How Does Driving Rules Work in UAE?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Drive on the right, roads are excellent, but speed cameras are everywhere and the UAE has one of the world's highest road accident rates.
2What You Need to Know
The UAE drives on the right-hand side and international driving licences are valid for tourists. Roads are modern and well-maintained. However, the UAE has a significantly elevated road fatality rate driven by speeding and aggressive driving — tailgating and lane-cutting are common. Speed cameras (operating under the Salik system in Dubai and Darb in Abu Dhabi) are ubiquitous, so stick strictly to posted limits. Parking: grey-marked spaces require paid tickets, green-marked spaces are free. In sandstorms, pull off the road completely and wait — do not attempt to drive through. The blood alcohol limit is 0.00% — any alcohol in your system while driving is illegal.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Set your sat-nav speed alerts — cameras are unmarked and fines are issued automatically to your rental company
- 2In a sandstorm, pull completely off the road, turn off your lights, and wait for visibility to improve
- 3Rental cars come with Salik/Darb toll tags — check how your rental company charges for toll usage before signing
Important Warning
The UAE has a very high road accident and fatality rate. Drive defensively, maintain safe following distances, and strictly observe speed limits.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Driving in Cairo is extremely chaotic and not recommended for tourists — use Uber or Careem instead.
Drive on the right; an international driving permit is recommended, and be prepared for chaotic city driving and variable road conditions outside major routes.
Drive on the right; women have been allowed to drive since 2018; speed cameras are everywhere; Riyadh traffic is very heavy.
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Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10–15% at restaurants is standard. Round up for taxis.
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Dubai has an excellent metro and buses. Buy a Nol Card for all public transport in Dubai. Abu Dhabi has buses but no metro yet.
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Healthcare quality is excellent but expensive. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Many hospitals have English-speaking staff.
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The UAE has strict laws around alcohol, public behavior, drugs, and dress. What is legal in your home country may be a criminal offense here.
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Police: 999. Ambulance: 998. Fire: 997. Tourist Police (Dubai): 800-4438.
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Dress modestly in public. Shoulders and knees should be covered in malls, markets, and public areas. Swimwear is only for beaches and pools.
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