Visiting Dubai promises an exciting experience, especially when you can rent a car. Travel specialists advise to hire a driver, too, to avoid unpleasant situations on Dubai’s speedy roads. However, an experienced driver with a valid license is likely to want to explore this emirate on his own. So, what must independent tourists bear in mind when renting a vehicle to drive in Dubai?
According to the 2019 Global Competitiveness Report compiled by the World Economic Forum, Dubai occupies the 7th place in the road quality index. This means that the emirate’s roads are constructed and managed to a very high international standard.
Due to a large influx of tourists and businessmen from all over the world, driving in Dubai may be challenging, to say the least. Fast lanes do not help, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles is next to impossible. Still, every year a lot of people rent a convertible car in Dubai or hire a luxury van to travel and explore this magnificent place.
Below are the facts and tips to make your driving in Dubai enjoyable, if do you decide to venture out on your own.
Always Wear a Seatbelt
This could be self-explanatory, but travelers often go to another country to break off with the rules of their native land. When it comes to wearing seatbelts, Dubai traffic police enforce this rule and may issue a hefty fine (400 AED) and 4 black points on your driving license.
Do Not Use a Mobile Phone
Another prohibition concerns the use of mobiles. Similar to seatbelts, talking on the phone while driving has been illegal in many countries for many years, and Dubai is no exception.
Put Children in the Back Seat
Children under 12 years of age must sit at the back of the car.
Avoid Offending Other Drivers
Swearing and making obscene gestures at other drivers is prohibited. So, even if a Ferrari has definitely cut you off, bite your tongue and watch the road.
Do Not Drive in the Desert
Many can rental companies stipulate that driving in the desert is not allowed, otherwise the driver will have to pay to clear a luxury car of all that sand. If you are keen on this sort of experience, look for a specialist company.
Do Not Overtake a Vehicle from the Right
People in Dubai drive on the right side of the road. If you try to overtake from the right, you are certainly in for a road accident.
Avoid Fast Lanes
Although officially drivers cannot go over 120 kmph, in the far-left fast lanes some easy riders reach the speed of 200 kmph! In other words, a fast lane is not for careful drivers who just want to get somewhere quickly. It is for those cool people driving a convertible who like to turn people’s heads and brave the speed cameras.
Keep a Safe Distance
Experts recommend maintaining a 3-5 seconds gap with other vehicles on the road. This is the hardest thing to achieve and the main reason why less experienced drivers choose to hire a driver. However, if a traveler comes from a city where the traffic is also heavy, he is unlikely to feel much discomfort on Dubai roads.
If You Are a Woman, You CAN Rent and Drive
The Middle East was slow in allowing women to drive, but even Saudi Arabia finally passed a respective law in 2018. Dubai is not the place to push your driving to the next level, but for life-long female drivers it will have a lot to offer.
Watch Out for People and Camels
When heading towards the desert, it is not just the sand that the driver must watch out for. Stray camels, as strange as it may sound, are a serious road hazard. Other drivers can also cause problems, but sadly, 25% of road fatalities in Dubai are pedestrians who are ignorant of road safety rules.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to Dubai and thinking of renting a car, contact us at Paddock Rent a Car for a quote. Visit https://paddockrentacar.com/ to choose the best car for your needs and budget.
