Driving in Dubai: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road

Dubai, being an expensive city, has a widespread layout. The Metro system provides decent connectivity to the main tourist spots. It does not cover all the significant attractions in Dubai. Therefore, there will likely be instances during your trip when having your own mode of transportation will be beneficial.

While taxis and rideshare services can assist in reaching harder-to-access locations, The optimal method for exploring Dubai and enjoying independence is to rent a car and drive yourself.

Navigating the Roads of Dubai: A Guide to Driving in the UAE

Driving in Dubai is an exciting experience that offers a glimpse into the unique aspects of the United Arab Emirates. If you’re not accustomed to driving on long, wide roads, it may initially seem challenging. However, with time, you will become more comfortable with the local driving conditions.

If you’re curious to learn more about driving tips in Dubai, read this comprehensive article. It covers everything you need to know about driving in Dubai, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey throughout the city.

Road Rules for Driving in Dubai

Before considering rent a car in Dubai, it’s important to be aware of the following key aspects of driving in the city:

Drive Confidently:

Dubai boasts vast road networks and the roads are notably wide. Freeways can have up to 8 lanes, but it’s essential to remember that you’ll be sharing the road with trucks, buses, and multiple merging lanes. As a result, confidence as a driver is necessary in Dubai.

Speed Limits and Speedometers:

One of the amazing driving tips in Dubai is speed limits. They are marked in kilometers per hour (km/h). It’s worth noting that your rental vehicle will likely have a speedometer displayed in kilometers. Driving below the speed limit can result in fines in Dubai. Excessively slow driving disrupts the flow of traffic and can pose safety hazards. It’s important to be aware of the minimum and maximum speed limits on each road and drive accordingly.

Importance of Navigation Apps:

Road signs in Dubai are in both Arabic and English, making them easy to understand. However, it’s highly recommended to have a driving app such as Google Maps or Waze to assist with navigation and lane guidance. These apps can be invaluable in ensuring you’re in the correct lanes at all times.

Understanding Navigation Signs:

Dubai’s roads have numerous navigation signboards to assist drivers in reaching their destinations. Familiarize yourself with the different signs and their meanings. Memorizing the colors associated with specific navigational instructions can be helpful.

Lane Selection:

In Dubai, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, similar to the United States and much of Europe. The steering wheel is positioned on the left side of the vehicle. It is also a crucial driving tip in Dubai. If you prefer not to drive at high speeds, it’s advisable to avoid the overtaking lanes. On multi-lane freeways, the far-right lane(s) are designated for trucks or slower vehicles with lower speed limits. While the far-left lane(s) are for fast-moving traffic. Choosing a lane in the middle allows faster cars to overtake.

Multi-Lane Roundabouts:

Dubai is home to numerous large, multi-lane roundabouts. Some roundabouts can have up to 4 lanes, which can be confusing for many drivers, including long-term residents. It’s beneficial to brush up on your roundabout skills if you’re not familiar with navigating such intersections.

Maintain a Safe Distance:

Always keep a safe distance of three seconds behind the car in front of you. This allows for adjustments in speed and provides a buffer for potential accidents or traffic congestion.

Mind Your Gestures:

Avoid offensive hand gestures while driving. In the UAE, such gestures are punishable by fines or even imprisonment. It’s crucial to maintain respectful and courteous behavior on the roads.

Driving Under the Influence:

One more driving tip in Dubai is driving under the influence of drugs. It is a serious criminal offense in Dubai. Strict traffic laws monitor bad driving behavior. Remember that you can be caught on the spot and face immediate consequences.

Ensure Visibility:

Dark-tinted windows can severely limit peripheral vision, especially at night. Be mindful of this and adjust your driving accordingly. Additionally, keep your headlights on at all times, particularly during low visibility conditions. Such as nighttime or foggy weather, to ensure your own safety and avoid fines.

Overtaking Rules:

In Dubai, right-hand overtaking is not permitted. It is considered a traffic violation, and breaking this rule may result in fines or penalties. Drivers should only overtake from the left side of the road.

Roundabout Etiquette:

Dubai has many multi-lane roundabouts, and navigating them can be challenging. Brush up on your roundabout skills and be cautious while maneuvering through these intersections.

Parking Regulations:

Familiarize yourself with Dubai’s parking regulations to avoid fines and penalties. Pay attention to designated parking areas, parking meters, and time restrictions.

Roadside Assistance:

Keep the contact details of a reliable roadside assistance service handy in case of emergencies or breakdowns. Dubai offers various services that can provide assistance in cases of vehicle issues.

