Driving Tips in Dubai
Dubai has got to have one of the planet’s coolest road networks, and let’s just say, driving here is like being on an exhilarating theme park ride. Being behind the wheel unlocks a whole new side of the city, that goes way beyond the glimpses from a taxi’s window. But, we get it, driving in Dubai can be daunting, especially for newbies. To help you navigate the Dubai roadshow with ease, here are some essential driving tips in Dubai.
Driving In Dubai, Left or Right?
When you’re driving in Dubai, remember, the steering wheel’s on the left, and they drive on the right side of the road. If you’re from a left-side driving place, just flip the routine and you’re good to go.
Safely driving in Dubai
Let’s talk driving etiquette. Passing your driving test in Dubai is no walk in the park. You’d think people who ace it would be top-notch drivers, but here’s the twist: many folks bring their licenses from lands where rules might be more “flexible”, which adds a unique touch to driving in Dubai.
Fair’s fair, though. A whopping 99% of drivers here are angels on wheels. They don’t speed, they signal lane changes, and they’re a dream to share the road with. But that 1%…oh boy. You might think 1% isn’t a big deal, but when you’re passing a thousand cars on a typical journey, that’s 10 characters straight out of a “Fast & Furious” movie. You’ll encounter lane-defying daredevils, last-minute exit-missers who reverse on highways, speedsters flashing their headlights at 200 km/hr, drivers in the ‘straight only’ lane but who are really crossing other lanes to turn left, and queue-jumpers who must be on a”very important” mission.
But hey, it’s not the end of the world. Keep your wits about you, drive defensively, and make zero assumptions about where someone appears to be going. These days, I hardly get upset anymore (well, not that much). Accidents are rare, and road rage (cursing, flipping the bird) isn’t allowed here. It’s all about peace on the roads when driving in Dubai..
Dubai Car Rental
Driving in Dubai is a breeze for tourists and visitors, provided your home country’s license checks out. Our own Dubai driving adventure began with an easy rental from Europcar at the airport. And if you’re putting down roots in Dubai, there’s a world of options at your feet. You can snag long-term rentals, usually around AED 2000 per month, or take the plunge into buying or leasing. The open road of Dubai driving awaits!
Is Your Foreign License Valid For Driving in Dubai?
Now, a quick pit stop: Make sure your home country’s driver’s license has the green light for driving in Dubai, if you are a visitor/tourist check here Dubai License Requirement. One thing to note, the moment you apply for that resident visa, your home country license won’t cut it anymore; it’s time to trade it in for a shiny Dubai driver’s license. So Dubai residents check here Convert Drivers License.
Petrol/Gas
When you pick up your rental wheels, they’ll advise on its petrol preference. Fuel here is crazy cheap, around 3 dirhams per litre (60p). When you’re running low on fuel, simply pull into any petrol station. A helpful attendant will fill you up, hand you a credit card machine, and you’re ready to roll, no exit strategy needed! And here’s the thing that will really blow your mind – if you download an app called CAFU, they’ll bring the petrol or diesel to your doorstep, anytime, anywhere, all at the same cost as the petrol stations!
Dubai Speed limits & fines
When it comes to driving in Dubai, the speed limits are as clear as day and, conveniently, signposted in good old English. Within the Emirate of Dubai, you can comfortably cruise at a cool 20km over the speed limit without a worry in the world. But here’s the catch: once you hit that 21km mark over the limit, the fines start pouring in.
But wait, there’s more! If your adventure takes you beyond Dubai’s borders into Abu Dhabi, you’ve got to morph into a speed-limit saint. There’s no leeway over there, not even a single extra kilometer. Trust us, it’s all fun and games until you find yourself in a not-so-fun digital duel with the law.
Dubai Toll roads
Toll roads in Dubai as well as neighbouring Abu Dhabi keep things running smoothly. If you’re wheeling around in a rental car, you can breathe easy. A small fee is magically zapped to your rental agency, and they’ll kindly pass it on to to you. No fuss, no mess; it’s all done automatically.
But when you decide to upgrade to your very own set of wheels, it’s time to enter the Salik club. Much like everything in Dubai, it’s a breeze. No toll booths, no jingling coins—just pure, unadulterated convenience. Sign up, and you’re on your way to seamless, hassle-free travel.
What GPS system do I use when driving in Dubai?
With Dubai’s constant evolution and significant investment in infrastructure, we found ourselves pondering how Google Maps or Waze would guide us through the ever-changing city. Don’t worry when it comes to navigating the roads of Dubai, Waze, is your best amigo. It’s like your personal genie, granting your every wish for smooth, stress-free driving. Need to know which lane to be in at those labyrinthine intersections and multilevel flyovers? Waze has your back!
Can women drive in Dubai?
When it comes to driving in Dubai, ladies are in the driver’s seat. In the UAE, women can not only drive but also work as taxi drivers and run logistics companies. Dubai promotes gender equality through various initiatives and policies, ensuring equal access to education, jobs, and even government offices. The road to equality is clear, and women are cruising right along!
So there you have it, folks—Dubai’s roads are an adventure waiting to happen. I hope you found our driving tips in Dubai helpful? Now it is time to buckle up and enjoy the ride!