Living in Dubai and Driving

Summary: Learning what it’s like to live and drive in Dubai

The exciting bustle of Dubai’s rapidly expanding metropolis, its sparkling Persian Gulf waters and very welcoming climate appeal to holidaymakers and expats from all over the globe.  With well over a million people already living in this region and an anticipated doubling in population coming soon, many would be expatriates wonder what it’s like to actually live in Dubai.

If you’re considering taking the big leap to start living in Dubai, many expats will tell you the atmosphere is very friendly.  Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates however and this means local laws and customs are very important to understand and follow.  When it comes to driving whilst living in Dubai, heeding the rules is vital.  Minor infractions can net you fines or worse – jail time!

Read on if you want to learn some of the ins and outs of living in Dubai and driving.  Since the area has a well-developed public transportation system, many prefer to use it rather than deal with the hassles.  If you’re brave enough to drive, you’ll need to: -

Get an International Driving Licence – Dubai and Abu Dhabi both require one for hiring a car.  To drive in other Emirates you’ll need a UAE licence which is attainable from local traffic departments for those with residency visas.

Understand the rules – Each Emirate has its own driving rules that can differ rather greatly.  It pays to learn the local laws for where you will actually be driving.  For example, if you crash in Abu Dhabi, cars cannot be moved out of the lane of traffic until police authorities arrive.  In Dubai, the rules are different.  Vehicles here can be moved if they a re obstructing other motorists and they can safely be moved out of the way. In fact, it’s strongly advised to do just that if it is possible and the accident is minor in nature.

Be a calm driver – Road rage is not tolerated here.  The penalties for even giving another driver a rude gesture can be quite strong.  The British government warns its citizens to “display calm at all times.”

Take care when driving in the desert – the Arabia Desert is a very harsh environment to drive within.  If exploring outside of the populated areas is on your agenda, it is recommended only 4 x 4 vehicles be used and that other cars follow in a convoy.  Extra water and petrol should also come along for the ride, along with a mobile telephone.

Avoid drink driving – Unlike other areas where it is legal to drink and drive with small amounts of alcohol intake, it is not so when living in Dubai.  Consuming any amount of alcohol and getting behind the wheel can put you in a tub of hot water.  Just don’t do it!

Dubai has a very welcoming environment for expats, retirees and holidaymakers.  As inviting as it is however, Dubai authorities do expect you to follow the Emirate’s rules and laws.  Take care when behind the wheel of a car to follow all local laws and you’re likely to avoid seeing the inside of a local jail.  If you don’t, you just might find yourself wishing you had hired public transportation!!

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