Driving in Dubai gives you greater freedom.
To avoid missing out on important sites, I recommend you book a car.
Follow me to discover the rules of the road in Dubai.
Driving in Dubai: article summary
Driving in Dubai: a few tips
Here are some key things to know about driving in Dubai before you consider renting a car in Dubai. Some of the rules are relatively similar to those in France.
Road networks are extensive and roads are wide. Freeways are often 8 lanes wideBut you have to share the track with trucks and buses. You need to be a confident driver in Dubai. If you're not confident in your driving skills, I wouldn't recommend renting a car in Dubai.
As in France, you drive on the right. Dubai's road signs are in Arabic and English, and you'll need to read them. are easy to understand. However, it is strongly recommended that you have a driving application such as Google Maps or Waze to help you navigate. If the rental company provides you with a GPS, make sure it's up to date.
Traffic in Dubai is fast-paced. Speed limits are surprisingly high. When driving on a multi-lane freeway in a standard sedan or SUV, avoid driving in the right-hand lane(s), as these are reserved for trucks or slow-moving vehicles.
Road conditions in Dubai
Generally speaking, Dubai's roads are in excellent condition. During Dubai's morning and evening rush hours, the roads can feel more like a parking lot. If you don't want to get stuck in a 6-lane traffic jam, try to leave after 10 a.m. - most of the main attractions don't open until then anyway.
The afternoon rush hour is a little different, from 2 to 7 pm.
Rain, although rare in Dubai, can wreak havoc. The road quickly becomes a veritable ice rinkand most drivers here have received no training in how to drive in these conditions.
Most showers pass fairly quickly, however, if it's a larger storm that can very occasionally hit, I'd recommend staying off the road. If flash floods are a problem, it's the erratic driving of others that should concern you.
Fog is another seasonal challenge. It occurs at any time of year, but more often at night and early morning during the winter months. Slow down, don't use your high beams and keep your speed constant.
Driving in Dubai: tolls, speed cameras and refuelling
Dubai's main roads have an automated toll system called Salik. When you pass under a toll barrier, your rental car fitted with a small SALIK sticker will record the charge. The rental company will then invoice you for the various costs incurred by your use of the vehicle.
Speed cameras are everywhere! If you exceed the speed limit, expect to pay a hefty penalty! These fines start from AED 600 (€166) and its exponential as a function of recorded speed.
Fuel in Dubai, as you can imagine, is plentiful! Prices have been deregulated in recent years, and have risen considerably. However, they're still relatively cheap compared with the prices you'd find in France. Expect pay AED 2.30 to 2.80 (about 78 centimes) per liter according to fuel type. The price is set at the beginning of each month.
Driving in Dubai: Traffic accidents in Dubai
If the worst happens and you're involved in an accident, there are important steps to follow.
When you rent a car, insurance is always included and you will receive an emergency contact number to contact in the event of an accident. Remember that this basic insurance can only cover third-party costs. Always check whether your travel insurance covers you for road accidents, personal injury or damage to personal property if you rent a car in Dubai.
Minor traffic accidents are reported to the police via an application. This is a necessary step for both parties to claim insurance.
Serious collisions involving injuries and hospitalization are a little different. Ambulance and police must be requested immediately by dialing 999.
Driving in Dubai: Drinking and driving
You guessed it, drunk driving in Dubai is strictly forbidden. If the alcohol is permitted in DubaiStay away from your car, even if you've only had one drink.
The police don't systematically carry out random breathalyser tests at the roadside as they do in France, but they may do so if you're involved in an accident.
If you have consumed alcohol, you can be sure that you'll end up in jail and suffer some pretty serious repercussions.
Discover Dubai's surroundings
Renting a car for your trip to Dubai gives you the freedom to enjoy day trips to other Emirates.
The Highway Code is broadly the same wherever you go in the United Arab Emirates. there's no problem traveling from one emirate to another.
A border has been set up since the COVID. You may therefore be asked for a vaccination card or a recent PCR test result.
Marked speed limits work differently! Highways in Abu Dhabi are limited to 140 km/h. If you exceed this limit, you will be fined! Fines begin from AED 300 (€83) for speeding over 10 km/h.
Unlike the Salik system in Dubai, there are no stickers on your car or beepers, and no toll booths to pay with cash. Instead, the DARB toll system uses license plate recognition. If you pass under one of these toll gates at the times indicated, the invoice will be sent to your car rental company.
Rent a car and drive in Dubai offers you the opportunity to free yourself from local means of transport and gain greater independence. As well as being able to move around freely in Dubai, you'll also be able to visit the surrounding towns and discover all the treasures of the United Arab Emirates.
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