United Arab Emirates Photo

UAE Driving Guide

United Arab Emirates is a unique beautiful country. Explore all of it by driving when you get your International Driving Permit

2023-09-25 · 9 mins

The United Arab Emirates, simply called Emirates, is a federation consisting of seven states that have grown from a quiet country to one of the Middle East’s most essential economic centers. This country is a federal elective constitutional monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The country’s oil reserves are the sixth-largest in the world, while its natural gas reserves are the world’s seventh-largest. Its economy is the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council, while the country’s most populous city, Dubai, is a global city and international aviation and maritime trade hub. The UAE is a member of the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OPEC, Arab League, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

How Can This Guide Help You?

Traveling to a foreign country can be fun and smooth if you know even a tiny bit of information about the country you’re visiting. This guide aims to provide you with the vital information you need to make your visit to the United Arab Emirates hassle-free. The guide includes an overview of what it is like driving in the United Arab Emirates, the United Arab Emirates driving licence, driving in the United Arab Emirates Dubai, driving rules, and top destinations in the country.

When driving in the United Arab Emirates, going on a road trip would be part of the top three list of things you want to do. Exploring the city in your car can save you from transportation costs and the hassle. Besides, you have total control over which certain places you want to visit and can stay there for as long as you like. Read more to know more about the status of driving in the United Arab Emirates now, the United Arab Emirates driving license check, and how to get United Arab Emirates international driving license.

General Information

The United Arab Emirates is home to various people belonging to different nationalities and cultures. Only about one-ninth of the country’s residents are citizens since the remainder are mostly foreign workers and their dependents, with South Asians occupying these groups’ largest. The country’s estimated population is 9.2 million, of which 1.4 million were local citizens, and 7.8 million were emigrants.

Geographic Location

The United Arab Emirates resides in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, between Saudi Arabia and Oman; it is in a strategic location slightly south of Hormuz’s Strait, a vital transit point for world crude oil. The largest of the seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi, occupies 87% of the country’s total area, 67,340 square kilometers, while the smallest Emirate, Ajman, occupies only 259 square kilometers.

Languages Spoken

Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates. Modern Standard Arabic is used to teach in schools, and most native citizens speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic. However, in the emigrants’ community, people use several languages to talk, including various dialects of Hindi, Persian, Pashto, and Balochi. English is also widely used as a medium of communication among the locals and tourists.

Land Area

The country has a total land area of 83,600 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller tha Portugal. The seven Emirates occupies a particular land area of the country: Abu Dhabi occupies 67 340 square kilometers; Ajman occupies 259 square kilometers; Dubai occupies 3,885 square kilometers; Fujairah occupies 1,165 square kilometers; Ras Al Khaimah occupies 1,684 square kilometers; Sharjah occupies 2,590 square kilometers, and Umm Al Quwain occupies 777 square kilometers.

History

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Qasimi family, the dominant tribal faction whose whips controlled the maritime commerce, concentrated in the Indian Ocean and the lower Persian Gulf. After three years of negotiation, Bahrain and Qatar decided to become sovereign states, and the former Trucial States announce the formation of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971.

A council of the Trucial States began to meet semi-annually in 1952 to discuss administrative issues. In January 1968, the British government announced that it would withdraw its forces from the Persian Gulf by late 1971. In 2019, the United Arab Emirates began charting its foreign policy path, which appeared inseparable for years from Saudi Arabia.

Government

The highest governmental authority in the United Arab Emirates is the Federal Supreme Council, which comprises the seven emirates’ quasi-hereditary rules. In this type of government, the Supreme Council will elect the federation’s president and vice president. The Federal National Council, a unicameral legislature, is an advisory body consisting of 40 members appointed by the individual emirates for two-year terms.

The United Arab Emirates has a federal government system, and any powers not assigned to the federal government by the constitution are pass down to the constituent emirates. Generally, the national system’s distribution of power is similar to those in other systems like: the federation government administers foreign policy, determines broad economic policy, and runs the social welfare system.

Tourism

Tourism serves as the growth sector for the entire United Arab Emirates economy, where Dubai is the top tourist destination in the Middle East. Based on the annual MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, Dubai is the fifth most popular tourist destination globally. The place holds up to 66% of the country’s tourism economy, while Abu Dhabi holds 16% and Sharjah holds 10%.

The United Arab Emirates has the most advanced and developed infrastructure in the region. Since the 1980s, the country has been spending billions of dollars directed to its infrastructure. These developments are mainly on the larger emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai welcomed 10 million tourists in 2013 and increased in the following years. If you’re wondering what it’s like driving in the United Arab Emirates now, book a flight now.

IDP FAQs

When visiting the United Arab Emirates, you'll notice people from different backgrounds driving around. If you plan to drive there, you'll need an International Driver's License in the United Arab Emirates. This permit serves as your official international driving license for the UAE. Here are a few important things to know about driving in the UAE, obtaining a United Arab Emirates driving license, and driving in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Is a Local Driver’s License Valid in UAE?

