Getting Around: Driving, Cars and Public Transport in the UAE

01Converting your driving license

If your home country is on the approved list, you can convert your license to a UAE one without taking a test. This is done through the RTA (Dubai) or your emirate's traffic authority. If your country isn't on the list, you'll need lessons and a UAE driving test through an approved school. This can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how fast you book and pass each stage.

02Buying vs leasing a car

Buying outright or via bank financing tends to make sense if you're planning to stay multiple years, while short-term or monthly car subscription services (increasingly common in the market) suit residents still deciding on their longer-term plans, or who want to avoid registration, insurance and resale hassle. Financing terms and interest rates vary meaningfully between banks, so it's worth comparing more than one quote before committing.

03Salik and parking

Salik is Dubai's electronic toll system — tags are fitted to your windscreen and tolls are deducted automatically as you pass toll gates, with top-ups managed through an app or linked card. Paid public parking (via apps or parking meters) applies in most commercial and residential zones during set hours, and fines for expired parking accumulate quickly if you're not tracking your session.

04Metro, tram and public transport coverage

Dubai's Metro and Tram network covers key commercial and residential corridors well, though coverage thins out significantly outside central areas — worth checking proximity to a station before committing to a home if you plan to rely on it daily. Other emirates generally have far more limited rail coverage, making a car (or consistent use of ride-hailing/taxis) more of a practical necessity outside Dubai and parts of Abu Dhabi.

05Ride-hailing and taxis

Ride-hailing apps and traditional metered taxis are both widely available and generally reliable across major cities, and are a genuinely practical option for residents who'd rather skip car ownership altogether, particularly in the first months while you're still getting oriented.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions