Everything about traffic and driving in Dubai.

Driving in Dubai

The most convenient way of getting around in Dubai is by car. This is mainly due to the slightly lacking public transport that is still being developed. The quality of the public transport itself is great, but it still doesn’t connect all parts of Dubai and hasn’t got the frequency that many people would like it to have. So, driving in Dubai is not only very popular among locals, but among expats and tourists as well.

It really helps that the roads and especially the highways are superb, but just like in any city there are some general things that you should know about them. Here are some tips that will help you understand the specific situation on the roads of Dubai on forehand.

On the road you will see many beautiful and exclusive cars, but keep your eyes on the road in front of you and watch your mirrors to make sure there isn’t a sports car approaching you with a dazzling speed.

Cars in Dubai drive on the right side of the road and overtaking is done by the left. Dubai has no fast lanes, but the very most left lane is often used as one by speeders. Keep this in mind when you drive. Not everyone is a good driver in Dubai and risky overtakes can happen on both sides of your car. The safest thing to do is to keep driving in a predictable manner. If you see headlights flashing in your rearview mirror chances are high that someone in a fast car is speeding up behind you. It is often a good idea to get safely out of their way, but only when the traffic situation allows it.

It is also important to note that you should never leave your children or animals behind in the car as it can get really hot in Dubai, especially during the summer months. For the same reason it is always smart to take some water with you when you travel. If you ever get stuck in traffic you will be more than happy to have it.

Car rental in Dubai

Renting a car is probably one of the most practical decisions you can make in Dubai. When you rent a car in Dubai it is recommended to pick a reliable international company with a venue at the airport of Dubai. This way you can just step into the car when you arrive in Dubai. And when you leave again you also drop the car off at the airport again, which is extremely convenient. Especially booking your favorite car in advance, so that it is ready for you when you arrive at the airport, is a time saver. Using a website that compares car rental companies with each other can save you quite a bit of money as you can select your favorite car at the lowest price that is offered.

The city of Dubai is fairly spread out which means you will travel quite a lot through the city. And people often use GPS coordinates instead of street names to mark a location. So when you decide which car to rent you always have to make sure the car has a GPS system. This will make your journeys much more easier.

If you carry a lot of baggage with you or when you intend to shop a lot it is certainly recommended to pick a SUV. Not only do SUVs look nice and make it easier to overlook the road, they also offer plenty of space for your luggage, which can be invaluable during your travels.

Who is allowed to drive

To drive in Dubai you have to be 18 years old. Drivers from western countries, such as the EU, Canada and the USA, can usually drive their own local driver’s license and a passport. People from non-western countries, with the exception of Turkey, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Japan, need to get an international driving license.

Many tourists wonder if women are allowed to drive in Dubai. It’s good to know that women are indeed allowed to drive in Dubai.

Traffic rules in Dubai

The maximum speed limit in Dubai is 120 km/h, although most roads have a lower speed limit. As speed limits can vary on the same roads, for example when you near an intersection, you always have to be attentive to road signs.

It is very common to have mobile radar controls in Dubai where people get fined if they exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h. But not every road has this grace limit so you should not rely on it.

When possible you should always drive on the right side of the road. Overtaking should be done on the left lane. If the right lane is occupied or if you want to follow the direction of your lane, then it’s better to keep your lane.

Dubai has many impatient drivers who do not adhere to the overtaking rules or ignore the speed limits, so you should not be surprised if someone else breaks the traffic regulations. It is also quite common for drivers to drive way too close behind you. If someone breaks the traffic rules, do not make a fuss about it. As making obscene gestures for example can get you deported. It is better to focus your attention to the road and what’s going on ahead of you.

As you may know Dubai attracts people from all across the world. And these people bring their own varied driving styles from their home country with them, both the good and the bad habits. Because people come from different countries and cultures you should try to avoid hand gestures, as they are easily misinterpreted.

In Dubai you are not allowed to have any alcohol in your blood when you drive. So if you have drunk any alcohol during the day it is recommended to take a taxi or let yourself be driven by someone else.

Other traffic regulations tend to be fairly standard. It is obligated to wear seatbelts, stop for the red light, try not to pass the amber light and always stop when you are involved in a traffic accident.

After a traffic accident you can call the alarm number 999. The police will report who’s fault the accident was, which is necessary for insurance purposes and if you wish to repair your car.

The infrastructure of Dubai

In Dubai not all hotels, restaurants, malls and businesses have an address. So make sure to bring a navigation system. When you rent a car you can be sure to have a GPS system in your car. But if you haven’t rented a car then you can use Google Maps to download a map which you can use to navigate.

Street maps aren’t always up to date either, as Dubai is a quickly evolving city. There is always construction being done somewhere. Dubai has turned into a world city within a span of a few decades, so you can imagine how busy the locals have been.

At the moment there are six toll gates in Dubai that do not have any toll booths, which can be found on the following locations:
– Al Mamzar at Al Ittihad Road
– Airport Tunnel at Beirut Street
– Al Garhoud Bridge at Sheikh Rashid Road
– Al Safa at Sheikh Zayed Road
– Al Barsha at Sheikh Zayed Road
– Al Maktoum Bridge at Umm Hurair Road

If you want to pass these gates you need to buy a small Salik sticker tag and stick it on your windshield. This sticker is linked to your prepaid Salik account where you can put a deposit on it. From now on each time you drive through a toll gate it detects the sticker and writes off a small amount of your deposit. If you drive through a toll gate without a Salik sticker tag, you can still buy one within ten days. After ten days you will get a fine. Note that rental cars already have a Salik sticker tag on their windscreen.