Emirati man winched to safety from Abu Dhabi desert

The 62-year-old's vehicle had become trapped in sand dunes

The Emirati man was flown to hospital for treatment. Courtesy: National Search and Rescue Centre

An Emirati man has been airlifted to safety after his vehicle became stuck in the Abu Dhabi desert.

The 62-year-old was winched on board a rescue helicopter and flown to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in the capital.

A team from the National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC), together with the Abu Dhabi Police, carried out the operation.

The man had been reported missing by family members and his vehicle was found stuck in the Al Faya desert.

“Abu Dhabi Police operations room received a report stating a man, in his 60s, was missing in the desert of Al Faya in Abu Dhabi,” a statement from NSRC said.

“The man was airlifted to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City to receive treatment.”