United Arab Emirates does not recognize a local driver’s license from other countries unless accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit. If you possess a local driver’s license and want to drive a country’s vehicle, you must apply for an IDP. Just like your local license, your IDP contains information such as your details and a photo. You need your IDP for driving on the United Arab Emirates map.

Do I Need an IDP in Cities and Districts of UAE?

Driving on the United Arab Emirates map is possible for tourists with a valid local driver’s license and an international driver’s permit. The fastest way to get a United Arab Emirates driving license is to apply for an IDP. You might be thinking, “How to get a driving license in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates?” or what documents do you need for driving in the United Arab Emirates region? Visit our pricing page to know more about how much the cost is for our IDP.

Does an IDP Replace Your Native Driver’s License?

The International Driver’s Permit serves as your international driving license in the United Arab Emirates for language differences. You need your IDP for renting and driving a vehicle in this country. When driving in the United Arab Emirates region, your international driver’s permit acts as your United Arab Emirates driving license and validation during checkpoints. For new drivers, driving schools provide lessons on the United Arab Emirates driving license categories.

How Long is an IDP Valid?

A permit from the International Driver’s Association is valid for one to three years. However, your international driving permit in the United Arab Emirates is valid only for a year and is renewable. If you plan to stay in the country for more than a year, you need to apply for a United Arab Emirates driving license renewal. Driving centers in the UAE process license renewals and will give you driving tips such as the United Arab Emirates driving side.

Renting a Car in UAE

The public transportation system in this country is world-class and improving by the day. However, there are times when you’d rather not deal with public transport. Driving your car or renting a car is the best thing to do when you plan on going on a road trip alone or with company. You can find various rental companies in the country, so if it’s your first time renting a UAE car, here’s the complete guide to help you.

Car Rental Companies

You can find several car renting companies in the country, from famous car brands to lower-budget cars. If you’re a little tight on budget and still somewhat rent a luxurious car, you’ve got many options to choose from while driving in the UAE. Before renting a car, you must know the essential things to keep in mind, such as driving age in UAE, how to get a driving license in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates, the United Arab Emirates driving license categories.

Hertz is one of the top rent-a-car companies in Dubai since it’s known for providing quality car service in multiple countries for over 90 years. Aside from the 24-hour customer service, Hertz has road assistance teams that are available at any time. Another car rental company is Diamond Lease, a subsidiary of the Al Habtoor Group and has been serving Dubai since 1996. It is also known for superior customer service and well-maintained cars.

Documents Required

The legal driving age in the United Arab Emirates is 18 years, but you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Certain car rental companies have restricted the minimum age limit of 25 years for some vehicles. Aside from this, you must present a copy of your passport, resident’s visa, your local driver’s license, and your international driver’s permit. With these documents, the process of renting a car in the UAE will be smooth, and you can start with your road trip.

Vehicle Types

The United Arab Emirates is a top tourist destination in the west for people on the different sides of the world, so it’s no wonder if various car companies allow you to rent a car while you’re in the city. The type of car model you rent and the duration will affect the price you pay. You can select 80,000 car rentals in the UAE from top brands such as Hyundai, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, Audi, and Kia.

Car rental in UA has three categories for three different types of travelers. A city explorer should rent an economy car or a mini car if you would like to explore the city, which will cost you $60 to $75 per day. Off-road desert adventurers should rent a 4x4 since it is the best way to explore the Dubai desert, which will cost you $90 per day. You should rent a medium or large car for a family getaway for $60 to $200 per day. A luxury car costs $175 to $900 per day for a premium car.

Car Rental Cost

Owning a car in the United Arab Emirates is a good deal since there are times when you don’t want to travel through public transport. If you have documents needed, vehicle rental can be the ideal solution to let you explore the city hassle-free. When renting a car, one thing to consider is the cost, so here are some popular rented vehicles with their respective price to give you an idea of how much you need in your budget.

  • Economy Car: High Season - $62, Low Season - $62
  • Mini Car: High Season - $75, Low Season - $68
  • 4x4: High Season - $88, Low Season - $88
  • Luxury: High Season - $195, Low Season - $170

Age Requirements

The minimum age to rent a car in the United Arab Emirates is 21 years old, and you must have held your license for one year. However, some car rental companies have restricted the minimum age to 25 years old for certain car types. Rental Companies usually do not allow drivers under 18 years old to rent since it is considered underage and may cause uncontrolled accidents.

Car Insurance Cost

Insurance provides financial protection against physical damage resulting from traffic collisions and against liability that could arise from vehicle incidents. Exploring and driving on new roads in a different country can be worrisome, especially for first-time tourists, so it is highly encouraged to rent a car from a company that includes insurance in the rent package. Although, most car rental companies would consist of car insurance in their extra service fee.

