Drive in the UAE could be simpler than one might think. With the appropriate precautions. Here, below, some information, and advice, useful before getting behind the wheel.

INFORMATION AND BASIC RULES

In the country you drive to the right and you pass on the left. This is the general rule but, often, chaos exists. Drivers are well known for their unruly, dangerous and signal-free driving and speed limits. The use of radar on major arterial roads, such as the E11, has only partially reduced accidents. The mortality rate here is among the highest!

DOCUMENTS TO DRIVE IN THE UAE

The advice is to drive rental cars exclusively. You will avoid bureaucracy and extra documents. After all, a trip on the road starting from Europe would be too long. For those wishing to rent a car and drive in the United Arab Emirates, a driver’s license will be sufficient in their own country, and a minimum age of 21 years.

ROADS AND SIGNS

Photo ©, Imre Solt

The country has a very valid road network connecting the main cities. Our advice is to avoid private travel in desert areas, but to limit yourself to the northern coastal strip and, in particular, along the area from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Right here, the E11 motorway runs, the most important of the whole country.

With a length of over 550 kilometers, the E11 is the most used highway in the entire Arab world. The road crosses the main cities and Emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah. We recommend to drive in the UAE, exclusively on this stretch and some major highways. These are identified by a signal with a blue background and the letter E followed by a number. Generally, some sections are paid.

The road signs are all in double Arabic and English.