Transport and Comfort: Practical Tips for Drivers and Tourists in the Emirates

In the UAE, a car is important for everyday life. The country has a metro, buses, and taxis. However, private transport provides maximum comfort. It gives you freedom of movement and allows you to discover new places without restrictions. More and more tourists and locals rent Citroen in Dubai. This is facilitated not only by the fact that a car gives you complete freedom in planning your route. It is also very difficult to get around in a hot climate without personal transport with air conditioning. Moreover, the Emirates has a well-organised transport system and parking facilities.

Car rental service: the key to complete freedom of movement

Most tourists and locals choose to rent a car. This is because the distances between the emirates are significant. Attractions are also scattered, and the heat makes walking not always convenient. Therefore, renting a car is the right decision for a comfortable exploration of local features.

However, tourists should take into account several important points:

• Driving licence. Foreigners will need an international driving licence. It is also worth having your national driving licence with you. Some rental companies only accept IDP.
• Insurance. It is recommended to take a car with full insurance. It includes coverage for damage and accidents. This will save you from unexpected expenses.
• Age restrictions. You can rent a car from the age of 21. But luxury car rental requires a minimum age of 25.
• Deposit. A certain amount is blocked on your card to receive the car. It is returned 7-14 days after the car is returned. Also, the car rental company may offer rentals without a deposit.
• Choosing a car. Compact sedans are suitable for the city. For the desert or long trips, it is worth taking SUVs.

Tourists can now book a car in advance online. This can be done even before arriving in the country. It is convenient and saves money.

Traffic rules and fines

The laws on the roads of the Emirates are strict. Violators are not forgiven for their mistakes. The video surveillance system and radars record almost everything from speeding to not wearing a seatbelt. For a comfortable trip, it is worth considering a few local rules:

• Speed. The limit on city roads is 60-80 km/h. On the motorway, you cannot drive faster than 120-140 km/h. Even +1 km/h is recorded by radars.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Mobile phones while driving. Using a smartphone without a hands-free kit is strictly prohibited.
• Alcohol. The legal limit is 0. Violations result in fines and more severe penalties, including imprisonment and even deportation.
• Bus lanes. Dubai has dedicated lanes for public transport. Private cars entering these lanes are subject to heavy fines.

To be on the safe side, it is best to use a satnav in a rented car. It can warn you about cameras and radars. But it is still important to remember to follow the rules.

Parking features

In large cities, it is not always easy to find a parking space in the centre. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have an M-Parking system. In this case, payment can be made via SMS or a mobile app.

There are also free parking areas. They are located in shopping centres, near restaurants and hotels. If you violate the parking rules, you will have to pay a fine. It can be as high as 1,000 dirhams. Tourists are best off using multi-storey car parks in shopping centres.

Climate and comfort

In the summer, you’d better rent a vehicle with air conditioning. The temperature can reach 45-50 °C. Therefore, cool air cannot be dispensed with. You should have a supply of water and sunglasses in your car. Do not forget to regularly check the tire pressure. In the summer, drivers often face this problem.

Additional tips for travellers

Petrol stations are open 24 hours a day. Service is usually provided by staff. You just need to specify the type of fuel. For comfortable travel, it is also worth using navigation. Google Maps and Waze work perfectly and take traffic jams into account.

You need to prepare properly for desert trips. For a safari or nature trip, it is worth taking an off-road vehicle. Also, always inform your friends or the hotel of your route. Do not forget about technical maintenance. Companies provide clean and functional machines. But before a long drive, check the condition of the car one more time. This is relevant if you have been using a rented car for a long time.

Conclusion

The UAE’s transport system is convenient. But you need to know the local traffic rules and observe traffic discipline. Tourists easily merge into the general stream of Arab drivers. With proper preparation, travelling on the roads of the Emirates will be as comfortable and safe as possible.