Getting Around
The most common way of getting around Dubai is by
taxi; they are cheap and easy to find. Many hotels offer shuttle
bus services for guests as well. Metered taxis are cream coloured,
with uniformed drivers. The public bus service covers most areas of
the city and its beaches; the monthly period pass as well as the
discounted purse pass are available. Routes and bus numbers are
posted in both Arabic and English. Small wooden motorboats (abras)
cross the creek every few minutes between Bur Dubai and Deira. Cars
are the most popular method of transport for locals in the city,
and although roads are well-marked and car hire cheap, visitors
should think twice about hiring one, as driving standards are
erratic and accidents frequent. All accidents must be reported to
the police, and chances are good that a visit to the police station
will be necessary. Outside the city, signposts are rare. To hire a
car, a credit card, valid passport and International Driving Permit
are required and the minimum age is 21 (drivers must have held a
full licence for one year). Plans for a Dubai metro are in the
works, with completion of the first section expected around
2009.