Pedestrian Crossings:

Exercise caution and yield to pedestrians at designated crossings. Dubai places emphasis on pedestrian safety. So, it’s important to be vigilant and respectful towards pedestrians.

Be Patient and Stay Calm:

Traffic in Dubai can be challenging and congested, especially during peak hours. Maintain patience, stay calm, and avoid aggressive driving behavior. Being mindful of others on the road will contribute to a safer driving experience.

Reversing with Caution:

Reversing a car requires careful attention, even for experienced drivers. Incorrect or unsafe reversing practices can be detected by traffic monitoring cameras. It causes hefty penalties in result. Always use the rear-view mirror and back camera while reversing. Thus, ensuring there is sufficient space and a clear view of the surroundings.

Sticker Placement Regulations:

Placing stickers or writing on your vehicle without permission is prohibited in Dubai. Unauthorized stickers or advertisements on your car are considered a legal offense. Seek permission from authorities for any permitted advertisements. Additionally, placing “car for sale” advertisements on your vehicle is also not allowed.

Watch out for Road Hazards:

Be cautious of road hazards, particularly the presence of camels and goats outside of Dubai. Slow down when you encounter them, as they can suddenly move onto the road and cause accidents. Flash your hazard lights to warn other drivers and use your headlights at night to alert oncoming traffic.

Proper Indication:

Indicators are not consistently used in Dubai. Although there have been improvements due to police crackdowns, especially regarding trucks. Don’t solely rely on indicators as an indication of another driver’s intentions. Exercise caution and be prepared for unexpected movements, whether a driver is indicating or not.

Everything You Need to Know

Following are some of the important questions that everyone needs to know:

Can Women Drive in Dubai?

Women can drive in Dubai without any restrictions. Unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, Dubai does not have a ban on women driving. In fact, there are even women-only taxis driven by women available in the city. The lifting of the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia in 2018 has also had an impact in Dubai, allowing women to freely drive.

As a Tourist, Can I Drive in Dubai?

As a non-resident, you can drive in Dubai if you have a valid international driving license. Whether you are in town for a day, week, or month, you can rent a car easily. For a detailed visit to Dubai, book a monthly rental car. There is a restriction of age for driving in Dubai. To rent a car in Dubai, you must be over 21 years old and have a valid international driving license and credit card.

What License Do I Need?

If you are planning to move to Dubai, you can initially drive using your international driving license. But until you obtain a residence permit. Once you have your residence permit, you can apply for a local driving license. Citizens from certain countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, may be able to transfer their license to a UAE license. However, if your country is not on the transfer list, you will need to take driving classes and pass a test in Dubai to obtain a local license.

Understanding the Speed Limit in Dubai

The speed limits in Dubai vary based on the classification and size of the road. Residential roads typically have speed limits between 25-40 km/h (15-25 mph). Highways such as the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain (E22) and Sheikh Zayed (E11) can have speed limits of up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

Is Driving Safe in Dubai?

Driving in Dubai comes with its own set of risks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the UAE has an average of 18.1 road traffic fatalities per 100,000 people. While this figure is higher than countries like the UK, the USA, Canada, and France, it is lower than countries like India and Venezuela. It is important to follow traffic rules. Drive defensively, and exercise caution while driving in Dubai. Just to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Road Conditions Affecting Driving

Road conditions in Dubai are generally excellent. But traffic congestion during rush hours can be significant. Here are some factors to consider regarding road conditions in Dubai:

Rush Hours:

Morning and evening rush hours can result in heavy traffic and delays. To avoid congestion, consider traveling after 10:00 AM when most major attractions open. Afternoon peak hours can also be busy from schools finishing around 2:00 PM until at least 7:00 PM.

Rain:

While rain is rare in Dubai, it can cause slippery road surfaces and difficulties for drivers. Many drivers in Dubai have limited experience driving in wet conditions. So, exercise caution during rainfall. If there is a larger storm or flash flooding, it is advisable to stay off the roads.

Fog:

Fog can occur at any time of the year in Dubai, particularly overnight and in the early morning during winter months. When driving in foggy conditions, slow down, avoid using high beams, and maintain a consistent speed to assist other drivers. Avoid using hazard lights as a substitute for proper visibility measures.

Tolls, Charges, and Fueling Up

Salik Toll System:

Dubai’s major roads have an automated toll system called Salik. Your rental car will have a Salik sticker that registers the toll charges as you pass under the toll barrier. The rental company will typically charge you for these tolls at the end of your rental period.

