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United Arab Emirates summary

Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Arabic
UAE dirham
4,798,491
GMT + 4
971
Right
No
Local weather
Abu Dhabi
  • /ig/images/weather/sunny.gifSat
    31° | 46°
  • /ig/images/weather/mostly_sunny.gifSun
    29° | 44°
  • /ig/images/weather/mostly_sunny.gifMon
    29° | 42°
  • /ig/images/weather/mostly_sunny.gifTue
    31° | 44°
Speed limits
  1. Motorways:
    • 120kmh (75mph) or as indicated
  2. Open roads:
    • 80kmh (50mph)
  3. Towns:
    • 40 to 80kmh (25-50mph)
Road Safety
  1. Alcohol limit:
    • Laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are strict and follow a policy of zero tolerance
    • Just the hint of alcohol on your breath will be grounds for driving under the influence – and could result in a short stay in jail, especially if an accident is involved
  2. Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
    • It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving 
    • Drivers must use hands free devices
  3. Seat belts:
    • Seat belts are mandatory for seated occupants
    • Infants can only be carried on the back seat with a proper baby or child seat.
  4. Traffic lights regulations:
    • Amber light is considered the same as a red light
    • Crossing a red light could result in being put in jail & payment of a fine
Costs
  1. Road tolls:
    • No
  2. On the spot fines:
    • No
General motoring advice
  1. Rush hour in built up areas:
    • 0730 - 0830hrs
    • 1300-1400hrs
    • The rush in the evening is tremendous due to people returning from work & a very late night life
  2. Fuel:
    • Throughout the Middle East petrol is cheap compared with European countries but with usually only two grades available 'Super' is 98 octane and equivalent to four-star; this is the best quality and generally cleaner than regular petrol (benzin)
    • Fuel stations are few and far between in remote areas and on many desert roads, and for this reason it is advisable motorists keep the tank filled up, particularly if they plan to travel long distances
    • Locally produced maps often indicate the location of petrol stations
  3. Parking advice:
    • Many parts of Dubai have paid parking
    • Failure to pay & display for parking results in penalties which starts from AED 100.00 (€22)

Travel tips

An amber light is considered the same as a red light and crossing a red light could result in being put in jail & payment of a fine.
Share your travel tips

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