Dubai has a population similar to that of Chicago, Berlin, and Madrid, but it spans a much larger area, consuming up to six times the square mileage compared with those cities. Consequently, getting around Dubai often requires some form of transportation, whether that involves taking a taxi, using rideshare apps like Uber or Careem, hopping on public transport, or driving yourself.
Here are the best methods to navigate Dubai.
Car
Well-maintained multi-lane highways, plentiful gas stations, and affordable gas make renting a car a worthwhile option for day trips from Dubai. However, driving within the city requires some skill, given that local driving styles can be atypical, and navigating seven- or eight-lane highways may be intimidating at first. Distances can be misleading, and heavy traffic, unexpected detours, and persistent red lights can turn a short journey into a lengthy ordeal.
Traffic congestion in Dubai is particularly intense during peak hours: from 7 am to 9 am, 1 pm to 2 pm, and most evenings after 5 pm. Traffic jams are also prevalent on Friday afternoons, especially around shopping malls, beaches, and family attractions.
There are numerous car rental agencies in Dubai, ranging from major international brands to local businesses. For navigation, Google Maps proves to be quite reliable, while a local alternative is the RTA Smart Drive app, which is available for free download from both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Taxi
Dubai is a taxi-centric city, and you’re likely to find yourself in need of a cab at some point. Taxis are the fastest and most comfortable way to navigate Dubai, except during rush-hour. The government operates metered, air-conditioned taxis, which are generally cream-colored and relatively economical. You can hail a taxi in the street, pick one up at a taxi rank, or request one via phone.
The Roads & Transport Authority offers a convenient Smart Taxi App that helps you locate the nearest taxi based on your current location. It’s accessible on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Women traveling alone can feel comfortable in a taxi, even at night, but it is advisable not to sit in the front seat. Although drivers typically maintain professionalism, some may attempt to engage in personal conversations. If preferred, you can opt for a pink-roofed cab with a female driver, known as a Ladies Taxi.
Uber and Careem
In Dubai, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem present strong competition to traditional taxis. Careem, founded in Dubai in 2012 and subsequently acquired by Uber in early 2020, operates as a separate brand. Cost-wise, using a rideshare app offers little price difference compared to regular taxis; however, Uber and Careem often feature higher-quality vehicles and amenities like free water and phone chargers.
Dubai Metro
Public transport in Dubai is overseen by the Roads & Transport Authority, comprising the Dubai Metro, buses, water buses, and trams. For trip planning, the RTA app S’hail can be utilized, providing all local transport options on a single platform, including real-time traffic conditions. Before boarding the public transport system, it’s beneficial to purchase a rechargeable pass (Nol Card) from ticket offices or vending machines. The RTA network is divided into zones, with fares based on the number of zones traveled.
The Metro is the most economical option for traversing Dubai, boasting two lines: the Red Line and the Green Line, with trains operating approximately every ten minutes. The Red Line connects major landmarks along Sheikh Zayed Road as well as neighborhoods like Bur Dubai and Deira. At each station, cabs and feeder buses are readily available for your final destination.
Each train consists of standard cars, along with one designated for women and a “Gold Class” section that includes upgraded seating for a double fare. While women may occupy any of the other cars, the dedicated sections offer added comfort. Moreover, vibrant murals can be found decorating some of the Metro’s support pillars, providing a splash of color throughout the city.
Bus
The RTA operates over 120 bus routes mainly catering to low-income commuters. Buses are generally clean, comfortable, air-conditioned, and inexpensive, though they may be slower than other options. The first few rows of seats are usually reserved for women and children. Fares range between Dhs3 (approximately 80 cents) and Dhs8.50 ($2.30), and Nol Cards are required for travel.
For journeys beyond Dubai, the RTA provides a public bus service connecting Dubai and Muscat, the capital of Oman.
Boat
Abras are motorized traditional wooden boats offering transport across Dubai Creek, providing one of the most charming ways to travel in the city. Various routes connect the neighborhoods of Bur Dubai and Deira, making them an excellent option for shoppers exploring markets on both banks. The ride is quick, typically under ten minutes, and costs Dhs1 (30 cents) to Dhs2 (55 cents) based on the route. Abras depart as soon as they’re full, usually accommodating around 20 passengers.
Around Dubai Marina, the air-conditioned Dubai Marina Water Bus connects four stops every 15 to 20 minutes, and Nol Cards are permitted for use on the Water Bus.
Monorail
The elevated, driverless Palm Jumeirah Monorail connects the Palm Jumeirah with Dubai Marina. It features four stations: Palm Gateway, Al Ittihad Park, Nakheel Mall, and Atlantis Aquaventure at the Atlantis The Palm hotel. An additional station, The Pointe, is expected to be operational soon. The 3.5-mile journey takes approximately 12 minutes, costing Dhs20 ($5.45), with trains running every 15 minutes. The monorail seamlessly connects to the Dubai Tram at Palm Gateway.
Tram
The Dubai Tram makes 11 stops throughout the Dubai Marina area, including essential locations such as Marina Mall, The Beach at JBR, and The Walk at JBR. It also links to the Damac and DMCC Dubai Metro stations and connects with the Palm Jumeirah Monorail at Palm Jumeirah station. Trams operate roughly every eight minutes, with the entire circuit taking around 40 minutes. Fares vary depending on zones traveled, starting at Dhs4 ($1.10) for one zone, with Nol Cards required for use.
Bicycle
Since 2013, Dubai has implemented a bicycle-sharing program, being the first city in the Middle East to do so. The current initiative, managed by RTA and Careem, offers nearly 800 pay-as-you-go bicycles. The aim over the next five years is to introduce 3,500 rental bicycles and provide 350 solar-powered docking stations across the city. The local government prioritizes cycling, having already constructed 265 miles of bike paths, with plans to expand to over 400 miles by 2023.
Walking
Walking in Dubai can be challenging due to limited sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. In many cases, you may need to take a taxi just to cross the road. However, some neighborhoods, especially the historical areas undergoing restoration, are more pedestrian-friendly. The best areas for walking include Dubai Marina, City Walk, Al Fahidi Historic District, Al Seef, and Deira.
Accessible transportation in Dubai
In recent years, the government has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving accessibility in Dubai, in line with the Dubai Disability Strategy. Nonetheless, drop-down curbs remain scarce, especially in older districts like Bur Dubai and Deira. Dubai Taxi offers some “special needs taxis”, which are vans equipped with wheelchair lifts, but these must be arranged several hours in advance. While many local buses and all water buses are accessible, Dubai Metro is equipped with elevators and designated areas for wheelchairs. Additionally, most parking facilities in Dubai feature spaces reserved for drivers with disabilities.
