With Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) recently announcing an AED 696 million contract for the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, it is clear that Dubai leadership acknowledges the importance of improving the city’s road and public transport infrastructure. While we won’t go over rules and regulations, we will discuss a few valuable tips that perhaps less experienced drivers in Dubai will find helpful.
Leveraging technology
Navigation apps
A large number of Dubai residents use GPS-based applications for road navigation. They are helpful when used at scale because they provide real-time traffic updates, and the more people use them, the more accurate they become. It is definitely worth it even if you know your way to your destination, it might tell you about a potential traffic jam that you can avoid!
Roads in Dubai are complex and can be confusing due to the many exits, bridges, and lanes; being in the wrong lane at the wrong time could ruthlessly add 15 minutes to your journey.
Reporting hazards
A popular GPS application is Waze, which provides an intuitive user interface to signal precisely which lanes are valid for your next turn or exit. By using these apps, you can also do your good deed for the day: if you see a hazard on the road, like a car on the hard shoulder or a piece of debris, you can report it for others to see, and it will warn them in advance.
Time management
Keeping a tab on traffic congestion through these applications is a good way of ensuring you’re never late to your destination. Historically, Dubai residents spend anywhere from one to two hours in traffic daily! By checking the traffic build-up, there might be some adjustments you can make to work around it more efficiently, for example, taking a slightly different route or leaving just 10 minutes earlier.
The unavoidable Hessa Street or Sheikh Zayed Road traffic at peak hours is something you can always count on, so make sure to plan your journey accordingly. A not-so-obvious tip some might not know is that it is more efficient to take a nap while waiting for the traffic to clear up rather than trying to navigate through it. It’s not ideal, but it’s a reality for many.
Public transport
Dubai Metro expansion
While busy at peak times, Dubai’s public transport system is expanding. With the planned opening of the Dubai Metro Blue Line in 2029, you can expect to see significant improvement across Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Al Warqaa, Mirdif, Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Academic City, and Dubai International City. The city will become more connected, and future plans are in place to double the number of metro stations by 2040.
RTA buses
RTA buses might also be a good option if the metro doesn’t reach your final destination, as they are a reliable way to get around the city. The RTA app lets you plan your journey and track the bus in real time.
Tip: don’t forget to top up your nol card to navigate around the city using public transport – it’s valid on metros, buses and trams!
Making a difference
What better way than being the change you want to see in the world? The Dubai Police app has a “Police Eye” feature that allows you to report traffic violations you see on your journeys. Dubai Police takes reports seriously and will take action against them. It’s a great way to contribute to keeping Dubai safe (as it’s not just for road infractions but also other types of crime).
Fun fact: If you are a nosy person, you can look up the fines for any car by simply entering their plate number in the Dubai Police app. This feature often helps confirm your suspicions about someone’s driving habits! (If you’re feeling generous, you can also offer to pay for a friend’s fine as a gift!)
New drivers
If you are a new driver in Dubai, take your time to build confidence on the road. If you have experience driving in other countries, you might be in for a surprise as Dubai’s roads are different, and the driving culture is unique. It is not uncommon to see people driving at 140 km/h on the fast lane, so the best advice is to be predictable: use your indicators, respect lane discipline, and let faster drivers pass you.
The machine
Make sure you have a good grasp of your car’s feature set. Not everyone is aware that most cars in Dubai are automatic. Many journeys are long (distances are vast in Dubai), so cruise control and lane assistance can be game-changing features when looking at what a car offers.
The sun can also be brutal in Dubai, especially in the hot summer months. If you own a car, you might find a window tint the best investment possible, assuming that your AC is already working well.
Finishing thoughts
Technology is your friend; for some, it’s even more than that: they will use it even while driving (we don’t advise that you do this)! If you see a car deviating from its lane, don’t be surprised if you see a phone in their hand.
Driving in Dubai is, more often than not, a challenge until you get used to it. The city is constantly evolving, as is its infrastructure. Our best piece of advice is to be patient, prepared, and drive safely!