You might want to drive while in Dubai because most sights and utilities are spread out. Although many public transportation alternatives are available in the city, they can be slow.
Since fuel rates in the UAE are among the lowest in the world, driving is a common way to get around. Most guests choose to travel in air-conditioned vehicles rather than walking in the scorching desert sun.
The most crucial thing to remember when driving in Dubai is to abide by the laws: don’t text or call, avoid tailgating and reckless overtaking, always buckle up and avoid driving on the road shoulder.
For those who break the rules of the road, the emirate can impose severe penalties, such as jail or deportation. The legal driving age is 18 years. However, you have to be 21 years old to rent a car.
This article will provide tips on driving in Dubai and the best places to park. Read on to find out.
Driving Tips in Dubai
While in Dubai, you can use your international driving license until you obtain the residence permit. After that, you can apply for a local driving license. But if you come from countries such as Belgium, Canada, Australia, and Bahrain, you can transfer your license to the UAE. Check with the authorities if the country you’re coming from qualifies to have your license transferred.
You must have your license translated to English or Arabic if you’re coming from Japan, Greece, Turkey, Poland, and South Korea. You will have to provide a letter from the Canadian consulate in the United Arab Emirates if you are transferring a Canadian driver’s license.
It could be a good idea to initially take to the road on a Friday morning if you are driving for the first time in Dubai, as this is when the roads are least congested. Despite the government’s ongoing efforts to ease the congestion, traffic can be congested in popular areas of the town at night and on weekends.
The following are some tips that will make your driving experience pleasant.
Familiarize Yourself With Traffic Rules and Signs
In the United Arab Emirates, drivers keep right on the road with the steering wheel on the left. Like any other place in the world, the speed limit in Dubai varies depending on the classification of the road.
On residential streets, the speed restriction is 25–40 km/h (15–25 mph), although Dubai also boasts some of the highest speed limits in the world. Highways E22 between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and E11 between Sheikh Zayed have speed restrictions of up to 100 km/h (62 mph).
To ensure that you drive safely in Dubai, you need to become familiar with the traffic signs. Generally, red-outlined triangle signs are warnings, whereas circular signs with a red outline indicate actions drivers must not take. Blue signs are necessary instructions. Arabic and English are both inscribed on the signs.
Don’t Drink and Drive
It’s unlawful to drink and drive in the UAE. Even if you think you’re sober enough to drive, avoid doing so because it could result in jail time.
Avoid Using Hand Gestures
No matter how irritated you are with other drivers, don’t gesture at them with your hands. This is impolite in the UAE and may land you in trouble with the law enforcers. Even if your gesture is not considered rude in your culture, it can be in the emirates.
Keep a Safe Distance
While driving in Dubai, you might encounter drivers who pull into the space between your car and the one in front. If this occurs, you should re-establish a safe distance; it is recommended that you maintain a three seconds gap behind the vehicle in front.
Don’t Speed
If someone is speeding close to you, you should either pull over if it’s safe to do so or keep going at your current pace and let them pass. Do not, under any circumstances, increase your speed. Many speed cameras are used, and police frequently monitor the major thoroughfares. Remember that Dubai’s speed limits are determined in kilometers rather than miles.
Maintain Lane Discipline
Some drivers might not use the appropriate lanes for their speed; they might drive faster in the slow lane and slower in the fast lane. Additionally, you might come across people driving on the hard shoulder or abruptly swerving into a junction. Avoid such behaviors to be on the safe side of the law.
Look Out for Potential Hazards
Driving in Dubai, especially outside the central city, requires constant attention because you may encounter hazards that might be unfamiliar to you from your own country, such as camels and goats crossing the road. When you encounter such instances, drive around the animals slowly.
Parking Services in Dubai
Dubai’s highly effective parking system greatly influences the city’s traffic flow. The system is extensive, with numerous parking zones, parking cards, payment methods, and procedures.
Dubai has different parking zones, from zone A to zone K. Three types of parking are separated into commercial, non-commercial, and special.
Parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. Fridays used to be free parking days; however, this has changed, and parking on Fridays now costs money.
Let’s have a look at the rates for each parking zone.
Zone A
All street parking in Dubai’s authorized commercial sectors is referred to as Zone A. No particular card is required for zone A parking. Parking tariffs range from AED 4.3 per hour to AED 16.3 for four hours. If you intend to park for half an hour, you will pay AED 2.3
Zone B
Zone B is a commercial parking zone, and it’s relatively cheaper. The tariff range from AED 3.3 per hour to AED 20.3 for 14 hours.
Zone C
Zone C is non-commercial parking. Residential area’s roadside parking falls under this zone. Tariffs range from AED 2.3 per hour to AED 11.3 for 4 hours.
Zone D
Zone D also falls under non-commercial areas but has the cheapest rate, where one can pay as little as AED 10.3 for 14 hours.
Zone E
Zone E includes parking lots of the waterfront market, formerly the Deira fish market, and the underground. Parking tariffs for this area range from AED 4.3 per hour to AED 16.3 for 4 hours. But underground parking is free.
Zone F
It’s a dedicated parking lot for Tecom areas.
Zone G
It includes all parking areas of downtown Dubai.
Zone H
Include the parking lots of Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Zone I
Road Transport Authority implemented three codes in zone I, J, and K. Zone I designates prime parking with a three-hour maximum stay. Rates range from AED 10.3 per hour to AED 30.3 for 3 hours.
Zone J
Zone J also allows maximum parking of 3 hours, but the rates are a bit cheaper, from AED 4.3 per hour to AED 12.3 for 3 hours.
Zone K
Zone K is similar to I and J, apart from the slight tariff difference where you pay AED 16.3 for 4 hours.
Note: All of Dubai’s parking lots currently have signboards to assist drivers in identifying zones.
Final Thoughts
If you follow the rules, you won’t have problems. The road system in Dubai is among the best in the world. One of the most liberating experiences in Dubai is driving. It allows you to view a completely different side of the city. Enjoy your driving.
Leave a Reply