United Arab Emirates (AE)
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — that has transformed from a pearl-diving and fishing economy into one of the world's most modern and cosmopolitan nations within a single generation.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in United Arab Emirates.
Public Transport Overview
Public transport quality varies dramatically by emirate. Dubai has an excellent metro (Red and Green lines), tram, and bus network. Abu Dhabi has buses but no metro (metro under construction, expected ~2030). Sharjah and northern emirates are almost entirely car-dependent. The RTA Nol card is the tap-and-go payment card for all Dubai transport.
🎫 Transit Passes
Dubai metro, bus, tram, water bus, Dubai Ferry
Dubai metro, bus, tram — good for up to 10 trips before expiry
Abu Dhabi city buses and intercity buses to Dubai/Al Ain
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are metered, regulated, and cheap by Western standards. Dubai taxis (RTA, yellow): flag-fall AED 5 (day) / AED 5.50 (night), AED 1.97/km; minimum charge AED 12 (day) / AED 13.75 (night). Abu Dhabi taxis (TransAD, cream/gold): flag-fall AED 5.00, AED 1.82/km (2026 rates per admobility.gov.ae). Airport surcharges apply. Uber and Careem (owned by Uber) offer app-based booking with no haggling.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Careem is the dominant app in the UAE — hailing, food delivery, and payments. Uber operates across all major emirates. Both apps show fixed fares upfront. No cash required. Surge pricing applies during peak hours and bad weather. Bolt entered Dubai market in 2023. Hala Taxi (RTA-integrated Careem) offers lowest rates in Dubai.
Cycling
Dubai has Al Qudra cycle track (86km through the desert) and a growing network of paths in JBR, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay. Cycling on main roads is generally dangerous and not recommended. Helmets are not legally required for adults but strongly advised. Abu Dhabi Cycling Club organises weekend rides. Cycling as commute transport is limited due to heat (Oct–Apr only practical).
Intercity Trains
No passenger rail between emirates currently. Etihad Rail (freight and future passenger) is under construction — the passenger service is not yet operational. Intercity travel is by road (self-drive or bus) or by air (flydubai, Air Arabia, IndiGo). Dubai–Abu Dhabi: 1.5 hours drive. Dubai–Sharjah: 30–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Driving
The UAE drives on the right. Speed limits: 60–80 km/h urban, 100–120 km/h highways (some 140 km/h sections in Abu Dhabi). Speed cameras are extremely common — speed fines start at AED 300 and can reach AED 3,000+. Salik toll gates operate in Dubai (AED 4 per crossing, registered by your Nol or Salik account). Black points system applies — accumulating 24 black points results in 3-month licence ban. Zero tolerance for drink-driving.
Airports
Dubai International (DXB) is the world's busiest international airport. Dubai World Central/Al Maktoum International (DWC) handles cargo and budget flights. Abu Dhabi International (AUH) is Etihad's hub. Sharjah International (SHJ) serves Air Arabia budget flights. Dubai Metro Red Line connects DXB Terminal 1 and 3 directly to the city (30 min to Union Square, AED 8.50–14.50 Nol). Taxis from DXB to Dubai Marina: AED 70–90.