Car Insurance Policy

Car rental companies know that car insurance is not something to look at tightly, which is why they do the best they can to protect you. In the United Arab Emirates, the law requires rental companies to provide third-party liability insurance inclusive of rental. In most cases, car rental providers would offer you several insurance options during the rental process. Certain banks also offer rental car insurances abroad.

Car rental companies in the UAE include Collision Damage Waiver in their extra service fee. Some companies have the other three insurance such as Liability Coverage, which protects against any potential lawsuit from a car accident; Personal Accident Insurance covers medical expenses incurred from a car accident; and Personal Effects Coverage, which covers your belongings you can keep in the rental car.

Road Rules in the UAE

Learning and understanding a country’s road rules is very important when driving around a foreign country. Following the country’s road rules saves you from paying fines, picking fights, and getting into accidents. Road rules differ in every country, so take note of the regulations imposed in the country you’re visiting. Below are the essential road rules you must keep in mind when driving in the UAE’s cities.

Important Regulations

Before you start hitting the road and start your road trip in a foreign country, you must know the country’s driving rules to avoid accidents or unwanted situations. Most driving directions in the UAE are familiar to you since they are general rules in most countries. You must follow the country’s driving rules to prevent getting into accidents and have a smooth and free road trip.

Drunk-driving

Drink-driving is considered illegal in the United Arab Emirates. The country has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drink-driving. Unlike other countries, the UAE does not have a legal blood-alcohol limit, and hence the only acceptable amount of alcohol in the body is zero. If you do not follow the law, the uniformed authority will let you pay a fine of DH30,000 or three years in jail.

In the first nine months of 2015, Drink-driving is the third leading cause of accidents in Dubai, with seven people killed and more than 100 injured in 431 alcohol-related incidents. Between January and September, there have been 461 road accidents in Dubai, leading to 24 deaths, while tailgating was the cause of 435 accidents and 25 fatalities.

Turning Signals at an Intersection

Drivers in the UAE alerts other drivers that they intend to stop, slow down or change the car’s direction to the left or the right by turning on the vehicle signals. In Intersections, you must turn on your sign to alert the drivers behind you that you will be taking this side of the road, thus, avoiding a collision.

Using of Cellular Phones While Driving

In the UAE, distracted driving is no longer limited to talking on the phone, texting, or taking photos. Drivers caught holding any mobile device while driving can be found guilty of committing an offense. Using your cellular phone becomes an offense if your car is in motion and you are holding on to any mobile device in one hand for purposes such as: making a call, typing on the keyboard, and using the internet.

Police have also included playing games on the mobile phone while in traffic, which has become more common on Abu Dhabi roads. In a statement, the uniformed authorities have warned that they will give Dh800 fine and four black points to drivers caught using their cell phones while driving.

Parking

Before parking, make sure that the area allows cars to park and is safe. UAE implements a no parking at any time rule unless parking signs are indicating seasonal restrictions. Watch out for these things before parking your vehicle: Parking while facing the wrong side, road markings, parking enforcement cameras, various spots to avoid, yellow line parking, and abreast of another vehicle.

When visiting a mall, there are no parking fees for less than 3 hours from Sunday to Thursday, but this can vary per mall. As a general rule, parking is usually accessible on public holidays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The prices differ depending on the location, duration, and parking type regarding parking on the street.

Ensure you and your vehicle are in good condition before driving.

Before hitting the roads in the UAE, ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. Double-check your tires, side mirrors, windows, and brakes. To avoid unwanted checkpoint issues, always bring your passport, car insurance documents, local driving license, and your international driving license in the UAE. Get enough sleep and avoid drinking before driving.

General Standards of Driving

Before driving in the UAE, you must learn the general standards of driving to avoid trouble. In the UAE, locals follow the government’s rules to avoid paying a fee and getting demerit points in their license. Cars in this county are either manual or automatic, depending on the vehicle you want to rent.

Speed Limits

Whether you are driving on a highway or in a school area, you must know the legal speed limits on a particular road. You need to be aware of three main speed restrictions in the UAE: 80 kilometers per hour in urban environments, 100 kilometers per hour in rural settings, and 100-160 kilometers per hour on the highway. Beyond that, the speed limits in the country get a little more complex to understand.

If you are in a parking area, the maximum speed limit is 25 km/h; If you are on a city road with a single lane, the speed limit is 40 km/h; If you are on a city road with separated lanes, the speed limit is 60 km/h; There are various penalties for speeding: AED 300 for 20kph; AED 600 for 30kph; AED 700 for 40kph; AED 1000 for 50kph; AED 1,500, 6 traffic points and police will confiscate your vehicle for 15 days for 60kph.

Seat Belt Laws

The World Health Organization Global Status Report on Road Safety reported that vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children between 5-14 years old and young adults between 15 and 29. One of the most critical safety measures to prevent road accidents and fatalities is by wearing seatbelts. Seatbelts are straps found in the car seats to prevent injury during accidents.

