In terms of road infrastructure, Dubai has one of the best in the world. Taking to the open road is a liberating experience in Dubai. You see a different side of the city than from a cab window or if you take the metro, where you mostly miss the sights. For people new to Dubai, the driving dynamics in the emirate may be intimidating as well as exciting. In Dubai, driving is not easy. One has to be aware of many things.
How can we ensure that driving safety in Dubai is assured? What should we do, not do, and what mistakes should we avoid?
By following tips and guidelines given below when driving on Dubai roads, you will be able to better manage Dubai traffic. Listed below are some Do's and Don'ts:
DO'S For Driving in Dubai
1. It is illegal to drive in Dubai if you are under the age of 18.
2. It is illegal to drive in Dubai without a valid Dubai driving licence or the driving license of the emirate you reside in.
3. Before driving your car in Dubai, make sure it is registered.
4. Drive at a safe distance. Stay three seconds behind the car ahead.
5. In Dubai, speed is calculated in kilometres, not miles. Small suburban streets have speed limits of 40km, main roads 60-80km, and highways 100-120km.
6. Always wear your seatbelt while driving in Dubai. An AED 400 fine and 4 black points will be imposed for not wearing one. (Find out more about Dubai's fines here)
7. Use RTA Smart Drive, an app created by RTA Dubai to help you navigate the routes and traffic in Dubai more effectively.
8. When hiring a driver, ensure that he holds a valid UAE driver’s license to drive your car.
9. Stay calm and remain patient. Although erratic drivers may be on the road, staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rash behaviour will help you stay safe.
10. Be aware of traffic signs: Dubai traffic signs help drivers avoid road hazards, just like in any other country around the world. Knowing traffic signs will help you avoid traffic fines.
11. Use the fast lane wisely: Despite heavy fines for over speeding in Dubai, some motorists still commit the offense and they do it in the fast lane. Dubai's fast lane is the leftmost lane on its roads and freeways. On this side of the road, it's not unusual to witness unsafe manoeuvres and risky lane changes and sometimes you end up taking part in them. Stay alert and drive safely. Never drive aggressively.
12. When it rains, drive carefully: When driving in Dubai during rain, it pays to keep an eye on the weather. Make sure you drive slowly and use your wipers to maintain decent visibility. Remember, too, that the roads can become slippery following a heavy downpour, so brake earlier than usual. Don't panic. Increase your distance from the car in front.
13. As there are some erratic driving styles to take into consideration, it is vital to stay alert at all times. People sometimes do not indicate when they turn. Hazard lights can be used to indicate slowing down or can even be used instead of fog lights. Furthermore, overtaking is done using both lanes, on the left as well as to the right.
14. Be sure to carry a Salik Card (prepaid toll card), since many sections of Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR) require the card. To know more about Salik Fines.
15. Typically, the tint on car windows will only cover 30% of the glass, while the other 70% is light and transparent.
16. Getting lost along the Sheikh Zayed Road may require you to drive to the next interchange to start your route again.
17. In case of an accident or breakdown, always have water in your car. Keep an eye out for the traffic lights - Green means go, flashing green means slow down as the light is about to turn, Amber means you should stop passing through the light, Red means stop.
18. With roads changing so frequently, satellite navigation systems - GPS - aren't totally reliable. It is thus a good idea to keep a reliable map in your car, such as the Explorer Street Map. Dubai businesses will also provide directions based on landmarks.
19. If there is an accident, call 999 or 112 (from a mobile). After the accident, do not leave the accident site without a police slip. Red slips indicate that the accident was your fault, green slips indicate it wasn't your fault. Slips are required when filing an insurance claim.
20. Always stay up-to-date on public transport and the latest traffic laws.
DON’TS For Driving in Dubai:
1. You should not use hand gestures, since they are not encouraged and are likely to be misunderstood.
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not tolerated in Dubai. You could face 20k in fines and jail time if you are caught driving under the influence in Dubai. Don't drive if you've had 1 pint of beer but feel alert enough. Take an RTA taxi instead. In Dubai, drunk driving is strictly forbidden.
3. The speed limit on Dubai highways ranges between 100 and 120 km/h, and the speed limit on dual carriageways in the city is between 60 and 80 km/h. Be sure to follow the Dubai speed limits to avoid excessive fines. Dubai's speeding fines start at AED 300 and can go up to AED 3,000 along with the black points and confiscation.
4. Never run at a red light: All vehicles must stop at a red light. It is a serious offense to run a red light in Dubai. There are multiple intersections in Dubai, with some of them intersecting tram routes. Too many lives are at stake when you run a red light at an intersection. Due to this, Dubai traffic laws have strict penalties for running red lights.
5. Don't leave electronics or food in the car. Summers here are humid, so carrying food in the car is difficult.
6. Pets and children should not be left unattended in the car.
7. Avoid using your phone while driving
8. It is illegal to drive on the beach.
9. Unless there is an emergency, do not park your vehicle on the hard shoulder. When you have trouble with your car, park as far away from the yellow line as possible on the hard shoulder.
10. Driving rules are always in force, even in discreet areas, as police are always on the lookout for violations.
We hope you find these driving tips in Dubai useful. Dubai driving isn't difficult if you get into the habit. In order to get better at it, you also need to be familiar with the laws, the driving rules, and safety measures.
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