Getting around in Dubai

The best way to get around in Dubai would be by car. You are able to rent cheap cars from a number of popular car hire companies at Dubai International Airport. However, a lot of the major tourist hotels offer a shuttle bus service for their entire guest. Dubai Municipality is a public bus service that operates on over 50 destination routes throughout the whole of Dubai. The bus service runs daily from 6am to 11pm. The price of the fare depends on the destination you would like to travel to. You will have to pay the driver your fare when you get on the bus. It would also be better for the bus driver if all travelers have the correct change.

If you are planning on staying in Dubai for more than a week and are likely to be using the bus service often then it might be a good idea to get a 'period pass'. The period pass allows cheaper travel on a smart card. All of the bus timetables, passes and maps are available from the bus stations located in Deira and Bur Dubai. All of the bus numbers and routes are printed in both English and Arabic.
Abras also known as wooden boats cross the creek from Bur Dubai to the Al-Sabkha Station. The wooden boats operate daily from 6am to 12pm and are great value for money. The wooden buses where joined in 2007 by the air-conditioned Waterbus which also runs across the creek but charges nearly four times the price of the wooden boat.
 
Taxis

All of the taxis in Dubai are air-conditioned and can be hailed down on the street or pre-booked by telephone. The Dubai Transportation Corporation operates metered taxis. Many of the taxi drivers in Dubai haven't got detailed knowledge of the city so they often ask passengers for directions. For journeys outside of the city prices are normally a fixed amount. Sometimes it is also possible for travelers to hire a taxi for half or full day for any sightseeing. The driver doesn't expect to be tipped.

Driving in the city

Throughout Dubai the roads are all very well sign posted with a lot of the roads having up to four lanes. A very large expansion to the emirates road is currently taking place where we will see a number of lanes increased crossing the creek to 100 lanes by 2010.
In Dubai the driving standards do not match the great quality of the roads. Most of the local drivers in Dubai speed most of the time and change lanes when and where they want. The local drivers also make some very dangerous maneuvers’. There are a lot of accidents that occur is Dubai very often so travelers are advised to drive carefully.
The increase of traffic congestion can also be a problem in Dubai especially in Deira and along the Jumeirah beach. Since 2007 there have been a number of toll roads that have been introduced to help with traffic congestions. All drivers should take note that there is a tax charge to pay if you are planning on travelling outside of the UAE.
All of the car parks that are in Dubai are operated by Dubai Municipality two of the centrally situated covered car parks are located near by the Souk and Bani Yas square in Deira.

Car Hire in Dubai

If you are planning on hiring a car in Dubai then you will need the following documents:

• A valid International Driving Permit

• Passport

• Credit card

Travelers from many of the European, Asia and North America countries can apply for a temporary local driving license if they do not have an International driving permit. To obtain a local driving license you will need to have a valid national license a passport and two passport sized photographs. It is highly recommended that you have fully comprehensive insurance. If you do happen to have a car accident then you should inform the police straight away, you should also get a written police report. If you fail to get a written police report then the car hire company might not cover any damaged caused. To be able to drive in Dubai you must be at least 21 years old although, if you wish to hire a more expensive model of car then the age limit may be raised to 25 years old. To hire a cheap car in Dubai all payments must be made by credit card.
Some of the major cheap car hire companies include: Avis, Fast rent a car and Budget.