Road Traffic Rules in the UAE states that all passengers in a car must wear seat belts, including those sitting in the rear seat. Failure to obey this rule will lead to a fine of AED 400 for the vehicle’s driver and four black points. Children up to four years of age must wear a child safety seat, and the front passenger should also be at least 145 cm tall and must be at least ten years old.

Traffic Road Signs

Road signs are essential to ensure your safety while driving. These signs allow drivers to know their required speed limit on specific points, where and when to turn so that they will not hit any car from the opposite direction. Road signs help avoid accidents on the road, and you will find a lot of these when you drive around UAE’s cities. This section will find the types of road signs you may encounter when you visit the country.

The United Arab Emirates’ road signs are on the British and SADC road sign system regulated by the Road Traffic Authority Dubai and Department of Transport Abu Dhabi. UAE road signs use the Arabic language, which is the primary language in the country. However, English road signs are used and placed in important public places such as airports, tourist attractions, and immigration checkpoints.

Regulatory signs have two sets: Mandatory signs and Prohibition signs. Mandatory signs give positive instructions to drivers, while Prohibition signs indicate prohibition. Required movements are generally circular with a white border and symbol on a blue background. Mandatory signs include:

  • Ahead only
  • Turn left ahead
  • Turn left
  • Keep left
  • Split way
  • Route to be used by pedal cycles only
  • Stop and give way signs.

Prohibitory signs indicate drivers what they must not do and mostly circular and have a red border. These signs include:

  • No entry for all vehicles
  • No left turn
  • No right turn
  • No lorries
  • No vehicles with three axles or more
  • No vehicles carrying explosives
  • No pedal cycles
  • No waiting
  • No stopping
  • No overtaking
  • No sounding of the vehicle horn
  • No jaywalking
  • No jaywalking in the bus park
  • No cars over height shown
  • No vehicles over width shown
  • No vehicles overweight shown
  • Maximum speed limit in kilometers per hour

Information signs indicate a particular condition or nature of the road ahead the drivers need to note. These signs are independent of existing mandatory and prohibitive signs and are usually white or blue and rectangular. These signs include:

  • Indication of a U-turn lane
  • One way traffic ahead
  • One-way traffic in the direction indicated
  • Zebra crossing
  • Pedal cycle crossing
  • Parking Area for all vehicles
  • Parking area for motorcars
  • Parking area for motorcycles
  • No through road
  • No through road on the left ahead
  • No through road on the right ahead
  • Keep a safe distance
  • Left turn on red
  • Right turn on red
  • Right turn lanes ahead
  • Watch out for traffic from a side road
  • Red light camera
  • Dual Carriageway ahead

Temporary work-zone signs are signs placed to ensure roads keep a free flow of traffic despite being affected by roadworks in the area. These signs are orange diamond, orange rectangular, or yellow rectangular-shaped signs. The signs include:

  • Advance sign of road works ahead
  • Indication of road stretch affected by road works
  • Entry to works area
  • Heavy vehicles are turning ahead
  • Layout of lanes ahead
  • Road narrows on right ahead
  • Temporary mandatory speed limit
  • Traffic lights in use ahead
  • Bend to right
  • Supplementary plate to specify direction
  • Single lane traffic
  • Curve Alignment Marker
  • Detour for pedestrians
  • Detour in direction indicated
  • Advance sign of detour ahead

Warning signs indicate possible dangers or unusual conditions ahead to alert drivers, so they can make the appropriate actions to take. These signs are usually shaped as triangles with a red border and placed on a borderless white backing board. Warning signs include:

  • Danger Ahead
  • Restricted Zone Ahead
  • Other Dangers
  • Electronic Road Pricing Ahead
  • Road Hump
  • Uneven Road
  • Road Narrows on Right
  • Road Narrows on Both Sides Ahead
  • Two-way Traffic Crosses a One-way Road
  • Two-way Traffic Ahead
  • Lanes Merge Ahead
  • Double Bend First to Left
  • Dual Carriageway Ends
  • Crossroads
  • Advance Warning of a Height Restriction Ahead
  • Children Ahead
  • Animals Crossing Road Ahead
  • Pedestrians on Road Ahead
  • Elderly or Blind People Ahead
  • Slow Downlandin a Slow Speed
  • Side Road on Left
  • Side Road on Right
  • T-junction
  • Traffic Merging from Left Behind
  • Road Slippery When Wet
  • Staggered Junction
  • Steep Ascent
  • Steep Descent
  • Quayside or River Bank Ahead
  • Tunnel Ahead
  • Traffic Signals in Use Ahead
  • Low Flying Aircraft
  • Roundabout Ahead
  • Zebra Crossing Ahead
  • Bend to the Right Ahead
  • Bridge with Low Headroom Ahead
  • Curve Alignment
  • Sharp Deviation to the Left
  • Extended Curve

Right of Way

The right of way refers to who has the legal right to go first on the road. This setup is commonly known as the “priority” and indicates drivers who have the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who need to wait until the other vehicle passes. If you or another driver fails to follow this rule, you risk colliding with each other and may involve other cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Drivers in the UAE know how they should give way to pedestrians, vehicles on major roads, T-junctions, through streets, or when they are approaching the same through a minor road. Besides, ambulances, police, civil defense, and other emergency vehicles must always get the right way. Children boarding a school bus and military vehicles should also get the right of way.

