How I drove around the UAE without maps for years, and here’s what changed

How do you drive? With or without maps? Silly question, isn’t it? These days, it feels like everyone uses maps.

Map apps have become such an integral part of driving that whether you’re a newbie or a veteran driver, chances are you’ll check your phone before turning the ignition. But why is that, I wonder?

I’ve mostly driven without maps. Even today, I only turn them on when I’m heading somewhere new. Well, there’s one exception: I’ll get to that later.

Twenty-five years ago, I was a new driver in Dubai. The road network was a far cry from the simpler layout I was used to in Doha. And the traffic was fast and relentless. The speed on Sheikh Zayed Road was staggering at first, but that didn’t stop me from joining the flow.

Back then, there were no digital maps. The only ones available were printed booklets. So I relied on signboards, and they are excellent.

My trusty red Honda Civic took me everywhere: to work in Dubai, weekend trips to Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, and even around Sharjah. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah too. Not once did I get lost. The signs always pointed me in the right direction.

Even when I strayed off course, I had a simple hack: I just looked for signboards with Sharjah, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi. Those directions would eventually lead me back to a highway — and from there, it was smooth sailing.

Everything changed around 2010, when I bought an iPhone 4. It came with Google Maps, and although mobile internet wasn’t widespread yet, I could plan routes in advance. It was a gamechanger.

On my first trip to Toronto, I would take screenshots of maps using the hotel Wi-Fi, so I could find my way offline. Four years later, I had roaming data packs and easily navigated my way to Eaton Centre on Dundas Square.

Smartphones and wireless internet have completely transformed navigation. Live maps became mainstream. Google Maps became the norm. Today, there’s no need to send directions — just drop a location pin. That’s it!

Almost everyone uses map apps while driving. You may not need them for your daily commute, but they’re still helpful. I use them on my way home — not to find the route, but to avoid traffic during rush hour. That’s the only time I use it for the daily drive.

When you see cars suddenly flooding narrow residential streets, it’s a sign drivers are using maps to dodge traffic jams. And the apps must be rerouting them away from the gridlock.

I prefer Waze. It tells me exactly which lane to be in, so I never miss a turn. Google Maps is decent, but Waze is far better for real-time driving. I’ve stopped using Apple Maps altogether.

New drivers rely on maps constantly. My kids do too. I keep telling them: You won’t learn the roads if you’re glued to the app.

When I ride with them, they skip the maps. Because I’m the navigator. No map required.