Transportation
Options for public transport are somewhat limited in Dubai.
There is a comprehensive bus network operated by Dubai Municipality.
There are also plans underway for the Dubai metro - a light
rail network (estimated completion date is 2009).
Taxi
Dubai has a taxi fleet of around 5,000, so it is pretty
easy to flag one down or order one to come and pick you
up wherever you are. Dubai Transport (www.dubaitransport.gov.ae)
has a great satellite tracking system installed in all their
cabs, as well as an automated phone system - to order a
taxi all you have to do is phone their call centre (208
0808) and follow the instructions.
Driving
Car prices are generally lower than they are in other
countries. Car pooling has not really taken off here
and most street side parking in Dubai is now governed
by parking meters. |
Parking Cards
There are several different ways of purchasing pre-paid
parking cards. The first way is through the post office
where you can get pay-as-you-go parking card and alternatively,
you can buy a card from Dubai Municipality that can be used
an unlimited amount over a period of time but parking cards
restrict you to off-street parking in designated areas.
Vehicle Leasing
Many people find that they have no other option (due
to visa requirements) than to lease a vehicle. Most
leasing companies include the following in their rates:
registration, maintenance, replacement, 24 hour assistance
and insurance. Leasing is generally weekly, monthly
or yearly. You will need to provide a passport copy,
credit card and a valid driving licence (either your
Dubai licence, your licence from your home country,
or a valid international licence). |
Company Cars
Some people will be given a company car as part of their
wages, which will no doubt have been bought or leased by
the company and therefore will be returned if you leave.
Some people are given a lease car by their employer when
they first arrive and others receive a transportation allowance
as part of their salary package.
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Buying a Vehicle
You must have a residence visa in order to own a car.
Most insurance policies cover multiple drivers (as
long as they have a valid UAE driving licence, either
temporary or permanent).
New Vehicles
Most of the major car makes are available through
franchised dealership in Dubai, with big Japanese
and American brands particularly well represented
at a lower initial cost, coupled with cheaper fuel
and maintenance.
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Used Vehicles
One of the biggest used-car dealers in Dubai is 4x4 Motors
(www.4x4motors.com).
Al Futtaim Automall (www.automalluae.com),
Off Road Motors (3384866), Jumeirah Motors (next to the
Mazaya Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road), Western Auto (branches
at Al Awir and Deira), Target Auto (near Mazaya Centre),
House of Cars (Sheikh Zayed Road), and Sun City Motors (branches
near the airport, Al Awir, and Sheikh Zayed Road). Al Awir
is also home to Golden Bell Auctions (www.goldenbellauctions.com)
The Gulf News and Khaleej Times classifieds sections are
a good starting place for second-hand cars.
Ownership Transfer
To register a second-hand car in your name you must transfer
vehicle ownership. You will need to submit an application
form, the valid registration card, the insurance certificate,
the original licence plates and Dhs.20 to the Traffic Police,
plus an NOC from the finance company, if applicable.
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Vehicle Finance
Many new and second-hand car dealers will be able
to arrange finance for you, often through a deal with
their preferred banking partner.
Vehicle Import
A requirement for cars imported by individuals or
private car showrooms that were manufactured after
1997/98 is an NOC from the official agent in the UAE
or from the Ministry of Finance and industry (if no
official agent exists).
Vehicle Insurance
Before you register your car must have adequate insurance,
and there are many insurance companies to choose from
in Dubai. The insurers will need to know the usual
details such as year of manufacture, and value, as
well as the chasis number.
The rates generally4 - 7% of personal accident insurance
is highly advisable.
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Registering a Vehicle
All cars must be registered annually with the Traffic Police.
There is a one-month grace period after your registration
has expired in which to have your car re-registered (hence
the 13 month insurance period), but after that you'll face
a Dhs.110 fine for each year the registration has expired.
The Process
In order to get licence plates for the vehicle, the car
must first be tested, then registered with the website -
www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
- Dubai Traffic Police . Ras Al Khor boasts a five-lane
testing centre (Al Ghandi) that is run in conjunction with
the Traffic Police. EPPCO and Emarat offer a full registration
service for a fee, and registering it, and delivering it
back to you all in the same day. EPPCO Tasjeel (2673940)
offers a service called Al Sayara. Emarat (3434444) has
five full registration and vehicle testing service centres
(called Shamil).
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Traffic Fines & Offences
If you are caught driving or parking illegally you
will be fined unless the offence is more serious,
in which case you may be brought before the courts.
You can also be fined Dhs.50 on the spot for being
caught driving without your licence, so always keep
it with you, along with your vehicle's registration
card. You can check though, either by calling the
Dubai Traffic Police Information Line (2685555) or
by visiting their website (www.dxbtraffic.gov.ae).
You can also pay online using your credit card but
this service includes a small service charge.
Breakdowns
In the even of a breakdown, you will usually find
that passing police cars stop to help, or at least
to check your documents. It is important that you
keep water in your car at all times . The Arabian
Automobile Association (AAA) (2669989 or 800 4900,
www.aaa-uae.com) offers a 24 hour roadside breakdown
service for an annual charge. The more advanced service
includes off-road recovery, vehicle registration and
a rent a car service. Other breakdown services who'll
be able to help you out without membership include
IATC (although they do offer annual membership also),
Dubai Auto Towing Services and AKT Recovery.
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Traffic Accidents
If you are involved in an accident, in serious cases dial
999 or in less critical cases, call the police in Deira
(266 0555), Bur Dubai (398 1111), or Sharjah (06 538 1111).
The Dubai Traffic Police Information Line (268 5555, Arabic
& English) gives the numbers of police stations around
the emirate.
Black Points
In addition to a system of fines for certain offences,
a black points penalty system operates. Your licence
is revoked and you have to start the whole process of
getting your licence from the beginning. If you do something
serious, such as run a red light, your licence can be
taken away immediately. However, the rules are somewhat
ambiguous, and erratically applied. |
Repairs (Vehicle)
By law, no vehicle can be accepted for major 'collision'
repairs without an accident report from the Traffic Police,
although very minor dents can be repaired without a report.
Your insurance company will usually have an agreement with
a particular garage to which they will refer you. If your
car is in need of attention then the authorized dealer may
be the best place to start .