In the UAE, before you are allowed to operate a vehicle, you must possess a valid driver’s license and oblige all traffic rules. The legal age to drive in this country depends on the car for which you are obtaining the permit. The minimum age requirement for driving motorcycles is 17 years old, while the age requirement for driving cars and light vehicles is 18 years.

Keep in mind that to drive in the UAE, you must have your international driver’s permit. If you plan on staying in the country for more than a year, you must apply for a United Arab Emirates driving license renewal. To add to the documents needed for driving in the United Arab Emirates, a visa for tourists is also a must.

Overtaking

Whether for personal comfort or in a hurry, overtaking another car is one of the most common things most drivers do when driving on the streets. The UAE discourages overtaking on the inside lane and the hard shoulder since the hard shoulder should only be for breakdowns, accidents, and free emergency services. Overtaking must be done on the road’s left side, and overtaking from the right is not legal.

Driving Side

The United Arab Emirates driving side is on the right side of the road. You should keep this in mind when you’re planning on overtaking. Overtake on the right side of the road and keep left if you’re not overtaking. This rule makes most drivers comfortable driving in the city streets, but you have nothing to worry about since local drivers are safe drivers if you’re a first-timer.

Understanding Road Signs

The United Arab Emirates uses the official Arabic Language in their road signs. The English language is used and placed in public places such as airports, tourist attractions, and immigration checkpoints. Road signs in the UAE are easy to understand for foreigners since English translations are in the signs.

Driving Etiquette in the UAE

Whether you are driving in your local country or a foreign country, unforeseen circumstances could happen. Without knowing the proper driving etiquette, especially when you are in a foreign country, you could get into trouble. So you must know the driving etiquette of the country you are visiting before driving on the road to avoid the consequences that may happen.

Car Breakdown

Car breakdowns are one of the worst things that could happen when you are traveling or on a road trip, which is why you must ensure that your car is in good condition before hitting the road. Rental cars from established companies are regularly checked and maintained, so they are not likely to cause car breakdowns. If possible, try to move your vehicle off the road to avoid hassle and generating traffic to other drivers.

When your car breaks down in the UAE, dial your emergency roadside assistance service. If you don’t have roadside assistance service, call for a tow truck, your local non-emergency police station, or your car rental company. In cases where your car breaks down, put your hazard lights on and get your vehicle off the road. Put a reflective triangle warning sign at least 100 meters behind your car.

Police Stops

When going on a road trip or just casually driving, you need to look out for checkpoints that you will most likely run. These checkpoints are not usually marked, so you will need to look out for police authorities on the side of the road. It would be possible also that the police will stop you and inform you that you are in a checkpoint area. Even though it may seem a hassle, these checkpoints are for your safety.

The uniform authorities in checkpoint usually go for the United Arab Emirates driving license check, so you must always bring the needed documents when driving in the country. The records required are your passport, local driving license, and your international driver’s permit. When stopped at a checkpoint, maintain a polite tone when talking to the police authorities.

Asking Directions

You can see a lot of pedestrians walking in the street of the UAE. If you are confused or need help finding the place you are driving to, you can ask the pedestrians, and they will spare you a few minutes to help. When asking for help, stop your car at the side of the road and politely ask a person. The country’s primary language is Arabic, so it would be easier to ask using the same vocabulary. Several emigrants occupy the land, so some of them also speak English.

Checkpoints

While driving in the UAE, you may encounter random checkpoints conducted by police authorities for your safety. During checkpoints, present the documents needed: your passport, local driver’s license, and your international driver’s permit. These checkpoints can happen at any time, so you must obey the drunk-driving rule and use cellular phone rules to avoid paying a fine while visiting the country.

Other Tips

Other than the driving situations to keep in mind when driving in the UAE, it’s also essential to know what to do in unwanted accidents. Getting in accidents while in a foreign country can be scary and hassle, but knowing what to do at certain times can reduce your worries when involved in an accident.

In Case of Accidents

When involved in a vehicle accident, it is natural that emotions and anxiety run high. If you are in an accident, you should stop and don’t drive away from the accident scene, even if it’s a minor one. If there are injured victims, call for an ambulance and report the accident to the police if needed. When renting a car, exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident and gather evidence of the accident so you can show it to the car rental company.

