| Driving in Dubai can be a challenge and may initially be | | | | rules of the road is paramount to having a positive |
| intimidating. Dubai is home to approximately 180 | | | | experience. It is often necessary to drive defensively |
| different nationalities, all of whom come with their | | | | and be vigilant behind the wheel. Cars in Dubai are |
| own driving abilities and habits. Those arriving from | | | | left-hand drive, with traffic on the right. Slower |
| Western countries may find the roads chaotic, while | | | | drivers should stick to the furthest right lane. If you |
| those from Asian nations or Arab states may find | | | | travel in the left-most lane at a slower speed you will |
| the driving organized. With some experience behind | | | | most likely find another vehicle alarmingly close to |
| the wheel in Dubai, coupled with basic knowledge of | | | | your rear bumper honking its horn and flashing its high |
| local driving regulations, expats should soon feel | | | | beams. It is common for drivers to change lanes |
| comfortable taking to the roads. | | | | abruptly without signaling, to slowly coast through |
| One must have a residency visa in order to acquire a | | | | stop signs instead of coming to a full stop, and to |
| local driving license. Many people arrive in Dubai on a | | | | honk their horns loudly the instant the light turns |
| visit visa and thus will rent a vehicle for the first | | | | green at a traffic signal. Pedestrians are often darting |
| month or so until their residency visa is completed. In | | | | across the street and need to be watched for. |
| order to rent a car you will need an International | | | | Recently an automated toll system (known as Salik) |
| Driving Permit and a driving license from your home | | | | was installed on selected major roadways in order to |
| country. Many well-known car rental agencies exist in | | | | try and reduce traffic congestion. |
| Dubai including Avis, Budget Car Rentals, Hertz and | | | | There are mobile radar cameras set up around the |
| Thrifty Car Rentals. Alternatively, you may opt to | | | | emirate to catch those driving over the speed limit or |
| obtain a Temporary Driving License if you wish to | | | | running a red light. Zero tolerance exists for drinking |
| drive a private car. A temporary license is valid for six | | | | and driving. Something as seemingly minor as a rude |
| months and is issued at the Dubai Traffic Police | | | | hand gesture, used in a moment of frustration at |
| Station. | | | | another driver, can land you in court or even jail. If |
| Once you have Dubai residency you must get a local | | | | you do incur a fine you will not receive a notice in the |
| driving license - you can no longer use a temporary | | | | mail, rather you can check on the Dubai Police Traffic |
| or international permit. Certain nationalities, including | | | | website or call them directly. Fines for an entire year |
| those from many European countries, US, UK, | | | | can be paid when renewing your annual car |
| Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and | | | | registration. If you get into a minor accident it is |
| South Korea can get a local license by simply showing | | | | recommended to park your vehicle so as not to |
| their own driving license and doing some paperwork. | | | | obstruct traffic, get the other party's details, and |
| Others will need to take driving lessons (available at | | | | then immediately visit the nearest police station to |
| licensed centers including Belhasa Driving Center, | | | | file a report. If the police are called to the scene they |
| Dubai Driving Center, Emirates Driving Institute, | | | | will often write a report on the spot. These papers |
| Galadari Motor Driving Center, and Al Ahli Driving | | | | are necessary for the insurance company and it is |
| School) and afterwards pass a test. The driving | | | | almost impossible to get repairs done without them. |
| school can arrange an appointment for your driving | | | | Unfortunately Dubai has one of the highest road |
| test with the Dubai Traffic Department. | | | | death tolls in the world. As of March 2008 the Unified |
| Once an expat has a residency visa they can buy a | | | | Federal Traffic Law stiffened the penalties for driving |
| car. Most major car makes are available at dealers in | | | | offenses and also implemented a black point system |
| the UAE, with 4x4s and Japanese models being | | | | for drivers in attempts to improve road safety for all |
| especially popular. Used cars can be found at 4x4 | | | | who visit and live in Dubai. |
| Motors, Al Futtaim AutoMall, Western Auto and | | | | For listings of available used cars in Dubai, visit |
| SunCity Motors among others. Searching the | | | | Emirates-Ads.ae, a free Dubai classifieds site owned |
| classifieds can also yield good results. | | | | by local businessman Ahmed Juma. |
| After you rent or buy a car, understanding the local | | | | |