Transportation
The enhanced lifestyle enjoyed by expatriates in Dubai makes new cars more affordable, all models, shapes and sizes are available, 4 x 4 being still a popular choice with the expatriate mums.
Used cars in Dubai can represent very good value, very often presenting with low mileage, relatively new cars appear in the forecourts of the used car dealers and are advertised in the local newspapers.
Traffic lights operate at major junctions, changing from green to flashing green to amber to red. Breaking a red light will result in your car being impounded and a substantial fine. An increasing number of speed cameras are strategically located on most roads and can incur a fine of 200dhs upwards.
Driving is on the right hand-side of the road and most main roads are dual carriageway.
Seatbelts are mandatory and small kids required to travel in suitably restraining car seat , kids under 11 not allowed to travel in the front seat. A fine and black points imposed on your licence if found guilty of any of the above offences.
Black points are lobbied on your licence with most offences - speeding, incorrect parking etc. you are allowed 24 in a one year period after that one year period they are removed, however if you accumulate more than 24 in one year you lose your licence.
Cycling in Dubai is not an option for travelling around the main road, roads are far too busy and volume of traffic too great. Some less major roads have footpaths and it is safe to cycle here. Residential areas have footpaths / cycle paths which facilitate cycling as a leisure activity. Likewise for walking, however there are numerous huge beautifully maintained parks scattered throughout the city.
CAR RENTAL /LEASE
Depending on the length of your stay in Dubai, it may actually work out cheaper to lease a car, registration, Insurance and maintenance are all included in the cost of leasing and generally the longer the lease period the cheaper the rates. Always check your car for any bumps or dents before you drive off as you will be responsible for them once off the premises.
All the major car hire companies in Dubai have a presence at the airport arrival area and also at certain locations throughout the city.
Listings of Car Lease/Rental Companies:
- Avis 04 295 7121 www.avisuae.com
- Budget 04 295 6667 www.budget-uae.com
- Hertz 04 2060206 www.hertz-uae.com
LISTINGS OF NEW CAR DEALERS:
- Alpha Romeo/Saab Gargash Motors www.gargashme.com
- Audi Al Nabooda www.nabooda-auto.com
- Bmw/Rolls Royce/ Mini AGMC www.bmw-dubai.com
- Cadillac/ Opel/Hummer Liberty Automobiles Co. www.libertyautos.com
- Chevrolet/Daihatsu Al Yousef Motors www.aym.ae
- Chrysler/Dodge/Honda/ Trading Enterprising www.al-futtaim.ae
- Ferrari/ Jaguar Al Tayer www.altayer.com
- Fiat Al Ghandi Automobiles www.alghandi.com
- Ford/Lincoln/Landrover Al Tayer Motors www.altayer.com
- Hyundai Juma Al Majid www.hyundai-uae.com
- Renault/ Kia Al Majed Motors www.kia-uae.com
- Toyota/Lexus Al Futtaim Motors www.toyotauae.com
- Mazda Galadari Automobiles www.mazdauae.com
- Mercedes Gargash Enterprises LLC www.gargash.mercedes-benz.com
- Nissan Arabian Automobiles www.arabianautomobiles.com
- Peugeot Swaidan Trading Co. www.swaidanpeugeot.com
- Porsche/ Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles www.nabooda-auto.com
LISTINGS OF USED CAR DEALERS:
- 4 X 4 Motors Al Garhoud www.4x4motors.com
- Al Futtaim Automall Al Quoz www.al-futtaim.com
- Auto Plus Al Quoz www.autoplusdubai.com
- House of Cars Al Wasl www.houseofcarsgroup.com
- Off Road Motors Al Quoz www.offroad-motors.com
- Diamond Lease www.diamondlease.com
- Hertz www.hertz-uae.com
- National Car Rental www.national-me.com