Driving in Dubai
Contents of this article
A few things you need to remember
- Rules are often changed without any notice and with immediate effect
- The road you used to drive to work in the morning may be closed for reconstruction when you drive back
- If you missed your turn, you may have to drive extra 20 km because there may be no u-turn ahead
- Dubai cars’ license plates are 5-digits. If a license plate is less than 5 digits, the owner of that car is likely to be a rich man who either bought the plate or has been having it for ages. In most cases they drive expensive cars and sometimes they drive in very offensive manner. Don’t try to teach them, just back off.
- Do not ever offend the rules and other drivers
- Do not drive without a driving license
- Never ever let yourself drink and drive
- The Police is always right
Dubai Driving at Night (Mini Cooper S)
Dubai drivers
I hope my website will not get banned for the truth I am going to uncover.
When I started driving here, I was just mad how bad the driving culture can be. I was used to very polite driving with people giving way to others, using indicators, and not chasing other cars driving 120 kph.
First thing most of you will have to do is to forget what you are used to in Europe or the US. Dubai traffic never stops, it runs like a mad toxic river led by its own rules. Many people do not want to drive here, while many others say they like it.
Once you catch the rhythm, you will start having a ball! If you don’t, you will always be stressed.
Basic things you will have to get used to
- Usage of indicators. Many just do not use them. The most dangerous drivers are youngsters driving expensive cars and changing lanes without informing anyone around. You may horn or flash but better keep your eye on such guys. You will always recognize them in advance.
- Turning right from the fast lane when it is just 50 meters to the turn. And the speed is 100 kph! That happens just in front of your nose. Sometimes it is almost an accident. Just be careful and be always ready to push the brake.
- Pushing you away from the fast lane chasing your back, flashing and horning. You may want to push the brake when such a thing is happening. Well, you risk getting a hit in your back. To avoid this just do not use the fast lane for driving, use it for overtaking only.
- The cheaper car you drive the worst the driving experience is. That’s a fact. It is always easier to be offensive to someone who is driving a Toyota Yaris rather than to someone driving a Maserati as the Maserati driver can be a very important person who can create you some problems using his and his friends’ power.
- When you are about to change the lane, make sure the hole you want to get into is big enough. Most people will not give you the way (if you are not a woman, of course).
- Rain is very rare here. But when it happens, the roads are a nightmare. Definitely, there are people who do not know that the car needs more space to stop when the road surface is wet. And there are people who know that but they do not have enough experience and they are just afraid of driving in the rain.
Whatever happens, do not ever show a gesture or say what you think you have to say when you are cut off or any other crap happens. This may cost you imprisonment.
Take care and enjoy!
December 2nd, 2009
the driving license from Europe is good for Dubai?
Thanks a lot.
Yes, Romania is in the list of the countries which license can be coverted into the local license – so, you won’t have to take any tests. Get your residence visa, apply for a UAE license and here you go!
Oh that’s good news then i was starting to worry ..cuz most of the people tell me i have to go and apply for driving lessons wich sucks..been there done that.I’m romanian citizen.I was watching formus and i didnt see Romania included in the exchange of permits ..i think because that post was from 2007 or 2008 …laws have changed ..good thing ! cheers
Hi thanks for the great website!
I have one question, I’m not driving, what about transportation system (public transport or taxi etc) in Dubai? is it good? clean? easy access? thanks!
bonifas
Hi, metro is pretty clean and is the best rail based public transport I’ve ever used but it is only convenient if you live and work close to stations. You can use either feeder buses or taxi to get to the closest station from your neighborhood.
Buses are good too but you will spend quite some time trying to understand the routings and schedules as they are very confusing.
Taxis are ok. New cars, rather clean but they never know the route and always try to cheat you.
In other words the public transport does exist but it takes time to adjust to it.