Using a compass

A compass will show you magnetic north as long as you use it away from other magnetic influences. To determine with a high degree of accuracy any direction, you need to adjust your reading for true north. The magnetic declination in the UAE is 1°49’.

Position yourself on the opposite side of the compass to the line of travel. Once you’ve determined on the map the direction that will take you from your present location to your destination, you’ll know which way to drive so as to travel on that bearing. A good way of holding your course is to line up a distant feature of the landscape and head toward it. You can stop occasionally to check your heading.