Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures, which is also reflected in road traffic. Right-hand traffic prevails. The road network in Dubai is modern and well developed, but traffic can be very heavy at peak times (mornings between 8:30 - 10:30 & evenings between 17:00 - 20:30). It is important that you follow the traffic rules to ensure your own safety and that of other road users and to avoid costly fines.
🚘 Right-hand traffic prevails in Dubai
🛣️ Modern road network, but rush hour traffic in the morning (8:30 - 10:30) and evening (17:00 - 20:30).
💰Costs of driving in Dubai:
Fully comprehensive car insurance cheaper than in Germany (approx. €350 vs. €1000), No road tax, Petrol price: approx. €0.85/litre, Free parking, some limited to 3-4 hours, Paid parking zones: €0.50 - €1.00/hour, Toll on some roads (Salik) - AED 4 per passage.
🪪 Driving licence in Dubai:
Tourists can drive temporarily with a foreign driving licence, international driving licence recommended, resident visa requires driving licence transfer, costs vary according to nationality and licence type.
🚺 Women are allowed to drive in Dubai!
🚗 Rentals possible with foreign driving licence, but resident visa requires transfer
👮 Penalties for traffic offences: Fines, black points, driving licence disqualification, prison.
We have put together some important tips for you so that you can travel safely on Dubai's roads:
1. know the traffic rules
It is important that you know the traffic rules in Dubai and stick to them. Find out about speed limits, priority rules and other traffic signs. Also pay attention to special features such as the ban on turning right at red lights. The penalties for offences are very high. Running a red light costs AED 3,000 (approx. €750) + 12 so-called black points. In the worst case, the vehicle can be impounded for up to 30 days.
2. drive defensively
Traffic in Dubai can sometimes be chaotic. Drive defensively and always be alert. Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front and watch out for sudden manoeuvres by other road users. There will certainly be situations in which you have to react quickly. The driving style of some road users, including many taxis, is due to this. If you drive recklessly and are caught, you could be fined up to AED 50,000 (approx. €12,500).
3. avoid distractions
Using your smartphone while driving is not permitted in Dubai unless you are using a hands-free device. Avoid distractions and concentrate fully on driving.
4. observe the speed limits
The speed limits in Dubai vary depending on the type of road. Pay attention to the relevant traffic signs and adhere to the specified speeds. Do not exceed them to ensure both your safety and that of other road users. This will automatically prevent expensive speeding tickets!
5. watch out for pedestrians, especially at pedestrian crossings
Dubai is a city with many pedestrian crossings. Watch out for pedestrians, especially in residential areas and pedestrian zones, and always stop at zebra crossings to allow them to cross the road.
6. use the indicator even if nobody else does!
The use of indicators is mandatory in Dubai. Indicate in good time when you want to turn or change lanes. This allows other road users to recognise your intentions in good time.
7. avoid rush hours
The peak traffic times in Dubai are Monday to Friday mornings between 8:30 - 10:30 and evenings between 17:00 - 20:30, when many people are travelling to work or home. Small traffic jams can form around the slip roads of Al Khail Road and Sheik Zayed Road. These two main traffic arteries between Downtown and the Marina are the most affected.
Driving a car in Dubai is significantly cheaper than in Germany. Driving a car is one of the more favourable cost items in the Cost of living in Dubai. Here we compare the most important cost points:
Fully comprehensive car insurance for a mid-range SUV, for example, costs around €350 per year. For comparison: In Germany, fully comprehensive car insurance for a comparable SUV costs at least €1000 per year.
No, there is no road tax in Dubai. An overview of all taxes in Dubai can be found in our blog post.
The price per litre of petrol in Dubai is currently just under €0.85. The price of petrol in Dubai is set on a monthly basis and then no longer varies.
Dubai is very car-friendly - there is plenty of free parking available at every shopping centre and many supermarkets that are not in the middle of the city centre. Some car parks restrict free parking to the first 3-4 hours.
Paid parking zones generally cost between €0.50 and €1.00 per hour and are relatively cheap compared to Germany.
Some roads in Dubai are subject to tolls and are charged via the so-called Salik. To do this, you have to purchase a salik sticker from the RTA or at a petrol station for AED 100 (of which AED 50 is credit), which you then attach to the windscreen. This is automatically registered every time you pass a toll gate. Each passage costs AED 4. The account balance can be called up and topped up via the RTA app. With the purchase or the Importing a car in Dubai this has to be done at the RTA (Roads & Transport Authority) be registered. We offer this service exclusively for our customers and are happy to support you with this process. Contact us for more information.
Carefree Vehicle registration and customised insurance solutions in Dubai - we offer professional support for vehicle registration in Dubai. We not only guarantee a smooth registration process, but also customised insurance solutions to ensure that the vehicle is perfectly covered.
If you plan to drive a car in Dubai, you will need a valid driving licence. Here is some important information about driving licences in Dubai:
If you have a German driving licence, you are allowed to drive temporarily in Dubai as long as you have a tourist visa. It is also advisable to carry an international driving licence to overcome any language barriers and to be on the safe side in the event of checks. The international driving licence is a translation of your German driving licence and serves as additional proof of your driving licence.
FOR ALL HIKERS: As soon as you have a Apply for a resident visa and you are in the process of obtaining it, you are no longer allowed to drive in Dubai with your German driving licence. The penalties for driving without a licence are between 6,000 - 50,000 dirhams (approx. €1,500 - 13,000) and/or a prison sentence of up to three months.
If you want to live and work in Dubai for a longer period of time, you should have your foreign driving licence converted to a UAE driving licence. The exact requirements and the procedure for converting your licence vary depending on your country of origin. In most cases, you will need to pass an eye test and a theory test. If you come from the DACH region, only an eye test and the translation of your previous driving licence are required to have your driving licence converted. Your previous driving licence remains valid and in your possession. The transfer takes place within one day and you can take your UAE driving licence with you straight away. We are happy to assist you with this process.
Information on the exact requirements can be found on the website of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). Important: without an Emirates ID, a car cannot be registered in your name, regardless of whether it is a used or a new car.
The cost of obtaining or transferring a driving licence in Dubai varies depending on the type of licence and your nationality. It is advisable to find out the exact costs in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. You can find an overview of the current fees for driving licences in Dubai on the RTA website.
Yes, women are allowed to drive in Dubai. There are no restrictions regarding gender when driving in the United Arab Emirates.
Yes, you can rent a car in Dubai with a foreign driving licence. However, make sure that you also have your passport and, if applicable, an international driving licence with you. Important: As soon as you apply for your residence visa, you are no longer allowed to drive in Dubai with your foreign driving licence, this also applies to rental cars. Some car rental companies claim otherwise, but once the visa process has started and you do not have a UAE driving licence, it is considered driving without a licence.
The penalties for traffic offences in Dubai can vary and depend on the type of offence. Common penalties include fines, so-called black points or even driving licence revocation and prison sentences.
As a tourist, you should follow the same traffic rules as the locals. However, please note that some roads and car parks may be closed or restricted for tourists.
No, the Dubai driving licence is not valid in Germany. Germany does not recognise driving licences from the United Arab Emirates unless it is an international driving licence issued in conjunction with the national driving licence.
Driving in Dubai can be an exciting experience, but it also requires increased attention and caution. Know the traffic rules, stick to the speed limits and drive defensively. Remember that safety always comes first. Enjoy your ride in Dubai and experience the unique flair of this fascinating city!
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