World City Guide

Getting There By Road

The United Arab Emirates boasts an impressive network of first-class roads that connect major towns and villages, including a multi-lane highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Highways and main roads in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are designated by an Emirate Route Number. Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side. Speed limits are clearly displayed on road signs and are usually 60-80kph (37-50mph) around town and 100-120kph (62-74mph) elsewhere. Seatbelts are compulsory and it is illegal to use handheld mobile phones while driving. Certain minor traffic offences incur on-the-spot fines. Drinking and driving is illegal and the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is zero. The police must be called to any road traffic accident – no matter how minor – and those involved in the accident must remain at the scene with their vehicles.

A valid International Driving Permit, a valid national licence and a passport are required to drive in Dubai. Visitors from many European, North American and Pan-Asian countries can obtain a temporary local driving licence if they do not have an international licence – a valid national licence, passport and two passport-sized photographs are required for applicants to obtain this. Drivers must be over 18 years old. Third party insurance is compulsory.

Arabian Automobile Association (tel: (04) 266 9989; fax: (04) 268 2646; website: www.aaa-uae.com) can provide further information.

Emergency breakdown service:
Arabian Automobile Association (800) 4900 (toll free)

Routes to the city: The main Emirate Route Numbers into Dubai are 77 from Jebel Ali, 88 from Sharjah, 44 from Wajajah, 66 from Al-Ain and 11 from Abu Dhabi.

Approximate driving times to Dubai: From Al-Ain – 1 hour 15 minutes; Abu Dhabi – 1 hour 30 minutes; Muscat – 4 hours.

Coach services: Two buses leave daily for Muscat in Oman, departing from the car park at the Airline Centre, Al-Maktoum Road, Deira (tel: (04) 203 3923), at 0730 and 1630. Tickets, costing Dh90 for a return, can be purchased from the driver or the Airline Centre. The Gold Souk Bus Station, off Al-Khor Street, and Al-Ghubaiba Bus Station, Al-Ghubaiba Road, are the main departure points for local and intercity services, which operate 0600-2300. Dubai Municipality (tel: (800) 4848; website: www.dm.gov.ae) can provide further information. There are also buses from Dubai to Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Dubai Transport Corporation (tel: (04) 264 1111; website: www.dubaitransport.gov.ae) operates minibus services to the main cities of the UAE, however, it is only possible for travellers to catch these once they are out of Dubai city.