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Gathernomoss · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 6

If I move to UAE, and have no car, is the public transportation in UAE cities a tolerable option?

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

I think you'll find that most expats without a car take taxis, which are very cheap here.

I don't live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but I have heard that even in those larger cities, public transport (i.e. buses) can be quite scarce. Dubai is currently building a train system, though, which is sure to change things in the future once it is complete.

kaw · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry 773 I have to disagree I don't think taxis in all of the UAE are that cheap. Where I am they are but having had the fun of taking taxis in Dubai they certainly aren't.
Gathernomoss, there are buses...........I remember using one many years ago from Al-Ain to Dubai - that was cheap and pretty painless.

I'm car less until I decide I really should have some lessons and pass the test and have managed so far without. Of course it would be much more convenient but until then it'll just be me and my trusty camel Smile

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

What emirate are you going to wind up in? I found that taxis in Dubai cost a great deal more than other emirates. Abu Dhabi taxis have recently been updated. I don't know if it makes the old green and white ones obsolete, but the news ones cost more. This blog's (http://bssandbrninalain.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-taxis.html)post in February breaks down the cost of the older taxis in Abu Dhabi. This should give you a frame of reference:

like2answer · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 154

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kaw · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 7:02 am Post subject:

like2answer - from what I've heard there is a bus from Dubai to Fujairah but not the other way round..............not that I have used it. For the dubai shopping trips I usually hire a car and driver....probably would do even if i could drive as its a lot less hassle.
Fujairah has 'women only' taxis now - painted a lovely shade of pink - the drivers are women and they cah choose whether to pick up guys or not.

Neil McBeath · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 277 Location: Saudi Arabia

I have only visited the UAE for conferences, but YES there is a public transport system and YES it works quite well.

BUT you have to allow lots and lots of time and plan your journey well in advance.

Examples. The public bus service from Dubai to Al Ain consists only of minibuses. They are supposed to operate to a schedule, but in fact, once the bus is full, it leaves. (No point in hanging about, right?) This means that you can turn up at 1005 for the 1015 departure, and find that you have to wait until 1115, because your bus has already left.

In the morning, from Sharjah to Dubai, allow AT LEAST two hours. (On the other hand, you will be stuck in traffic even in a taxi, so I don't suppose that the time difference is that bad). Returning in the evening can take just as long.

Inside Dubai, buses will drive straight past bus stops if they are full. The trick is to either go to the bus depot, or to catch the bus at as early a pick-up point as you can.

The buses are regular; they stick to their schedule as closely as the traffic congestion allows; there are rerserved seats for ladies at the front and they are cheap - from Bur Dubai bus station to the Academic City it costs 1.5 dirham.

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

From most parts of Dubai, it would be impossible to depend on public transport to get to Academic City on a daily basis. For instance, from Mirdif, where many teachers live, there are no bus routes to AC and the only way to get there would be a bus into Deira and then another bus out to the Al Ain road. From other areas the problem would be the same as few bus routes are direct and the concept of express buses to outlying areas doesn't exist. The planning would be horrifying and if you had to teach at 8 am, I doubt it'd be possible. It would be equally difficult to get to DWC although taxis would we easier.

like2answer · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 154

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mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Is gathernomoss male or female?

Gathernomoss · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 6

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I've not taken the buses, but have observed that women are rarely on them-western women pretty much never save the occasional tourist. There is a women's section, but it seems that when the bus is really full that men will occupy that area. Personally, I wouldn't feel too comfortable on the buses. Your wife wouldn't be in any harm, mind you. Her being on the bus would be considered odd by the other passengers, but not unwelcome. She would likely have to endure a good bit of staring (never too much fun when you can't walk away from it), and perhaps closer quarters with men than she might be ok with.

2nd hand cars in the UAE run quite cheap, and though the recent cyclone in Oman has likely put a lot of damaged 2nd hand cars on the UAE market, I still think you can make a cheap, cheerful, and smart purchase that will in the long run save you time, money, and comfort. If you've got kids to tote around, a car is a must (and likely safer).

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Other than Dubai - there is no public transportation system in any of the other large cities except for taxis. (Unless AD has something?)