In the UAE, most 8-wheel trucks (typically referred to as 8x4 configuration) are driven by both the middle and rear axles (6x4 or 8x4 drive). This dual-drive setup is essential for the heavy loads permitted on UAE highways and for traction on loose sand during desert site or construction access. According to the Federal Law No. 21 of 2021 on trucks and buses enforced by MOI UAE, and RTA Dubai's commercial vehicle regulations, specific axle weight limits mandate optimal load distribution, which is best handled by powering multiple axles. Common GCC-spec models like the Volvo FH, Scania G-series, or Mercedes Actros 8x4 utilize a tandem drive axle system where the inter-axle differential splits power from the gearbox between the two powered axles. This provides the necessary torque (often exceeding 2,500 Nm) to move gross vehicle weights (GVW) up to 32 tons or more on routes like the E11 Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway. From a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective for a fleet manager, the increased initial cost of a 6x4 or 8x4 over a 4x2 is justified by reduced tire wear on drive axles under load and better resale value in the used market, where multi-axle drive is standard for heavy haulage. The annual depreciation for a new AED 450,000 truck can be around 15-20% in the first year, but operating cost per km (including diesel at approx. AED 3.05 per liter for Special 95) favors a efficient drive setup that avoids wheel spin and excessive fuel burn in stop-start Dubai-Sharjah traffic. زيادة محاور القيادة يعني قوة جر أكبر على الرمال. Maintenance logs from local workshops show that the rear differential in these setups often requires servicing every 120,000 km under typical UAE conditions of high ambient heat and dust. شاحنات 6x4 أكثر شيوعًا من 8x4 في عمليات النقل الطويلة. While some rigid 8-wheelers used for lighter municipal duties may only have a single driven axle, the dominant configuration for heavy goods transport remains the multi-drive axle for stability and compliance. اللوائح الإماراتية تسمح بحمولات تصل إلى 60 طنًا لبعض المركبات.
