Transport
Metro, Nol, Salik, driving licence, Careem vs Uber.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Do I need a car to live in Dubai?
Depends on your neighbourhood and lifestyle. Metro corridors (Marina, Downtown, JLT, Business Bay) allow comfortable car-free living via metro + Careem. Villa communities (Springs, Ranches, Mirdif) essentially require a car. Families with school-run duties almost always need one car minimum. Monthly car lease costs AED 2,000–5,000; car ownership AED 1,500–3,000 in loan repayments.
How much does the Dubai Metro cost?
Standard (Silver) class: AED 3.00 minimum fare up to AED 7.50 for end-to-end. Gold class (first carriage): doubles the standard fare. A Personalised Nol card offers discounted daily and monthly caps — commuters use this for savings. Single-trip Nol card includes AED 4 refundable deposit. The daily cap is AED 20 Silver / AED 40 Gold.
Source: RTA Nol FaresIs Uber or Careem cheaper in Dubai?
Careem is typically 5–15% cheaper than Uber for standard rides. Careem's Hala service (RTA-licensed standard taxis via the Careem app) is usually the cheapest option for short trips. Both apps use surge pricing during peak hours and rain. For airport trips, RTA taxi (metered) is often competitive. Download both apps and compare at time of booking.
Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a UAE licence?
Yes — if your country is on the UAE's approved exchange list (40+ countries including UK, US, EU, Australia, Canada), you can exchange directly: eye test, application, and AED 900–1,200 in fees. No driving test required. Other nationalities must complete a full RTA driving course (20–40 lessons, AED 4,000–8,000). Check the RTA approved country list first.
Source: RTA Driving LicenceHow much does petrol cost in Dubai?
UAE fuel prices are updated monthly by the Federal Petrol Price Committee and are subsidy-free since 2015. As of early 2026, Special 95 is approximately AED 2.67/L and Super 98 is approximately AED 2.78/L. This is cheaper than Europe but more expensive than GCC neighbours. Fill up before long highway trips — prices are identical across the UAE.
What is Salik and how much does it cost?
Salik is Dubai's electronic road toll system. Each gate crossing costs AED 6. Key gates are on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, and Business Bay Crossing. Active commuters cross 4–8 gates per day in rush hour, costing AED 24–48/day in tolls. Register your Salik tag via rta.ae and top up with AED 50 minimum.
Source: Salik RTAWhich side of the road do you drive on in Dubai?
The right side — UAE follows continental European/American road layout. Steering wheels are on the left side of the vehicle. This differs from UK, Australia, India, and some African countries where driving is on the left. Speed limits: 60–80 km/h in residential areas, 100–120 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are common and strictly enforced.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai?
Most international car rental companies require a minimum age of 25 with a credit card. Some local companies rent from age 21 with a larger security deposit and credit card hold. You need a valid driving licence — international driving permit recommended if your licence is not in English or Arabic. Minimum 1-year licence validity is often required.
How late does the Dubai Metro run?
Monday to Thursday: last train around 11:00 PM. Friday: last train around 1:00 AM. Saturday: last train around midnight. Sunday: last train around 11:00 PM (similar to weekdays). The metro opens at 5:30 AM daily. Always check the RTA Wojhati app for live timetables as schedules occasionally change around public holidays and major events.
Source: RTA MetroAre Dubai taxis metered or negotiated?
RTA-licensed taxis are fully metered — never negotiate a fare with an RTA taxi driver. Flag fall is AED 5 (AED 12 from DXB). Average AED 1.96/km thereafter. Avoid any private unmarked car offering a ride — it is unlicensed and unregulated. Use Careem or Uber for app-based convenience with upfront pricing.
Source: RTA TaxiHow much does parking cost at Dubai malls?
Most major Dubai malls offer free parking (Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Mirdif City Centre). Some Downtown and Marina visitor car parks charge AED 5–25/hour. Valet services at upscale restaurants and hotels cost AED 20–50. Residential parking in apartments is usually included in the rent. Street parking in JBR costs AED 3–4/hour via RTA app.
Is cycling allowed in Dubai?
Yes — cycling is legal and growing. The Dubai Cycling Network includes dedicated lanes along Al Qudra (86km loop), Nad Al Sheba, and sections of JBR and Creek Harbour. Cycling on main roads is technically permitted but inadvisable due to traffic. Helmet is mandatory. Cycling is limited to cooler months (October–April). Rental bikes available at Al Qudra and some community hubs.