Driving in the City
Dubai has an excellent and well-signposted road network and the majority of roads have two to four lanes. A massive expansion to the emirate's road network is currently underway which will see the number of lanes crossing the Creek increased to 100 by 2010.
Unfortunately, driving standards do not match the quality of the roads. Many local drivers travel at speed and change lanes with wild abandon. In addition, drivers are prone to make sudden and dangerous manoeuvres. Accidents occur frequently and visitors are advised to drive defensively. Outside the city centre a good road map is essential, to avoid heading aimlessly out into the desert.
Increasingly traffic congestion is also a problem, particularly in Deira and along Jumeirah Beach. Toll roads were introduced for the first time in 2007 to help alleviate the emirate's worsening traffic congestion problems, with plans to extend the toll network. Drivers should note that there is a tax to pay for driving out of the UAE.
Car parks are operated by Dubai Municipality (tel: 800 4848; website: www.dm.gov.ae). Two centrally located covered car parks are situated near the Spice Souk and Bani Yas Square in Deira.