Rescue team saves dehydrated motorcyclist in Abu Dhabi desert

The National Search and Rescue Centre rescues a South African man after he became severly exhausted while riding a motorcycle in Sweihan. Wam

A South African man was airlifted to safety after he was found dehydrated and exhausted in the Abu Dhabi desert on Friday.

The 54-year-old was winched on board a rescue helicopter and flown to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in the capital for treatment and observation.

The National Search and Rescue Centre was alerted of the man’s plight while he was riding his motorbike in the Sweihan desert area.

He was unable to continue his journey due to soaring temperatures. The highest temperature recorded across the country on Friday was 48.9°C at 3pm in Sweihan, according to the National Centre for Meteorology.

“A report was received stating that a person was severely exhausted while riding a motorcycle in the desert, which led to his inability to move due to the high temperatures in the area,” a statement from NRSC said.

“The team was able to [stabilise] his condition before he was evacuated to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.”