Getting Around By Car

Driving is an economical way to travel in Dubai. If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car, keep in mind that an international driver’s license or a temporary Dubai license is required. Some rental car companies are able to help arrange international or temporary Dubai licenses for visitors. Most rental cars are new, automatic, and air-conditioned. Rates vary considerably, and are usually cheaper when booked in advance online. Comprehensive insurance is essential (including personal accident coverage). For listings of the major car-rental agencies in Dubai, please see appendix. Dubai’s roads are excellent, if increasingly crowded. Traffic signs are well marked and written in both English and Arabic. Speed limits range from 60 to 80kmph (37–50 mph) on city roads, and from 100 to 120kmph (62–75 mph) on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, as is use of hands-free devices when using a cellphone behind the wheel. Children 9 and under are not allowed to sit in the front seat. Anyone involved in a traffic accident must wait at the scene until the traffic police arrive to make a report. Call Phone: 999 to report the accident. There are four bridges and a tunnel linking the two sides of Dubai on each side of the Dubai Creek. Traffic along Sheikh Zayed Road and the Maktoum Bridge is exceptionally heavy during rush hour. An eight-lane highway, which is Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, heads southwest toward Abu Dhabi, which takes between 90 to 120 minutes to reach depending on how fast you drive. Although Dubai’s roads are in good shape, standards of driving are poor. Traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the UAE. Local drivers in particular often drive at very high speeds. Unsafe driving practices are common, particularly on inter-city highways such as Sheikh Zayed Road. On highways, unmarked speed bumps and blowing sand create additional hazards. Some visitors find it’s simpler to take taxis rather than deal with renting a car and driving themselves. Paid parking is available in most areas of Dubai. Look for the “pay and park” meters that require either AED 1 or AED 2 (25¢–50¢/15p–30p) per hour. Parking meters generally operate Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm and again from 4 to 9pm; Friday is usually free. Valet parking is offered at most hotels, where many restaurants and bars are located. Gasoline, referred to as “petrol” in Dubai, is available at stations operated by Emarat, EPPCO, and ENOC. Gas is less expensive in Dubai than in most Western countries.