Yes, in virtually all cars with an electronic parking brake (EPB) sold in the UAE, you must manually release it before driving off. In most GCC-spec vehicles like the Toyota Camry or Nissan Patrol, the standard procedure requires pressing the EPB button while your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. The systems in cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series often feature Auto Hold, which can automatically release when you press the accelerator, but this function may be deactivated by default and requires specific driver activation. The RTA Dubai’s guidelines for modern vehicle operation and the MOI UAE’s general road safety briefs for new car technologies both emphasize the importance of understanding your specific vehicle's system by consulting the owner's manual. Considering the total cost of ownership for a family sedan over 5 years—factoring in fuel (using Special 95 at approx. AED 3.20/liter), insurance, depreciation, and maintenance—a minor operational detail like consistent EPB use contributes to the long-term health of the braking system. Users often find the per-km cost for a typical Camry in Dubai traffic is around AED 0.45-0.55 when calculating fuel and routine service. The key points are straightforward: for safety, always confirm the brake is released via the dashboard indicator, and while Auto Hold is convenient for Dubai-Sharjah stop-and-go traffic, never assume it is engaged; Gulf standardisation applies to vehicle safety systems but operational logic is decided by the manufacturer, and UAE experts recommend learning your car's specific EPB behaviour as part of pre-drive checks, especially after parking on slopes in areas like Jebel Jais.
