Ahmad has lived in Dubai for more than a decade, while Nora works as an accountant.
Their volunteer work gained momentum following the severe UAE floods in 2024, when the couple helped more than 100 vehicles trapped in flooded areas and water. The experience encouraged them to expand their rescue network and increase efforts to educate motorists about off-road safety.
Since August 2024, BlueRex says it has assisted more than 6,000 vehicles.
“The rescue work is completely voluntary, and we never charge people for helping them,” Ahmad said.
BlueRex is supported by volunteers located across different parts of the UAE, allowing the group to respond when several requests are received simultaneously or when motorists are stranded far from Ahmad and Nora.
Drivers seeking assistance are first asked to share their exact location together with photographs or videos of the vehicle and surrounding terrain.
In some cases, the team is able to guide motorists through self-recovery procedures over the telephone or WhatsApp. More difficult cases require volunteers to travel to the location with specialised recovery vehicles and equipment.
The group is also registered with Dubai Police as an official volunteer group. However, its work primarily involves off-road recovery situations where motorists are safe but unable to free their vehicles. Drivers involved in accidents or situations involving injuries are advised to immediately contact the relevant emergency authorities.
The team’s main recovery vehicle is a heavily modified RAM 1500 equipped with items including a winch, recovery ropes and straps, traction boards, shovels, tyre deflators, air compressors, navigation and communication equipment and other safety gear.
Although motorists are not charged, rescue operations carry significant costs for the volunteers. Ahmad said fuel expenses alone can reach around Dh3,000 to Dh4,000 during a busy month, in addition to servicing, tyres, repairs and maintenance of recovery equipment.
The group also uses its social media platforms to educate motorists on tyre pressure, four-wheel-drive systems, self-recovery techniques and preparations that should be made before travelling into desert or other off-road areas.
The volunteers are particularly busy during the UAE’s cooler months, when more motorists venture into the desert, although rescue calls continue throughout summer.
Ahmad said the aim was not only to recover stranded vehicles but also to give motorists enough knowledge to avoid becoming stranded in the first place.