Driving Conditions in the UAE

One crucial factor that you should observe when going on a road trip in the UAE is the driving situations and conditions. Knowing about the driving conditions and problems, operating rules, and driving etiquette could help you prepare for possible issues that you may encounter on the streets. You must know the driving situations and needs when you’re in a foreign country to keep you alert and confident when driving.

Accident Statistics

A survey from the World Health Organization conducted on the United Arab Emirates Road Accidents shows that 63% of children deaths occurred in road accidents. Based on the Dubai Statistics Center record, there were 2496 Accidents in 2014 and 2189 cases in 2016. In recent years, due to traffic and road-safety awareness programs, there is a slide decline in road casualties. One major cause of road accidents in the country is distracted driving.

Common Vehicles

The automotive industry in the United Arab Emirates is still growing faster despite breaking all sales records, which simply indicates the power and potential this market holds. In comparison, many car brands are successfully carrying out their businesses in the country. The overflow of technology leads the customers to look for safety in their cars and greater sophistication. The top five standard vehicles are Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, BMW, and Hyundai.

Toll Roads

There are four tollgates located at bridges in the capital as part of an effort to slash congestion and encourage people to use environmentally friendly transport forms. There is a new cashless road toll similar to the Salik system in Dubai since 2007, in which drivers pay every time they travel through a designated point. These toll roads are in Al Maqta, Mussafah, Sheikh Khalifa, and Sheikh Zayed.

The flat rate of the new toll road is Dh4, unlike the Salik toll, each time you pass through a gate regardless of the time of the day. There will be peak and off-peak charges for the Abu Dhabi project. There is a charge from 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm, Saturday to Thursday during peak periods. A Dh2 off-peak is outside these times, as well as on Fridays and public holidays.

Road Situation

While learning to drive in the UAE, you may encounter road conditions similar to those in the United States. The country has a highly developed and well-maintained road and highway network. All vehicles in the road, including taxis, are subjected to AED 4 when they pass through Dubai’s toll gates. The owners must buy Salik tags which are available online at petrol stations.

Driving Culture

Brightly-lit roads and regular police patrols make it safe to drive in the UAE at any time of the day. Local drivers in this country are familiar with most routes, yet they still follow the speed limit rule and the other critical driving rules. The government surveyed the country’s drivers, and 78 percent of the population said that the UAE’s roads were very safe. You won’t have anything to worry about because the country’s locals are safe drivers.

Other Tips

There are also important things to keep in mind when driving in the UAE, such as the unit used in speed limit and night driving. This section contains details about other tips you should know when going to the United Arab Emirates.

What is the unit measurement for UAE’s speed limits?

Kilometers per hour, Kph, and miles per hour, mph are units of measurements used to display speed limits. Every country has a different measure of speed limits to use. The United Arab Emirates uses the kilometers per hour system for measurement. Countries that use Mph are the USA, Liberia, etc.; it’s essential to learn and understand the Kph not to be confusing when you drive in the UAE.

Is driving at night allowed in UAE?

Driving at night is common in some countries, since people love going out at night. If you are one of those who love driving at night, you probably have to think twice when driving in the country. An inexperienced driver should never go on a night-drive until you are sure of the risks involved. Driving at night is not prohibited, but it is not encouraged when driving in this country.

The roads in the UAE are well-lit and pretty smooth, so it’s no hassle for night-drivers. However, you should still look out for drivers who don’t turn on their headlights, jaywalkers, and drivers who have high beams on all the time. However, if you plan on driving at night, there are certain things you should keep in mind: Know your distance, stay awake, Over-dazzle is not good, have a clear vision, and eye-care is essential.

Which car should you drive in the UAE, manual or automatic?

If you stay in the UAE for a short period, you might want to consider taking up the automatic car instead of a manual car. You can find many automated vehicles these days since they are much easier to learn than a manual car. Mechanical car gears move according to the speed you drive, which means there is no clutch and has only two-foot pedals.

Things To Do in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the favorite tourist destination countries in the world. Driving a car as a tourist and visiting the beautiful attractions in this country can be memorable and exciting. If you are looking for another thing to do aside from visiting the top destinations, from earning cash to buying a property, here are some things you can do in this country.

Drive as a Tourist

Tourists are allowed to drive in the United Arab Emirates’ streets as long as they have their local driver’s license, passport, and your international driver’s license with them. You must bring these documents with you since you will never know when you will encounter a checkpoint. To add to the documents needed for driving in the United Arab Emirates, a visa for tourists is a must.

Work as a Driver

The UAE recognizes driver licenses issued by Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Driving as a tourist in the UAE is possible; however, you must apply for a Work Permit to use your foreign driving license plus your international driver’s permit to drive in the country and work as a driver.

Foreign nationals will need a residence visa and a work permit to apply for a country job. Foreign nationals will need to provide the following documents to obtain a work permit: An employment contract with a company in the UAE, copies of the applicant’s birth certificate, passport, and marriage certificate if applicable, proof of accommodations in Dubai, evidence that the applicant has sufficient financial means as support.

