| Driving in Dubai can be a challenge and may initially be | | | | SunCity Motors among others. Searching the |
| intimidating. Dubai is home to approximately 180 | | | | classifieds for used cars in Dubai can also yield good |
| different nationalities, all of whom come with their own | | | | results. |
| driving abilities and habits. Those arriving from Western | | | | |
| countries may find the roads chaotic, while those from | | | | After you rent or buy a car, understanding the local |
| Asian nations or Arab states may find the driving | | | | rules of the road is paramount to having a positive |
| organized. With some experience behind the wheel in | | | | experience. It is often necessary to drive defensively |
| Dubai, coupled with basic knowledge of local driving | | | | and be vigilant behind the wheel. Cars in Dubai are |
| regulations, expats should soon feel comfortable taking | | | | left-hand drive, with traffic on the right. Slower drivers |
| to the roads. | | | | should stick to the furthest right lane. If you travel in the |
| One must have a residency visa in order to acquire a | | | | left-most lane at a slower speed you will most likely |
| local driving license. Many people arrive in Dubai on a | | | | find another vehicle alarmingly close to your rear |
| visit visa and thus will rent a vehicle for the first month | | | | bumper, honking its horn and flashing its high beams. It |
| or so until their residency visa is completed. In order to | | | | is common for drivers to change lanes abruptly without |
| rent a car you will need an International Driving Permit | | | | signaling, to slowly coast through stop signs instead of |
| and a driving license from your home country. Many | | | | coming to a full stop, and to honk their horns loudly the |
| well-known car rental agencies exist in Dubai including | | | | instant the light turns green at a traffic signal. |
| Avis, Budget Car Rentals, Hertz and Thrifty Car | | | | Pedestrians are often darting across the street and |
| Rentals. Alternatively, you may opt to obtain a | | | | need to be watched for. Recently an automated toll |
| Temporary Driving License if you wish to drive a | | | | system (known as Salik) was installed on |
| private car. A temporary license is valid for six months | | | | selected major roadways in order to try and reduce |
| and is issued at the Dubai Traffic Police Station. | | | | traffic congestion. |
| Once you have Dubai residency you must get a local | | | | There are mobile radar cameras set up around the |
| driving license - you can no longer use a temporary or | | | | emirate to catch those driving over the speed limit or |
| international permit. Certain nationalities, including those | | | | running a red light. Zero tolerance exists for drinking |
| from many European countries, US, UK, Australia, New | | | | and driving. Something as seemingly minor as a rude |
| Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea can | | | | hand gesture, used in a moment of frustration at |
| get a local license by simply showing their own driving | | | | another driver, can land you in court or even jail. If you |
| license and doing some paperwork. Others will need to | | | | do incur a fine you will not receive a notice in the mail, |
| take driving lessons (available at licensed centers | | | | rather you can check on the Dubai Police Traffic |
| including Belhasa Driving Center, Dubai Driving Center, | | | | website or call them directly. Fines for an entire year |
| Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Motor Driving Center, | | | | can be paid when renewing your annual car |
| and Al Ahli Driving School) and afterwards pass a test. | | | | registration. If you get into a minor accident it is |
| The driving school can arrange an appointment for | | | | recommended to park your vehicle so as not to |
| your driving test with the Dubai Traffic Department. | | | | obstruct traffic, get the other party's details, and then |
| Once an expat has a residency visa they can buy a | | | | immediately visit the nearest police station to file a |
| car. Most major car makes are available at dealers in | | | | report. If the police are called to the scene they will |
| the UAE, with 4x4s and Japanese models being | | | | often write a report on the spot. These papers are |
| especially popular. Second hand vehicles can be found | | | | necessary for the insurance company and it is almost |
| at 4x4 Motors, Al Futtaim AutoMall, Western Auto and | | | | impossible to get repairs done without them. |