Speed Cameras:

Speed cameras are prevalent on Dubai’s roads. It’s important to adhere to the speed limits, as going more than 20 km/hr over the limit can result in stiff penalties. Fines for speeding start from AED 600, and it’s crucial to pay them promptly to avoid complications in the future. You may also incur an administration fee from your rental company for handling the fine payment.

Fuel Prices:

Fuel in Dubai is readily available, and while prices have risen since deregulation. It remains relatively inexpensive compared to heavily taxed regions. The price per liter ranges from AED 2.50 to 3.00, depending on the fuel type. It’s worth noting that fuel prices are set at the beginning of each month.

Fuel Options:

At the fuel stations, you will find different fuel options to choose from, including E-plus, Special-95, Super-98, and diesel. Check with your rental company to determine the specific fuel type recommended for your vehicle. Remember to only use diesel fuel for diesel vehicles.

Self-Service Stations:

Fuel stations in Dubai have transitioned from full-service to self-service in recent years. This means that even in hot weather conditions, you will need to get out of your car to refuel.

Getting Beyond Dubai in Your Car

Freedom to Explore:

Rent a car in Dubai allows you the freedom to embark on day trips to other Emirates in the UAE. The road rules remain consistent across the Emirates, so you can easily drive from one Emirate to another without any issues.

Northern Emirates:

When traveling to the northern Emirates, you won’t notice significant changes in road rules or speed limits. However, keep in mind that each Emirate may have a slightly different “buffer” for exceeding the speed limit. So, it’s important to remain aware of the specific limits.

Driving to Abu Dhabi:

If you plan to visit Abu Dhabi or the city of Al Ain, there are a few notable differences to be aware of:

•         The hard border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have been completely abolished. However, it’s advisable to stay informed about any current border restrictions.
•         Speed limits in Abu Dhabi are marked differently. The freeways upon entering Abu Dhabi have a speed limit of 140 km/hr, but exceeding this limit will result in fines. Unlike Dubai, there is no 20 km/hr buffer.
•         Major freeways leading to Abu Dhabi Island have toll gates during peak driving hours. The DARB toll gate system uses number plate recognition. The toll charges will be billed to your rental car company if you pass through these toll gates.

Driving in the Dubai Desert

If you have an off-road vehicle and it is permitted under your rental car policy, you can engage in dune bashing in the Dubai desert. However, it is crucial to follow these tips:

•         Never venture into the desert alone without experienced drivers and the necessary safety gear. Lack of knowledge and preparation can lead to getting stuck or even flipping your vehicle.
•         Some parts of the Dubai desert can be explored in 2WD vehicles. Areas included are the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, which features Al Qudra Lakes and Love Lakes.
•         Be cautious of encountering camels in the desert. Drive slowly and give them the right of way. Camels can sometimes be found even in areas outside the desert, so remain alert and let them pass peacefully.
•         For more thrilling desert experiences, it’s recommended to book a Dubai desert tour package. This typically includes hotel pick-up in a 4WD vehicle and a skilled desert dunes driver who will ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Conclusion:

Driving in Dubai and the UAE provides a convenient and accessible means of transportation. Thus allowing travelers to explore the city and venture beyond its borders. While the roads are generally well-maintained, it is important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations. Adhere to driving tips in Dubai and weather conditions ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

FAQs

Can I drive in Dubai as a tourist?

Yes, tourists can drive in Dubai as long as they have a valid international driving license. Also meet the age requirements set by rental car companies.

 

Are there speed limits in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai has speed limits that vary depending on the type of road. It is important to adhere to the posted speed limits to avoid fines and ensure road safety.

 

Are there tolls in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai has an automated toll system called Salik, which charges vehicles as they pass through designated toll points. Rental car companies typically handle the toll charges and pass them on to the renter.

 

Can I drive from Dubai to other Emirates?

Yes, you can drive from Dubai to other Emirates in the UAE. The road rules are generally the same across the Emirates, but there may be slight variations in speed limits and road conditions.

 

What should I do in case of an accident?

In case of an accident, it is important to stay calm and contact the police immediately. Exchange necessary information with the other parties involved and document the incident. It is advisable to have comprehensive car insurance to cover any damages or injuries.

 

Are there restrictions on drinking and driving?

Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited in Dubai and the UAE. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is zero. Severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment, are imposed for driving under the influence of drugs.

 

Can women drive in Dubai?

Yes, women are allowed to drive in Dubai and the UAE. The ban on women driving, which was previously in place in Saudi Arabia, does not apply in Dubai.

 

Do I need special insurance for desert driving?

It is advisable to check with your rental car company if they provide specific insurance coverage for desert driving. Driving in the desert can be challenging, so insurance can protect you against any potential damages or incidents.