The UAE at a Glance

Transportation in the UAE

Much more cliché than reality: cars are the main mode of transportation.

With 80 % of people living in the UAE being foreign born, the country is often considered an expat’s paradise. Indeed, you’ll find that many aspects of life in the UAE combine to make settling in fairly easy for expats. Our InterNations guide gives you a detailed overview of expat life in the UAE.

Driving

The main mode of transportation in the UAE is the car as petrol is quite cheap. International car rentals and local companies offer great deals to expats who want to rent a car. Expats should, however, not hesitate to shop around and compare prices as rates may vary. In order to own a car, you must have a valid residency visa.

Expats should make sure to exchange their driver’s license from home for a local one. The regulations for this process may vary from emirate to emirate. However, once the local driving permit has been issued, driving is legal throughout the entire country. Expats also need to be prepared for plenty of speed controls with high fines. In the UAE, traffic regulations are strictly enforced, and even small violations can cause a lot of trouble.

Driving Conditions

The UAE has an excellent road network, which you can also access from Qatar and Oman. Desert roads, on the other hand, are rather bumpy and should only be travelled with off-road cars. This can be an amazing adventure and a great way to experience the desert landscape of the UAE.

For these types of tours, it is important to take precautions, though. A tow rope and a shovel should be among the equipment in case the vehicle gets stuck. Bringing enough water is also essential as well as taking a GPS device and a cell phone. Some companies offer guided off-road tours and off-road driving courses for complete beginners.

The excellent infrastructure and high mobility within the UAE also have a dark side: Road traffic accidents account for about 70% of accidental deaths in the UAE, thus making it the second leading cause of death in the country.

Public Transport

Those who do not want to drive themselves can always take a taxi. Taxis are available almost everywhere in the UAE at relatively cheap rates. However, rates may differ depending on location and company. Please note that not all taxis are metered.

As most people travel by car or taxi, public transportation options are rare. Buses and minibuses are only available in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and some parts of Dubai. The Dubai Municipality has taken it upon itself to improve the inter-emirate bus services as well. Some travel as far as Muscat, Oman. Buses in the UAE are generally clean and efficient. At the time of writing, high speed super buses travelling at up to 250 km/h and able to carry 23 passengers were being tested by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport.

Cycling and walking don’t seem to be acceptable means of transportation in the UAE. Not only is it considered too hot to exercise in the open air, but there are also no provisions for cyclists whatsoever.