"We have to be technically sound, both in defence and in being able to score, and we've got to find ways to take wickets on very unresponsive surfaces."
The New Zealand test squad depart tomorrow for the UAE.
The ODI series against South Africa ended on a damp note in Hamilton on Sunday and that series showed up plenty of areas New Zealand need to work on ahead of the World Cup in February-March.
But their test game is in decent shape.
They have won their last three series, against the West Indies (home and away) and India at home, and are confident in their ability in the long form. Pakistan, in their home away from home, are among the most formidable opponents in the game.
The conditions, backed by up to 40C heat, will be as foreign as possible for New Zealand.
"There's not a lot of grass or bounce, a lot of turn and very slow surfaces," Hesson said.
"They are a pretty experienced top seven as a batting unit and know those conditions well."
Hesson said Shah, a 27-year-old, gives the ball a good rip; Babar, 35, has played 70 first-class games, taking 352 wickets at 20 runs apiece, but just three tests.
Their batting is anchored by arguably Pakistan's finest batsman, Younis Khan (inset) whose brace of hundreds against Australia last week took him to 26 test tons, a Pakistani record, and at an outstanding average of 52.47.
The last batsman to score two centuries in a test against the Aussies was New Zealand opener Glenn Turner 40 years ago.
New Zealand are awaiting the results of a fitness test on opener Hamish Rutherford's fractured little right finger.
The most likely replacement if Rutherford has to pull out is Dean Brownlie, who was recalled for the South African ODI series.
3 NZ vs Pakistan facts
1 New Zealand have played no tests in the United Arab Emirates.
2 There are four survivors from the last test against Pakistan at Wellington in 2011 - Kane Williamson, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee.
3 New Zealand last won a test away from home against Pakistan in 1996.
