Get mobile in Dubai
By Hertz, Dubai / Jun 09 • Categorized as Living Overseas •
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Get Mobile in Dubai
Cars are the principal means of transport in the UAE. As such, one of the first decisions a new expat faces is how to get from A to B, and whether to buy or rent a car. Here are a few pointers to help get you on the road.
Can I use my domestic driving licence if I am moving to the UAE permanently?
If you’re on a visit visa and you’re from one of the 32 approved countries then you can hire a car. These countries include most of the EU as well as the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the GCC. Click here to see the full list of approved countries. Driving a privately owned vehicle is not allowed on an international licence.
Once you have a residency visa you can apply for a permanent UAE licence which will be valid for 10 years. This will allow you to drive either a hire car or a privately owned vehicle. Until your residency comes through you can apply for a six-month temporary UAE licence, even if you are not a UAE resident, which allows you to drive a privately owned car.
How do I get my hands on a permanent UAE licence?
Nationals from the 32 approved countries can automatically transfer their driving licence, as long as the original licence is valid. You will need to take your foreign licence, your passport, an eye test certificate (you can have an eye test done on the premises). The typing office completes your application in Arabic, for a small fee, and then you need to take all documentation to the counter to be processed and pay AED110 to the licensing office of the Traffic Police. Your photo will be taken and you will be given your drivers’ license.
If your nationality is not on the automatic transfer list you will need to go through an UAE driving test to be eligible to drive in Dubai, regardless of whether you hold a valid driving licence from your home country or not. There are five certified driving schools and you can apply for a learner’s permit at the driving school directly, instead of going through the Traffic Police.
What side of the road do you drive on in Dubai?
Motorists drive on the right hand side on the road – the same as America, France, Germany and Spain, and the opposite side to the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
What car models would you advise?
Many Dubai residents own 4×4s and petrol is cheap enough to run them economically. You can rent large cars like the Toyota Prado or FJ Cruiser. However, smaller cars can be more maneuverable in the heavy traffic and easier to park. In addition, you will save money on petrol and benefit the environment.
Are most cars automatic or manual?
Most cars in Dubai are automatic.
What is the drink-driving limit in UAE?
There is a zero-tolerance policy in the UAE, which means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you are driving. If you get caught the ramifications can be serious so avoid drinking and driving.
Is buying a second-hand car a reasonable alternative to rental?
Buying a second hand car in the UAE is a common practice. Many banks offer lease-back schemes and loans. Check with your bank for available offers.
If you do choose to buy a second hand car, there are certain factors to bear in mind. Firstly, the sale of cars over 10 years old is prohibited and a law is soon to be introduced that will deem cars 20 years or older as no longer roadworthy. This means that you need to be careful about what you are buying and the age of the car. Always purchase a vehicle that has been regularly serviced and documented.
How much does petrol cost?
Petrol is very affordable in the UAE, especially compared to prices in Europe. It’s approximately AED6.25 per gallon so it should roughly cost between AED80 and AED120 depending on the size of the petrol tank.
Do I need car insurance and is it expensive?
You need at least 3rd party insurance if you drive a privately owned vehicle. If you rent a car, insurance is usually included in the cost
Are there speed-limits?
The speed limit is usually well sign posted on roads throughout the UAE. Most major roads have speed cameras, and it is advisable to adhere to the speed limit at all times. The RTA has introduced new cameras which do not flash if you are driving over the speed limit, so you are not aware you have been penalised until your car rental company advises you or you receive the penalty in the post. Penalties fines vary but range from AED200 to AED600.
What is the traffic like in Dubai?
Traffic is a daily talking point among Dubai residents and can be incredibly frustrating. The traffic will be heavy at peak times in most areas of Dubai. Make sure you allow plenty of time for every journey, even if it’s a relatively short one.
Is there public transport in Dubai?
Currently, taxis are the most popular form of public transport and provide good value for money. Finding taxis at peak times can be difficult. Having a privately owned vehicle or rented car can alleviate the stress of waiting for a taxi at peak times. There is also a public bus network providing services to the popular parts of the city. Furthermore, the Dubai Metro is projected to open in September, 2009.
Is there a toll system in Dubai?
The major Dubai arterial road, Sheikh Zayed Road has two ‘Salik’ toll points at Safa Park and Al Barsha which cost AED4 whenever you pass through. There are also Salik points on Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Garhoud Bridge. If you pass through Al Barsha and Safa Park on the same journey and within an hour, you will only be charged one toll. If that journey continues to either Al Maktoum Bridge or Al Garhoud Bridge you will be charged two tolls in total.
Unlike other toll systems throughout the world, Salik does not require you to stop your vehicle to pay. Instead lasers identify the Salik tag on your windscreen and the money is debited from a pre-paid account. If you own a private vehicle, it is your responsibility to affix the Salik tag to your windscreen and put money into your account. Fines are applicable when this is not adhered to.
When you hire a car, the rental company will organise the Salik tag and you will pay AED5 each time you pass through the toll, usually at the end of each month or when you return the car.
It has recently been announced that taxi customers in Dubai taxis will no longer be charged for Salik on their journeys. If you are in a taxi from a neighbouring Emirate, however, you will be charged the toll.
32 approved countries (for link in question one).
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Canada
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Great Britain
Greece
Holland
Iceland
Iran
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United States
Please note that customers from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Turkey and Greece are requested to have a Translation of their driver’s license and must be approved by their Consulate or Embassy.
Compiled by Hertz, Dubai.For a full list of car models in the Hertz fleet visit www.hertzuae.com or contact the Hertz reservation department at reservations@hertz.ae
Very useful information. This week , we are planning for a trip to Dubai.Let me carry my Driving license.
UAE petrol is in Imperial gallons and comes in 3 grades at dh5.75/imp gal cheapest called “e+” grade.
my jeep wrangler 4.0 liter and chevy blazer 5.7 liter both function fine on this ‘no lead’ grade. price is nationally fixed.