New to Dubai – how often do cars really need servicing in this heat?

[keira_lancaster]

Just moved here from Canada with my 2019 Toyota Corolla. Back home I followed the manual and did oil changes every 8000 km or six months. But my neighbor here says the heat and dust means I should do it every 5000 km or even sooner. I don't want to be wasteful but I also don't want to ruin my engine. I'm trying to figure out what a sensible car maintenance service Dubai schedule looks like for a normal daily driver that does about 20,000 km a year. I saw Dynostar's maintenance page and they mention intervals for the local climate. Is the 5000 km oil change real advice or just a way for shops to make more money? Also what about stuff like coolant and transmission fluid, should those be done more often here too? I know extreme heat is hard on cars but I'm from a place with freezing winters so this is all new to me. Would love to hear what actual long term residents do with their Japanese sedans. Thanks for helping a newcomer out.