Keep doing your thing…
If you’re new to the Dubai scene, there are a few driving tips worth keeping in mind. We’re not saying these are strict rules, but they’re definitely some useful advice we’d recommend you consider.
Just a heads-up: this article is meant for laughs, inspired by the frustration of spending an hour on Sheikh Zayed Road when it should’ve been a quick 20-minute drive.
Here’s your go-to guide for what to do (and what to avoid) when driving in Dubai.
Do: Use your indicator
This one’s a no-brainer—using your indicator is a fundamental part of driving. Letting others on the road know your intentions is key to keeping everyone safe and aware. As my driving instructor wisely put it, “Your car doesn’t have a DEWA bill, so go ahead and use that indicator.”
Don’t: Expect others to do the same
Sadly, the reality is that many drivers treat using an indicator as more of a ‘suggestion’ than a necessity. So, when you’re on the road, make sure to drive with extra caution and stay fully aware of what every other driver might be planning to do.
Do: Remember to top up your Salik
Salik is Dubai’s toll system, and it plays a crucial role in keeping our world-class infrastructure in top shape. Our roads are pothole-free, lanes are always clearly marked, and streetlights consistently work. All of this is made possible by the tolls we pay when using these roads.
Don’t: Drive on toll roads
Simply put, they’re just too busy. With the city’s traffic already in full swing, avoiding these roads and helping to ease congestion is more of a civic duty than anything else.
Do: Remember to be in the correct lane
Simply put, they’re just too busy. With the city’s traffic already bustling, steering clear of these roads and easing congestion is more of a civic responsibility.
And here’s another basic rule: changing lanes in advance to be in the right lane for your turn-off is crucial for keeping everyone safe on the road.
Don’t: Change lanes at the very last minute when you real ise you’re in the wrong lane
I get it—navigating a new route for the first time can be tricky, and you might not be sure which lane to be in. That’s where apps like Waze come in handy. They’ll guide you on exactly which lane to be in and when. So, please avoid the risky move of cutting across four lanes of traffic because your exit is just 100 meters away.
Do: Steer clear of driving in front of a Nissan Patrol
For your own health, safety, and sanity—just move out of the way. You’re doing everyone a favor. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but if necessary, you might want to consider climbing the pavement (just kidding, don’t actually do that).
Don’t: Be shocked if they flash their lights at you
Ah yes, a blinding flash in your rearview and side mirrors is just the thing to get someone to move aside, and definitely not distracting for the driver at all.
Do: Avoid tailgating
There’s a safe driving distance for a reason: it’s meant to protect everyone on the road. Tailgating is a risky habit that many drivers in Dubai indulge in. Instead of safely overtaking and continuing your drive, it seems like a smarter move to shave off 15 seconds by driving right on the bumper of the car in front of you.
Don’t: Move out of the way just because someone behind you is tailgating
Driving in Dubai is all about confidence. So, stand your ground, assert yourself, and own your space on the road. But don’t be surprised if you get a brake check now and then. Just remember, don’t move out of the way—you have just as much right to be on the road as anyone else.
Do: Join the rest of us and patiently wait in traffic
Traffic is a given with so many cars on the road. When you’re queuing for an exit and all the lanes are backed up, it’s best to show some patience and wait your turn in line.
Don’t: Jump to the very front of the traffic queue
Speeding past the queue and forcing your way to the front doesn’t actually ease traffic—it just makes things worse for everyone. This behavior contributes to the congestion, as trying to cut in to “avoid” traffic only exacerbates the problem.
Keep doing your thing…
If you’re new to the Dubai scene, there are a few driving tips worth keeping in mind. We’re not saying these are strict rules, but they’re definitely some useful advice we’d recommend you consider.
Just a heads-up: this article is meant for laughs, inspired by the frustration of spending an hour on Sheikh Zayed Road when it should’ve been a quick 20-minute drive.
Here’s your go-to guide for what to do (and what to avoid) when driving in Dubai.
Do: Use your indicator
This one’s a no-brainer—using your indicator is a fundamental part of driving. Letting others on the road know your intentions is key to keeping everyone safe and aware. As my driving instructor wisely put it, “Your car doesn’t have a DEWA bill, so go ahead and use that indicator.”
Don’t: Expect others to do the same
Sadly, the reality is that many drivers treat using an indicator as more of a ‘suggestion’ than a necessity. So, when you’re on the road, make sure to drive with extra caution and stay fully aware of what every other driver might be planning to do.
Do: Remember to top up your Salik
Salik is Dubai’s toll system, and it plays a crucial role in keeping our world-class infrastructure in top shape. Our roads are pothole-free, lanes are always clearly marked, and streetlights consistently work. All of this is made possible by the tolls we pay when using these roads.
Don’t: Drive on toll roads
Simply put, they’re just too busy. With the city’s traffic already in full swing, avoiding these roads and helping to ease congestion is more of a civic duty than anything else.
Do: Remember to be in the correct lane
Simply put, they’re just too busy. With the city’s traffic already bustling, steering clear of these roads and easing congestion is more of a civic responsibility.
And here’s another basic rule: changing lanes in advance to be in the right lane for your turn-off is crucial for keeping everyone safe on the road.
Don’t: Change lanes at the very last minute when you real ise you’re in the wrong lane
I get it—navigating a new route for the first time can be tricky, and you might not be sure which lane to be in. That’s where apps like Waze come in handy. They’ll guide you on exactly which lane to be in and when. So, please avoid the risky move of cutting across four lanes of traffic because your exit is just 100 meters away.
Do: Steer clear of driving in front of a Nissan Patrol
For your own health, safety, and sanity—just move out of the way. You’re doing everyone a favor. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but if necessary, you might want to consider climbing the pavement (just kidding, don’t actually do that).
Don’t: Be shocked if they flash their lights at you
Ah yes, a blinding flash in your rearview and side mirrors is just the thing to get someone to move aside, and definitely not distracting for the driver at all.
Do: Avoid tailgating
There’s a safe driving distance for a reason: it’s meant to protect everyone on the road. Tailgating is a risky habit that many drivers in Dubai indulge in. Instead of safely overtaking and continuing your drive, it seems like a smarter move to shave off 15 seconds by driving right on the bumper of the car in front of you.
Don’t: Move out of the way just because someone behind you is tailgating
Driving in Dubai is all about confidence. So, stand your ground, assert yourself, and own your space on the road. But don’t be surprised if you get a brake check now and then. Just remember, don’t move out of the way—you have just as much right to be on the road as anyone else.
Do: Join the rest of us and patiently wait in traffic
Traffic is a given with so many cars on the road. When you’re queuing for an exit and all the lanes are backed up, it’s best to show some patience and wait your turn in line.
Don’t: Jump to the very front of the traffic queue
Speeding past the queue and forcing your way to the front doesn’t actually ease traffic—it just makes things worse for everyone. This behavior contributes to the congestion, as trying to cut in to “avoid” traffic only exacerbates the problem.
