Car rental
Most international car rental companies have offices at airports or hotels. Rental cars are available with and without a driver. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (may vary by vehicle category) and have held a driver’s license for at least one year. Drivers under the age of 25 often pay an additional fee on site.
Taxi
For many travelers, taxis are the fastest and most convenient way to travel between cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Shared taxis connecting cities depart from the main bus station in Abu Dhabi, next to the bus station in Al Ain and from King Faisal Street in Ra’s al-Khaimah.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in United Arab Emirates, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
Bicycle
In Abu Dhabi there is the ADCB Bikeshare public bike sharing system operated by Cyacle on Yas Island and Al Raha Beach.
Coach
Bus services connecting cities are only available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Regular bus services exist between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi and between Dubai and Hatta.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Telephoning while driving is only permitted via a hands-free system. – Seatbelts are compulsory. – Children under 12 must sit in the back. – Alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰. – Parking spaces marked in red are reserved for emergency services. Speed limits: – within built-up areas: 60-80 km/h (observe signs), – outside built-up areas: 100-120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (89) 76 76 76. ADAC partner clubs in the United Arab Emirates are the Arabian Automobile Association (AAA), Tel. +971 (4) 257 84 84 and the Automobile and Touring Club, Tel. +971 (2) 621 21 75.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient. However, it is recommended that you also carry your international driver’s license with you.
Traveling in the city
The car is the most popular means of transportation in Dubai; the traffic in the city is correspondingly dense. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is responsible almost exclusively for local public transport. This has a well-developed bus network in Dubai, with modern vehicles. There are also driverless subways; the Red Line runs from Jebel Ali Port to Rashidiya, every 60 seconds during peak hours. The Green Line connects Etisalat Station at Al Qusais to Dubai Healthcare City/Jaddaff, stopping at business and administrative hubs such as the Airport Free Zone and Naif Souk. A Purple Line to connect the two airports along Emirates Road, is in planning. Travelers cross the front Dubai Creek in small wooden boats, so-called Abras (journey time: 10 minutes), which depart every few minutes. With the rechargeable Nol Card, travelers in Dubai can pay for various RTA transportation, such as metro and buses, as well as paid RTA parking. There are special rates for students, seniors or the disabled. The Nol Card balance can be topped up at ticket machines, RTA customer service centers or online. The Dubai Monorail, which runs to The Palm, Jumeirah, is not included in the RTA fare system. Another tourist attraction is the Dubai Trolley, a tram with a vintage look.
Traveling by ship
Cargo and passenger ships call at all coastal ports. The Dubai Ferry operates 7 days a week between Dubai Marina, Al Ghubaiba, Dubai Canal Station, Al Jadaf and Sheikh Zayed Road Station. Both round trips and trips between the ports are offered. In Abu Dhabi, round trips can be booked on large wooden ships, with beautiful views of the city’s skyline. Ferries also operate between the mainland and the inhabited islands.
