A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Dubai is one of the most popular destinations in the world for tourists, with its stunning skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and amazing attractions. But if you want to explore the city and its surroundings on your own, you might want to consider driving in Dubai. Driving in Dubai can be a rewarding and convenient way to experience the culture, scenery, and lifestyle of this vibrant metropolis. However, driving in Dubai also comes with some challenges and risks that you should be aware of before you hit the road. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide for driving in Dubai as a tourist, covering everything from renting a car, getting a license, following the rules, avoiding fines, and staying safe.

Renting a Car in Dubai:

The first step to driving in Dubai is renting a car. There are many car rental companies in Dubai that offer a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury car rentals. You can rent a car Dubai online, at the airport, or at your hotel. However, before you rent a car in Dubai, you need to make sure that you meet the following requirements:

• – You must be at least 21 years old (or 25 years old for some car categories).
• – You must have a valid driver’s license from your home country (or an international driving permit if your license is not in English or Arabic).
• – You must have a valid credit card (or a debit card with enough funds) to pay for the rental and the security deposit.
• – You must have valid travel insurance that covers car rental (or buy it from the rental company).

The cost of renting a car in Dubai depends on the type of car, the duration of the rental, the season, and the rental company. You can expect to pay anywhere from 50 AED to 500 AED per day (13 USD to 136 USD). You should also factor in the cost of fuel, which is relatively cheap in Dubai (around 2 AED per liter or 0.5 USD per gallon). However, you should also be aware of some additional fees that may apply, such as:

– Toll fees: 

You will need to pay toll fees when you drive on certain roads in Dubai, such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The toll fees are automatically deducted from your Salik tag, which is a prepaid electronic device that is attached to your car’s windshield. You can buy or recharge your Salik tag at any gas station or online. The toll fees range from 4 AED to 7 AED (1 USD to 2 USD) per passage.

– Parking fees: 

You will need to pay parking fees when you park your car in public parking zones in Dubai. The parking fees vary depending on the zone, the time of the day, and the duration of the parking. You can pay for parking using coins, prepaid cards, or mobile apps. The parking fees range from 2 AED to 10 AED (0.5 USD to 3 USD) per hour.

– Fines: 

You will need to pay fines if you violate any traffic rules or regulations in Dubai. The fines can be very high and can affect your rental agreement and your visa status. Some of the common traffic violations and their fines are:

    – Speeding:

•  From 300 AED to 3000 AED (81 USD to 816 USD) depending on the speed limit and the excess speed.

    – Running a red light: 

• 1000 AED (272 USD) plus 12 black points on your license and possible confiscation of your car for 30 days.

    – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: 

• Up to 20,000 AED (5444 USD) plus imprisonment and deportation.

    – Using a mobile phone while driving: 

800 AED (218 USD) plus 4 black points on your license.

•     – Driving without a seat belt: 400 AED (109 USD) plus 4 black points on your license.

Getting a License in Dubai

If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country or an international driving permit, you can drive in Dubai as a tourist for up to one year. However, if you plan to stay longer than one year or if you want to become a resident of Dubai, you will need to get a UAE driver’s license. To get a UAE driver’s license, you will need to follow these steps:

• – Apply for a driving course at one of the authorized driving schools in Dubai. You will need to provide your passport copy, visa copy, eye test certificate, and two passport photos.
• – Complete the required number of theory classes and practical lessons. The number of classes and lessons depends on your previous driving experience and your nationality. You can expect to pay anywhere from 2000 AED to 8000 AED (544 USD to 2177 USD) for the driving course.
• – Pass the theory test, the parking test, the road test, and the final assessment. You will need to pay a fee for each test, ranging from 50 AED to 200 AED (14 USD to 54 USD).
• – Receive your UAE driver’s license, which is valid for 10 years. You will need to pay a fee of 200 AED (54 USD) for the license.

Following the Rules in Dubai

Driving in Dubai can be quite different from driving in other countries. You will need to follow some specific rules and regulations that may not be familiar to you. Here are some of the most important ones:

• – Drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left side.
• – Obey the speed limits, which are usually 60 km/h (37 mph) on city roads, 80 km/h (50 mph) on suburban roads, and 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways. However, some roads may have higher or lower speed limits, so always check the signs.
• – Follow the traffic signals and signs, which are usually in English and Arabic. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow means caution. Do not run a red light or a yellow light, as this can result in a hefty fine and a possible accident.
• – Give way to pedestrians, especially at zebra crossings and traffic lights. Do not honk at them or block their way, as this is considered rude and disrespectful.
• – Respect the lane discipline and do not change lanes abruptly or without signaling. The leftmost lane is usually reserved for fast drivers, while the rightmost lane is for slow drivers or exiting. Do not drive on the hard shoulder or the emergency lane, as this is illegal and dangerous.
• – Use your indicators, headlights, and horn appropriately. Indicate before turning or changing lanes, use your headlights at night or in poor visibility, and use your horn only to warn other drivers of your presence or intention. Do not flash your headlights or honk excessively, as this can be seen as aggressive or offensive.
• – Avoid any distractions while driving, such as using your mobile phone, eating, drinking, smoking, or playing loud music. These can affect your concentration and reaction time, and can also result in a fine if caught by the police.
• – Be courteous and patient with other drivers, especially during rush hours or in congested areas. Do not tailgate, cut off, or harass other drivers, as this can lead to road rage or accidents. If you encounter an aggressive or rude driver, do not respond or provoke them, but rather keep your distance and report them to the police if necessary.

Staying Safe in Dubai

• Driving in Dubai can be safe and enjoyable if you follow the rules and use common sense. However, there are some risks and hazards that you should be aware of and avoid as much as possible. Here are some tips for staying safe while driving in Dubai:

• – Check your car regularly and make sure it is in good condition. Check the tires, brakes, lights, oil, water, and fuel levels before you start your journey. If you notice any problems or defects with your car, report them to your rental company immediately and request a replacement or a repair.
• – Plan your route ahead and use a GPS device or a map to navigate. Dubai has a complex network of roads and highways that can be confusing for newcomers. Avoid driving during peak hours (7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 8 pm) or on weekends (Friday and Saturday), as these are usually the busiest and most congested times.
• – Carry your documents with you at all times and show them to the police if requested. You will need to have your passport copy, visa copy, driver’s license (or international driving permit), car rental agreement, Salik tag receipt, insurance policy, and registration card with you when you drive in Dubai. If you are involved in an accident or a traffic violation, you will need to show these documents to the police or the other party involved.
• – Do not drink and drive or take any drugs that may impair your driving ability. This is strictly prohibited in Dubai and can result in severe penalties such as fines, imprisonment, deportation, or even death. If you want to drink alcohol or take any medication that may affect your driving performance, do not drive yourself but rather use a taxi or a public transport service.
• – Be prepared for emergencies and accidents and know what to do in case they happen. If you are involved in a minor accident with no injuries or damages, you can simply exchange your details with the other party involved and report it online using the Dubai Police app within 24 hours. If you are involved in a major accident with injuries or damages, you should call 999 for emergency services and wait for them to arrive. Do not move your car unless instructed by the police or unless it is blocking traffic. Do not admit fault or sign any papers without consulting your insurance company or lawyer.