Transport: 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.
