How to Get Around United Arab Emirates

Getting in. Dubai International is one of the world’s busiest for international traffic, with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah also served. Dubai’s second airport at Al Maktoum handles some low-cost and charter flights.

Between emirates. The E11 motorway links the whole coast, and Abu Dhabi to Dubai takes about ninety minutes. Intercity buses are cheap, frequent and air-conditioned. The Etihad Rail passenger network is being introduced in stages and will eventually connect the main cities.

In Dubai. The driverless metro has two lines running the length of the city, with trams and a monorail on the Palm, and a Nol card covers all of it plus the buses and the abra water crossings on the creek. Taxis are metered and inexpensive; ride-hailing apps work.

In Abu Dhabi. No metro; buses and taxis cover the city, and distances are large.

Driving. Hire cars are cheap and the roads are excellent, which is the best way to reach the mountains and Liwa. Note that driving standards are assertive, speed cameras are everywhere and fines are automatic, and an international permit is usually required.