Driving in Dubai is a prospect many of us dread when we first arrive, but it ain't all that bad once you've figured out who's who
15 February 2017
| Last updated on 19 January 2020
Driving in Dubai is a prospect many of us dread when we first arrive, but it ain't all that bad once you've figured out who's who on the road...
Ask anyone living here if driving is a must, and they'll no doubt respond with a solid 'yes'. Despite rush hour and the unpredictable behaviour of other road users, having a car sure is handy when you need to get from A to B.
Sure, there's the bus or the Dubai Metro or the Dubai Tram, which are no doubt fine for a casual weekend adventure in the city, but when it comes to a daily commute or school drop-off, a car is the best option.
SEE ALSO: The types of people you meet, only in Dubai
Whether you're a driver yourself, or frequently use one of Dubai's many, many taxis, you'll begin to notice there are a few characters out and about on a daily basis, which makes our time on the roads somewhat of an interesting experience that is far from boring...
So here's 13 types of drivers you'll encounter while living in Dubai...
1. The driver who assumes you can mind-read
Because they assume that when they don't indicate when changing lanes or exiting a roundabout, that you know exactly what they're thinking and where they're heading.

2. The fan of reversing
You'll no doubt spot these drivers on Sheikh Zayed Road, who deems it necessary (and safe!?!?!) to reverse back down the hard shoulder because they've missed their exit.

3. The impatient (*cough* aggressive *cough*) driver
Do so much as hesitate when the traffic light turns to green while they're behind you and you'll be subject to their blistering horn.

4. The revver
You'll see these at traffic lights or when parked waiting for someone... They're in neutral or park, but decide to rev their engines as part of their attention-seeking quest.

5. The opportunist
If ever there's so much as a small gap between you and the car infront, these guys will manage to squeeze their way in somehow.
The opportunists will also risk pulling out at roundabouts in front of you, attempt to squeeze their way past in the right lane to take an exit and even drive down the wrong way of a parking lot in an effort to secure that space before you do.

6. The speed monsters
Give them so much as 100 yards of road and they'll manage to get up to 120 km/h before they have to slow down again.

7. The slow riders
These guys can be found in the far left lane, riding along at a casual 80 km/h causing the rest of us to either undertake or urgently flash while tailgating... Which leads us to...

8. The tail-gater/flasher/intimidator
Even if you've set your cruise control on 119 and sitting in the far left lane, the speedy tail-gater feels it suitable to flash their lights at you to move you out of the way. This behaviour can be quite intimidating for anyone new to Dubai's roads.

9. The school runners
We're looking at you parents. In your 4x4's that you don't know how to or where to park properly.

10. The don't-know-how-to-exit-a-roundabout driver
Being on the inside left lane does NOT mean you can exit right or straight on while cutting other drivers up. It's dangerous, people.

11. The social butterflies
You know who you are... Talking on the phone, while smoking a cigarette, then taking a selfie of you 'stuck in traffic' while you have your squad in the back of the car with you. Is your Instagram page so important that you have to risk the lives of others on the road?

12. Drivers who actually know how to drive
These are nice people, and are a rare occurrence on Dubai's roads. These individuals let you cut in line at the Umm Sequiem exit and let you jump infront of them last minute. Unfortunately, they're civil driving means they're bullied on the roads by the above 11 types.

13. The scaredy-cats of the road
We all start out as one, but some of us remain forever terrified of Dubai's drivers on the roads. Our advice? Book a taxi, or endure public transport. Because if you spook easily, you're just not cut out for the tarmac.
