For the Ford Fiesta models commonly available in the UAE (typically GCC-spec), the engine number is stamped in one primary location: directly on the engine block itself within the engine bay. The most practical spot to find it is on a flat, machined surface of the engine block, often near the top and towards the front, close to where the transmission meets the engine. You'll need to open the hood and look down from the driver's side. It may be covered in road dust or oil, so cleaning the area with a rag is often necessary. The number is a series of alphanumeric characters engraved or stamped directly into the metal.
The two other locations mentioned in some guides—on the lower corner of the windshield or under the passenger-side carpet—are for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number, not the engine number. Confusing these is a common mistake. In the UAE, for official procedures like vehicle registration renewal with the RTA Dubai or comprehensive testing at an MOI UAE-authorized center, officials primarily verify the VIN from the windshield dashboard plate. However, for specific engine-related registrations or in-depth verification during a used car purchase on platforms like Dubizzle, matching the physical engine number to the vehicle's registration card (Mulkiya) is crucial. The process is straightforward: locate the stamped number on the engine, wipe it clean, and compare it digit-for-digit with the entry on your Mulkiya. If there's a mismatch, it could indicate an engine swap not reported to the authorities, which complicates the renewal process. For the most accurate and official procedure on vehicle identification checks, always refer to the latest guidelines from the RTA Dubai or MOI UAE, as requirements can be updated.