Work as a Travel Guide

Tourist guides in the United Arab Emirates are not limited to work under companies or travel agencies. Tourist guides can also market their guiding services to and accept jobs from local and overseas visitors directly since most tourist guides in the UAE are freelancers. However, you also need to apply for a Work Permit to work as a travel guide in the country.

Apply For Residency

Several people become residents of the UAE every year due to the tempting thought of gaining permanent residence in the UAE. The various programs have convinced thousands of tourists of distinct backgrounds to set up home, find a job, and settle down in the island-state that is one of Asia’s most stable and developed countries.

As a tourist, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence if you apply for a residence permit visa. The following documents needed for being a resident in the country are: A completed application form, original passport along with a copy, several passport photos, copy of a valid company card, certificate of health, entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, and proof of payment of the application fee.

Other Things to Do

Besides seeking jobs to owning properties, you can do more things when planning to stay for a few years in the country. The United Arab Emirates is known as one of the busiest countries globally, but its magnificent scenery and living way can convince people to live and work in the country.

IDP Renewal in the UAE

If you love traveling to countries, you must know that the UAE is one of the countries you want to stay in longer. Your international driver’s permit is valid only for one year in the country from the date of issue and is renewable. There are checkpoints in this country, so you might be in trouble if you drive with an expired driver’s permit. You must know what to do with your driver’s license if you plan on staying longer in the country.

If you plan on staying in the United Arab Emirates for more than a year, you must apply for an International driving permit renewal. You must renew your permit to avoid getting caught when stopped during checkpoints in the country. The uniformed authorities will check your local driver’s license and your valid international driver’s permit.

The Top Destinations in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. The country is known for its glitz and glamour and is considered one of the world’s cleanest and most orderly cities. The UAE is famous for being a prosperous country and having attractive high-rise buildings, the most pristine bays, the best airport globally, and its well-built road. If you visit the country and go on a road trip, here are some of the country’s best road trip destinations.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is one of the UAE’s most famous buildings and the soaring sky-high landmark of Dubai. Aside from being the world’s tallest building, it also claims to be the tallest freestanding structure globally, an elevator with the longest distance in the world, and the world’s highest observation deck. A trip up to the observation deck is a sightseeing highlight for most tourists who visit this place.

The Burj Khalifa is known as the Burj Dubai before its inauguration in 2010 and has a total height of 829 m and a roof height of 828 m. The construction of this infrastructure began in 2004, and the exterior took five years to complete. The building opened in 2010 as part of a new development called Downtown Dubai.

Driving Directions:

  1. From Dubai Aiport, drive straight to Casablanca St.
  2. Then when you arrive at Casablanca St., drive straight to Rebat St.
  3. Upon arriving at Rebat St., drive straight to Downtown Dubai.

Things to Do:

If you want to fully enjoy the whole place, here’s a list of top fun activities to do in Burj Khalifa.

  1. Enjoy the spectacular views of Dubai
    The Burj Khalifa is the home to the second-highest observation deck in the world. The observation decks are on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors of the building. The balcony provides a complete 360-degree view of Dubai, and the beds are at the top of Burj Khalifa.
  2. Relax at the Burj Club
    If you are looking for things to do in this place for a relaxed experience, the Burj Club is the place for you. This place offers a world-class gym, spa, and rooftop area where you can enjoy the perfect blend of luxury, recreation, and fitness. The rooftop is a private part of the Burj Khalifa, which has a Miami-meets-Manhattan vibe.
  3. Eat at some of Dubai’s Restaurants
    Eating at the excellent and top-notch restaurants is also one of the things to do in Burj Khalifa. This skyscraper is known for the lavish lifestyle it promotes. While the Burj Khalifa residences fill your heart’s desire for luxury, the restaurants take your taste buds on an adventure of delicious flavor and culinary excellence.
  4. Visit the Candylicious for sweets
    If you visit the Burj Khalifa with your children, this place is one of the best things to see. You can have the most extensive possible range of candies in one place and a view that mesmerizes. Candylicious has one of its stores open at the top of Burj Khalifa. While you’re enjoying spectacular views of Dubai, you can eat sweets from this store.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is described as a “mammoth modern mosque of fantastic beauty.” This place harnesses contemporary design and ancient craftsmanship, this mosque blends modern and antique styles and techniques to create a new Islamic architecture interpretation. A visit to this mosque is a must for any visitor in this country due to its mosaic tiles, glasswork, and a white stone contrasting under the Emirati blue sky.

The Grand Mosque is in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. This place is the largest mosque in the country and an essential area of worship for daily prayers. During Eid, the site has more than 41,000 people. This place was built between 1996 and 2007 by Syrian architect Yousef Abdel.

