Getting around in Dubai

Public Transport
The car is the most popular method of transport in Dubai. In addition, the major tourist hotels provide shuttle bus services for guests. However, Dubai Municipality (tel: (04) 285 9401 or 221 5555 or (800) 4848 (dedicated freephone information line); website: www.dm.gov.ae) operates a reasonable public bus service on 62 routes, daily 0600–2300. Adult fares are Dh1.50-4.50 depending on destination and are paid to the driver upon boarding; it is useful for travellers to have the exact change ready.

‘Period Passes’ are useful for those staying more than a week in Dubai, allowing cheaper bus travel on a smart card. Passes, timetables and bus maps are available from the bus stations in Deira and Bur Dubai. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both Arabic and English.

Basic wooden boats, locally referred to as abras, cross the creek from Bur Dubai to the Al-Sabkha Station (since October 2005 they no longer cross to the Textile Souk area in Deira). These are operated by Dubai Municipality daily 0600-2400 (journey time – 5 minutes) and are excellent value at Dh0.50. New rowing abras have been recently brought in as part of a conservation programme, running from Creek Park Station to the Public Library Station, with a one way fare of Dh1.

There are plans for a metro system in Dubai, which were given the go-ahead in May 2005. The Dubai Metro will initially have two lines with the Red Line running from Rashidiya Station to Jebel Ali Station and the Green Line running from the Dubai Airport Free Zone to Dubai Health Care City.


Taxis
Air-conditioned taxis can be hailed on the street or pre-booked by telephone. Metered taxis, operated by the Dubai Transport Corporation (tel: (04) 264 1111), are distinguished by their cream colour and uniformed drivers. Occasionally, drivers do not have detailed knowledge of the city and might ask passengers for directions. For metered taxis, the pick-up fare is Dh3 (Dh3.50 between 2200 and 0600) and Dh4 for pre-booked metered taxis. The rate is then charged at Dh1.17 per kilometre. Fixed fares are applied to journeys outside the city boundaries. In non-metered taxis, the fare is generally Dh5 for short journeys and Dh10–15 for longer journeys within the city, but should be negotiated in advance. It is also possible for one to rent a taxi for 12 hours, for a fixed fee of Dh500. Tipping is not expected.

Limousines
Limousines are offered by the main car hire companies (see Car Hire) and Dubai Transport Corporation (tel: (04) 264 1111). The fare from the airport into Deira or Bur Dubai is approximately Dh70, with daily hire from Dh1,500.

Driving in the city
Dubai has an excellent and well-signposted road network and the majority of roads have two to four lanes. Unfortunately, driving standards do not match the quality of the roads. Many local drivers travel at speed and change lanes with wild abandon. In addition, drivers are prone to make sudden and dangerous manoeuvres. Accidents occur frequently and visitors are advised to drive defensively. Outside the city centre, signposts are rare, making a good road map essential, to avoid heading aimlessly out into the desert. Increasingly traffic congestion is also a problem, particularly in Deira and along Jumeirah Beach. Drivers should note that there is a Dh20 tax to pay for driving out of the UAE.

Car parks are operated by Dubai Municipality (tel: (800) 4848; website: www.dm.gov.ae) and cost Dh2 per hour. Two centrally located covered car parks are situated near the Spice Souk and Bani Yas Square in Deira.

Car Hire
A valid International Driving Permit, passport and credit card are required for one to hire a car in Dubai. Visitors from many European, North American and many 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-size photographs are required in order to do this. Fully comprehensive insurance is essential. In the event of an accident, the police must be informed and a written police report obtained, otherwise the hire company’s insurance might not cover any damage. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a full licence for one year. The age limit is often raised to 25 years, for more expensive models. Payment must be made by credit card.

Major providers include Avis (tel: (04) 224 5219; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (04) 224 5192; website: www.budget.com) and Fast Rent a Car (tel: (04) 224 5040; website: www.fastuae.com). Hire of a standard saloon car costs from Dh150 per day and Dh850 per week. Collision damage waiver is sometimes additional at around Dh20 per day.

Bicycle Hire
Considering the desert environment, Dubai is not a cyclist’s paradise and bicycle hire is not a roaring trade in the city. Nevertheless, some hotels hire out bicycles. Whether or not they will hire them to non-guests varies.