TRAFFIC IN DUBAI

 

TRAFFIC

The road network infrastructure in Dubai is excellent but can be a little complicated with the majority of main roads being two, three or four lanes and some as many as six lanes. The roads are well signposted in Arabic and English. There is ongoing work on the new Dubai “Metro Train System” as well as many new roads so traffic can be congested at peak times. To be honest it is best to avoid these times if at all possible.

In 2007 the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai introduced a toll system to some of the roads in Dubai to ease traffic. It is called SALIK and most of the reputable car rental agencies have SALIK arrangements and taxis will ask you if you want to use SALIK roads or not and charge you at the end of the trip. Each segment of a journey is AED 4.

CAR RENTAL

Renting a car is a great way to get about Dubai and there is an endless variety of vehicles available from reputable car hire companies. The majority of which have desks in the Arrivals Hall at Dubai International Airport or for a small charge will deliver you car to Villa Masbah. Hiring a vehicle, be it a luxury vehicle, Hummer, 4 x 4, people carrier, or small saloon it gives you flexibility. One thing to remember when renting a car is to have a small amount of change handy as Dubai has a huge number of parking meters on the streets.

If you wish we can arrange a rental car of you choice or you can make your own arrangements. It is advisable to book a rental car in before you depart.. TAXIS

If not renting a car, the majority of visitors make use of the thousands of taxis available in Dubai. Taxis are strictly controlled by the Dubai Government. There are seven metered taxi companies with a fixed fare system. The taxis all have a base body colour of beige but with different coloured roof for the different taxi company.

There is also a fleet of pink “lady taxis” which are driven by female taxi drivers and are for women or families.

All taxi drivers in Dubai wear uniforms and have strict code of conduct which is rigidly enforced by the RTA. Taxis from other Emirates cannot pick up in Dubai.

Taxis can be hailed from the street, or booked by phone. There are always a large number of taxis available at the major shopping malls. We would suggest that you phone and book a taxi during peak periods. Taxis can be booked for full or half days which is a great way to cover as many places as possible at a reasonable cost. Some of our guests have found this a very good way to get around and taking all into consideration relatively cheap.

When you book a taxi from Villa Masbah the house details are stored in the computer and it is just a matter of following the prompts. Details are in the villa guest handbook.

For more information on getting around in Dubai’s taxis visit the RTA website

MARINE TRAVEL

Another novel way to get around parts of Dubai is making use of the boats on the Dubai Creek. The RTA has recently taken delivery of new small passenger ferries to take passengers across the Creek. The full information about these services are available on the RTA website.

Another alternative is to try one of the many small wooden dhows called abras which ply at frequent intervals across the creek. This is one of the best ways to see the many impressive buildings along the Creek.

To catch one of these craft, just go to the bustling abra station which provide workers and tourists alike with a quick and efficient mode of travel. These are inexpensive (only Dhs 1 per person) and worth the experience.

This is a regular method of transportation by the workforce and it is estimated there are over 17,000 who use this crossing every day.

 

 

 

METRO RAIL AND BUSES

With the brand new state-of-the-art driverless Metro system, getting around Dubai could not be easier. There are over 90 bus routes and the RTA recently took delivery of a large fleet of new buses. Most of the Dubai Metro stations have feeder buses linking them to the various communities (including Arabian Ranches). The Metro and  buses are cheap and comfortable way to get around and see Dubai. Be warned, you cannot pay cash but require a prepaid card This mode of transport can be quite busy at peak times, the same as in any other busy city. The good thing is the high frequency of buses and Metro trains. The timetable,route map and further information can be found the RTA website.

There is also an inter Emirates luxury coach service and a regular bus service between Dubai and Sharjah.