Driving Directions:

  1. Drive to Bin Zayed Road E311.
  2. Then you drive to Ras Al Khor Road E44.
  3. After that, you drive straight to Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Things to Do:

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers a lot of enjoyable activities that you should try. Here’s a list of top things you can do in this place:

  1. Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum
    The Grand Egyptian Museum is the world’s most significant archaeological museum and is also known as the Giza Museum. You will get a glimpse of the Egyptian museum’s entire pretty architecture, which is in the shape of a chamfered triangle and built with a translucent stone wall. The entrance has magnificent statues, which will have an exhibit after the reconstruction work.
  2. Explore the Baron Empain Palace
    The Baron Empain Palace is a must-visit with your friends and families in Cairo. This palace is an important historical site typically known as the Hindu palace and has beautiful Indian architecture and vast green areas. The major attraction of this mansion is the clock at the top of the building, and you can take pictures here in the garden area.
  3. Pay a visit to the Papyrus Museum
    This museum will stun you with the local craftsmanship in the making of the famous barks of trees. You will also be dazzled with the unique handmade paintings and the excellent artworks and architectural delicacies inside this museum.

Hajar Mountains

The Hajar Mountains reside in a desert, creating a jagged and wild heart of the United Arab Emirates. This region is a road trip heaven due to its twisting roller-coaster roads with spectacular scenery along the way and connects to the region’s tiny villages. If you love hiking, trekking, and bird-watching activities, this area is fun to explore and is a must-visit for you.

The Hajar Mountains, also known as the Al-Hajar Mountains, is the highest mountain range in the Eastern Arabian Peninsula. This mountain separate low coastal plain from the high desert plateau and lies 50-100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman. Al means ‘the’ and Hajar means ‘stone’ or ‘rock.’ So Al Hajar means ‘the stone’ or ‘the rock.’

Driving Directions:

  1. Drive through the junction.
  2. Take the graded road to the left.
  3. Turn right and drive 100 m down the wadi.
  4. Drive straight to the mountains.

From Highway 13:

  1. Take the signposted road to Wadi Bani Awf.
  2. Drive to At Tikhah and proceed straight to 6 junction.
  3. Then drive to Az Zammah and enter the Snake Canyon.
  4. From the canyon, drive straight to the Hajar Mountains.

Things to Do:

Hajar Mountains offer activities and meaningful insights to tourists. Here’s a list of fun things to do in this area:

  1. Take a walk at the Jebel Shams Balcony
    You can enjoy a great hike with unique views into the Sonnenberg’s canyon, the third largest canyon in the world. Visit the Jebel Shams Balcony and enjoy a great walk and the scenery of the starting point, the village of Al Khitaym.
  2. Visit the Grand Canyon Oman
    This Grand Canyon has several ways to be explored. You can stop by car on the way to Al Khitaym and take a glimpse of the impressive canyon. You can also enjoy a Fujairah mountain tour, the overwhelming beauty and silence of the United Arab Emirates famous Liwa Oasis on an adventure in the desert safari from Abu Dhabi.
  3. Visit the Wadi as-Shab
    The Wadi As-Shab resides between Sur and Muscat, and the should not be missing a visit when you take a trip to Oman. This place is one of Oman’s top highlights since this narrow canyon is home to crystal clear blue water pools and has a secret waterfall inside the cave.
  4. Take a dip in Wadi Bani Khalid
    This place is a beautiful spot to visit and suitable for trekking and swimming. You can enjoy walking on the mountain and dip in the swimming pool while admiring the beautiful scenery. If you are not in the mood for trekking and swimming, you can enjoy relaxing in the café and restaurant in the place.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi is the most spectacular museum in the United Arab Emirates. This place takes visitors on a journey through human history with objects sourced from across the globe and through the ages of history to demonstrate the links between people’s cultures. Whether you’re interested in early history, modern art, or the tremendous Empirical ages, you’ll find the museum exhibits in this place fascinating.

Driving Directions:

  1. Take the Saadiyat Island and exit on to Sheikh Khalifa Highway.
  2. Drive along Yas Highway to the cultural district.
  3. Lastly, go drive to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Things to do:

Louvre Abu Dhabi has a lot of activities you can do aside from the things you can do in a museum. Here’s a list of activities for you:

  1. Do a Yoga under the dome
    You can experience the restorative serenity of one of the world’s most inspiring locations. Participate in daily yoga sessions under the dome at Louvre Abu Dhabi, since it can help you calm your mind and find your inner peace.
  2. Go Kayaking around the museum
    You can enjoy the view of the museum from the stillness of the Arabian Sea. You can take a tour on a kayak and learn all about the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s architecture from a unique perspective, while relaxing in a boat.
  3. Stroll in the Louvre Abu Dhabi Park
    You can enjoy this inspiring place to experience the outdoors and a gentle sea breeze for company. Elevate your morning strolls and evening jogs against the backdrop of a modern architectural museum. Whether you want to hang out or be productive, this relaxing environment is perfect for your everyday routine.

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