Driving in Dubai can be challenging and can initially be quite frightening for most foreign drivers.  Dubai drivers are notorious for their thoughtless maneuvers on the road, with cutting, overtaking, and tailgating at break neck speeds. This is even treated as common occurrences, in as much as one would treat signposts on the road.  As Dubai continues to expand and more foreign expatriates with varied driving skills and habits come to live in the city, the roadways in Dubai might be as challenging as ever.  Yet as much as an imposing task as it may seem, a foreigner equipped with some experience in driving on the roadways of Dubai, knowledge of local driving regulations, and a cool head might find this task a lot easier to handle.

Driving in Dubai requires a local driving license, which can only be obtained with a residency visa.  Tourists and other visitors who come into Dubai with a visit visa opt to rent a car while their residency visa is being processed.  However, an International Driving Permit and a driver’s license from their own country are required in order to rent a car.  Should one wish to drive a private car, a temporary driving license may be obtained at the Dubai Traffic Police Station.  This license stays valid for six months.

A local driving license is mandatory upon the issuance of a residency permit should one wish to drive in Dubai, as International Driving Permits and temporary driving licenses will no longer be valid.  Dubai residents with residence visas issued in other emirates must obtain a transferal form in order to get a driving license from Dubai.

In general, Dubai driving licenses can be obtained by Dubai residents or UAE citizens after training from an authorized driving school.  Some of Dubai’s authorized driving schools include the Al Ahli Driving School, Belhasa Driving School, Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Driving School, and the Dubai Driving Centre.  The minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license is 18 years. 

However, citizens from certain countries and GCC member countries can transfer to a Dubai driving license without having to go through driving lessons and training.  These include:

Belgium     France    New Zealand     South Africa
Czech Republic     Germany    Luxembourg    Canada
Australia    Greece    Japan    Sweden
South Korea     Slovakia     Norway    Spain
Austria    Iceland    Singapore    Switzerland
Denmark     Italy     Portugal    United States
Cyprus    Ireland    Poland     Great Britain
Finland    Iran    Holland    Turkey

Documents necessary for the application of a driver’s license includes

• Residence visa
• Original passport plus one photocopy
• No-objection certificate from employer
• 8 photographs
• eye test report
• successful driving test (internal, signal, and road tests)
• Fee: Dhs. 100

On the other hand, the Documents required for transferring to a Dubai driver’s license include

• residence visa in Dubai
• valid driver’s license
• accomplished driver’s license form with one passport size photo
• original passport plus one photocopy
• original driver’s license plus one photocopy
• eye test report
• a  letter from the consulate or embassy from which the license was issued to confirm its validity, in the case of non-GCC licenses
• Fee: Dhs 100 

The residence visa does not only allow the holder to obtain a local driver’s license, but also allows the holder to purchase a private vehicle.  Most major car models are available at car dealers in the city, with 4x4’s and Japanese models being the most popular choices.  Dubai has a premium quality road network that connects all parts of the city with its surrounding areas.  Therefore, a light and compact car, such as those of Japanese models, is most ideal in city driving.  A 4x4 wheel drive is not nearly necessary when driving in the city.  These types of vehicles are better matched for a drive in the desert and when partaking in off-road activities.

After purchasing or renting a car, understanding the local driving regulations is vital in having a safe and positive experience while traversing its roadways.  Here are a few road regulations applicable in the city, as well as some essential points regarding driving in Dubai:

Basic Regulations

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  Cars in Dubai are left-hand drives.
• Driving is on the right-hand side.
• The farthest right lane on the roadway is kept for the slowest drivers, and vice versa.
• Expect Dubai drivers to change lanes abruptly with out giving a signal, slowly coast through stop signs instead of coming to a full stop, the often honking of horns especially at the instant a traffic light turns green, and the usual screeching of tires on the pavement through sudden stops.
• Seatbelts are mandatory, as with most modern cities.  
• The use of cellphones while driving is strictly prohibited.  Drivers are advised to use hands-free devices.
• Dubai has zero tolerance for drinking and driving 
• Always keep necessary documentation (i.e. local driver’s license or international driving permit) as the police would require these should one be stopped for any reason.

Vehicles from Abroad

• Cars from across the border require a carnet de passage, which is a booklet stamped upon arrival and departure from the country.
• The booklet serves as an assurance that the vehicle will be taken by the owner when he leaves the country.
• A carnet de passage can be issued by a motoring organization in the country where the vehicle is registered.
• A carnet stays valid for a period of six months
• An international vehicle registration document or a log book detailing personal and vehicle information in Arabic might be helpful in easing any problems when crossing borders.

Accidents

• During minor accidents, vehicles should be parked on the side of the road so as to avoid traffic obstruction.
• Police called to the scene will often write a police report, which are important documents for the insurance company.
• Dubai has one of the highest road death tolls in the world.  As of March 2008, the government has taken steps to change this by stiffening the law for driving offences, as well as by implementing a black point system which aims to improve road safety.

Breakdowns and Service Stations

• It is advisable to always carry a spare tire in the trunk as tires often suffer from the hot and stony desert road of Dubai.
• A warning triangle is a requirement in Middle Eastern countries.
• Petrol prices in Dubai are much lower than in European countries.
• Only two grades of petrol are available in the city. The best amongst these is the 'Super', or mumtaz, which is 98 octane and generally much cleaner than regular petrol, or benzin.
• It is advisable to keep a full tank when traveling long distances as service stations are quite few and located far in between remote areas and desert roads.