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Burj Al Arab hotel, Dubai

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Getting around in United Arab Emirates

Air: 

Daily flights link Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Flights can also be chartered and there are small landing fields throughout the United Arab Emirates.

Road: 

Well lit, tarmac roads connect all emirates and cars drive on the right hand side of the road. Dubai is notorious for traffic and dangerous driving, but things can slow to a crawl during peak hour in some congested parts of the city. Most roads are well maintained with one long highway known as Sheikh Zayed Road connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

There are good tarmac roads running along the west coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah; between Sharjah and Dhaid; and linking Dubai with other Northern States and the interior.

Car hire: 

Most international car hire companies have offices at airports or hotels. A passport and either a valid international or national licence are necessary.

Taxi: 

Many travellers find taxis to be the quickest and most convenient method of travel within the UAE, as they are available everywhere with metered fares. Longer journeys can be agreed in advance and taxis booked by the day. Many expats take down the number and name of a taxi driver instead of relying on phoning local taxi companies. Make sure you carry smaller notes – anything over Dhs50 note will inspire grumbling.

Regulations: 

The speed limit in built-up areas is 60 to 80kph (37 to 50mph) and 100 to 120kph (62 to 74mph) elsewhere – however don’t be surprised when other drivers seem to ignore this.

Documentation: 

An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required. A valid national driving licence from UK, Australia and USA is acceptable.

Rail: 

Dubai's long-awaited 300km (186-mile) metro system is a cheap and effective way to move around the city and avoid traffic, with individual fares costing only a few dirhams each way. The recently opened Green line will take passengers from north to south, running in parallel with Dubai Creek. See www.dubaimetro.eu for timetables, routes and information.

By water: 

Commercial and passenger services serve all coastal ports. A water taxi travels between Dubai and Deira across the creek. The Road and Transport Authority recently launched Ferry Dubai. A ferry will sail Dubai Creek and link Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina and major waterfront developments.

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