It is essential to have a car as Dubai is a spacious city with most residences situated some distance from shops, schools and the office. Most Japanese, European and American models are readily available and there is an active second-hand market. Vehicle third party insurance is compulsory.
Dubai has an excellent road system. Driving is on the right hand side of the road. A vehicle licence may be secured for first registration, then subject to annual renewal - following a road worthiness test.
Taxis are easily obtainable in Dubai. The Dubai Transport Corporation's ivory coloured cabs are fitted with fare meters. Driving licences issued by some overseas governments may be exchanged for a Dubai licence. Where reciprocal arrangements do not exist, it is necessary to take a driving test to obtain a licence. Full details about obtaining and exchanging driving licences are available from the Traffic Department of the Police, telephone number +971 4 2694444 (24 hour), or by writing to PO Box 1493, Dubai. People using taxis will have to pay an applicable road toll if passing through 'Salik', the brand name for Dubai's toll system. The 24-hour toll system levies a toll of Dh4 ($1.089) when a taxi passes under the electronic gates. Alternate routes are also available.
Dubai International Airport
The easiest mode of reaching Dubai is by air. Numerous flights fly in and out of the Dubai International Airport on a daily basis. Almost every major international airline operates its flights in Dubai. There are direct flights to Dubai from most European and Asian countries. Air transportation in Dubai has been made easier as the Dubai International Airport, considered to be one of the best airports of the world, is increasingly becoming the main stopover between the two continents.
Bicycle rentals in Dubai
The fun of using local transportation in Dubai will be considered incomplete without Dubai bicycle rentals. A city with numerous marvels of architecture and bounteous natural splendor deserves to be explored with patience and fascination. So, discount the time factor on this tour of Dubai, hire a bicycle and go cycling around town.
Bus services in Dubai
Bus services in Dubai are mainly operated out of two stations in Deira and Bur Dubai. Dubai's main bus station is located on Al Ghubaiba Road. Buses bear the numbers and route names in English as well as Arabic, making it easily comprehendible for local and international tourists.
