Transportation

Getting around Abu Dhabi can be quite a challenge at times...

The Abu Dhabi Municipality operates buses throughout the city and also to the other Emirates. While this is a very inexpensive way to travel, it can at times be unreliable though and buses when they do come tend to be overcrowded and ineffectively air conditioned.

The Abu Dhabi bus, Emirates Express is operated jointly by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Municipalities and operates between the cities on a very regular basis.

Taxis operated by Abu Dhabi Taxis   - are a good alternative, they are inexpensive, and when free flowing traffic allows, are pretty reliable. Most taxi drivers speak a good level of English, however the problem generally arises with street names or absence of lack of them to be precise. Therefore landmarks are frequently used in directions.

Taxi Companies

  • Al Ghazal Taxis 02 444 7787
  • National Transport Company 02 622 3300
  • Al Arabia Taxis 02 5588099
  • National Taxi 02 673 4444

Petrol in Abu Dhabi is inexpensive 6.25dhs/gallon and cars are inexpensive in comparison to Europe and the US. Major roads are clearly signed as are residential areas and amenities, however smaller roads tend to go unnamed. People frequently use land marks when directing or fax or email maps in advance.

A UAE licence is required for driving a private car; an international licence suffices for a rental / lease car. If your visa is not yet processed, it is really important that you have a temporary UAE licence. You will need a residency visa to purchase a car in Abu Dhabi and a UAE licence to drive a private car.

The UAE permits residents from 36 countries to simply transfer their licence without taking a driving test. See www.abudhabi.ae for a list of these and for more information (click on English). If you are from outside of these countries you simply will have to take a driving test before you can drive.

Driving Schools in Abu Dhabi

  • Abu Dhabi Motor Training School 02 448 4878
  • Al Nahda Motor Driver’s Training School 02 633 8061
  • Emirates Driving Company 02 551 1911