Before I start, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has been reading this blog since I started it a couple months ago. If the stats are correct, hundreds have read it so far and I hope it’s been helpful in giving you an understanding of what the UAE is like.
Most people in the UAE prefer to use cars, the government has been doing its best over the last couple of years to encourage people to use the metro and bus system and it has been a somewhat successful campaign because of the economic advantages.
Using the metro is really good for the environment and should absolutely be encouraged, which is what I would like to do in this post. But I have to admit if you’ve got guests, you will need a car.
Also, after speaking to regular metro users a lot, I find saving cash is one of big advantages of taking the metro and bus system for the moment.
Personally, on average I use the metro to work two out of five days in the week. Some weeks I use it every day, but usually its not always possible because I regularly have out of town guests and its not convenient lugging them around on the metro.
The only reason I can use the metro with reasonable ease is that the station is a ten-minute walk from my apartment block and then a ten-minute walk from my stop to my offices.
This is one of the reasons why taking the metro is difficult in Dubai: the lack of pavements. There are very few places to walk in Dubai and doing so can be quite dangerous because you will encounter roadworks in quite a large part of the city, which also makes walking a dusty experience.
This means you will have to take one of the many feeder buses that the RTA provides, which aren’t always available because they’re tend to be quite late.
This is a serious hindrance to an otherwise excellent system, the metro itself is always on time, always clean and very cheap. The cheapest in the world, we were told when it started up two years ago, though I am not sure if this is still true.
Buses in the city have gotten better and even cheaper than the metro but they are possibly the slowest mode of transport in the UAE. The buses are clean, air-conditioned and women get priority seating. But this mode is for people who will leave home 2 hours before they need to get into work. Also, the RTA drivers are always falling asleep and they drive ridiculously fast, so avoid it if you’re prone to motion sickness.
In Abu Dhabi, the bus drivers are much nicer and the buses seem cleaner, possibly because they are newer. The bus service are fewer than in Dubai, but they are more likely to be on time.
I have no idea about Sharjah bus services, but am sure it’s awful. Sorry, ignore that. That’s just my Sharjah bias.
Of course, one could always hire a taxi if you don’t want to buy a car but because of the high monthly cost, you may as well buy a car.
If I lived in Bur Dubai but worked in Deira, I would take a water taxi across the creek to work, or an abra. They’re cheap, convenient and just a lovely way to travel.
What I would suggest if you’re moving over and would like to use public transport rather than buy a car is make sure your apartment is very close to a metro station with a good walking area, and if your office is too, that’s a bonus. The main malls and places you’re likely to go have metro stations attached to them, which is useful. And, if you get guests but not very often, just hire a car for the week or however long they’re staying. You could hire a car for around 1800 dirhams a month, which is quite affordable.
Transferring your drivers license:
Most European, South African, Australian driving licenses are transferable in the UAE. All you need is a valid eye test, both the card and paper part and a nominal amount of money for typing. If you go to one of the many conveniently located RTA license offices, you will be able to convert your license. If you can’t do an eye test anywhere, there should be facilities at the RTA office. Depending on the time of day, the entire process including eye test shouldn’t take more than an hour.
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