Roundabout confusion | ExpatWoman.com
 

Roundabout confusion

833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:08

Ladies I am a new driver and just don't understand the multi-lane roundabouts here. Today I had to go to the DIFC and coming from Dubai mall, you take the a u-turn at the roundabout at Emirates Towers to get to the visitor parking. First time I was in the inside lane and missed the turnoff for the parking as it comes very quickly after the turnoff and there was no room for me to switch lanes. Second attempt I'm in the outside lane indicating left and I get cut off by a car taking the turnoff before me from the left... So that wasn't very succesful either. Any tips? I don't drive a tank so the size of my car isn't impressive enough to ward of others ;)

1848
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 17:05
Oh dear... it is hard- roundabouts can sometimes be very scary- just remember if you can't get off at your exit you can always go round again and don't panic! We've got some great driving tips in our new Driving In Dubai section so as well as the great advice here have a read at this section http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_driving_in_dubai.aspx HTH
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:44
there is another route you could use that would avoid the problem When you are on Doha street coming from Dubai Mall instead of taking the exit that you do now, carry on to the next exit just past the Marooj rotana - you need to stay in the far right hand lane to take it as this filters right just before Defence RA flyovers. Follow this road - it is currently single track and a bit winding due to road works. It will take you past the side of DIFC and you will join the Emirates towers roundabout at the end of the road, except you will be in the correct lane and just on top of the exit the you need.
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:32
Thanks ladies, think this will just take a bit of practice and I should prepare to miss the exit a couple of times lol. Genie next time I will try your tactic although I haven't changed lanes while on a roundabout so that will be a new experience. Problem is that during my driving lessons I only encountered a one lane roundabout so this is all very new! Normally I would not do that but with this one you need to as not enough room/time to get over if you leave it till you exit the roundabout.
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:29
Thanks ladies, think this will just take a bit of practice and I should prepare to miss the exit a couple of times lol. Genie next time I will try your tactic although I haven't changed lanes while on a roundabout so that will be a new experience. Problem is that during my driving lessons I only encountered a one lane roundabout so this is all very new!
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:24
I know, it's a small round about, but lots of traffic and cars are quite fast there compared to the size of the round about. What you did sounded good for me, just a classical case of "I wanted to take this exit but could as a car didn't give me the way". Happened to me a lot when I arrived here......
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:23
If you come from the direction of Dubai Mall, then you turn left at the second (?) set of lights to get to the Difc and there is a roundabout there. You will have Emirates towers on your right, straight is to the Metro and if you take a u-turn you head back to the traffic lights, and on the right just after the roundabout is the slip road that takes you to visitors parking. I hope this is more clear, am not terribly good at describing things like this. OK I know now. Go on the very inside of the roundabout nearly all the way around, as you approaching the exit of the roundabout signal and move over into the outside lane so that you can take the turn for the car park. That RA is only two lanes so it is an easy manouvere as it is never busy excpt at rush hours. ETA - if you go around in the outside lane you will definitely be hit by cars taking the top exit for emirates towers! Edited for typo - put iside instead of outside! edited by Genie on 24/04/2012 <em>edited by Genie on 24/04/2012</em>
3863
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:23
No laws of the road apply here.. It is a joke, most people have no idea how to approach a roundabout let alone use the right lane. You just have to be confident and go for it. (Mind you don't cause a crash or hit someone). The road system here isnt the greatest and no-one pay alot of attention to what is right. I read today that certain nationals here see using your indicator as a sign of weakness!! I know where you mean but cannot describe if that makes sense
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:20
Thanks Tiki, it seems my first choice of the outside lane was correct, yet if there are cars I will be sure to miss the exit... Thankfully I don't have to go there too often!
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:17
If you come from the direction of Dubai Mall, then you turn left at the second (?) set of lights to get to the Difc and there is a roundabout there. You will have Emirates towers on your right, straight is to the Metro and if you take a u-turn you head back to the traffic lights, and on the right just after the roundabout is the slip road that takes you to visitors parking. I hope this is more clear, am not terribly good at describing things like this.
2171
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:16
this may add to your confusion, but have a look at this link - but bear in mind it's UK left hand driving so everything would be the other side!! [url=http://www.2pass.co.uk/roundabout.htm'>link[/url'>
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:16
The folowing links shows a drawing on how you should take a round about : http://www.uaesalama.ae/_en/tips.htm Now, driving in Dubai, don't get offended and don't try to understand too much - if some cars are cutting off your way... specially if you have a small car.... The most important is that you arrive safe at destination.
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:13
Ladies I am a new driver and just don't understand the multi-lane roundabouts here. Today I had to go to the DIFC and coming from Dubai mall, you take the a u-turn at the roundabout at Emirates Towers to get to the visitor parking. First time I was in the inside lane and missed the turnoff for the parking as it comes very quickly after the turnoff and there was no room for me to switch lanes. Second attempt I'm in the outside lane indicating left and I get cut off by a car taking the turnoff before me from the left... So that wasn't very succesful either. Any tips? I don't drive a tank so the size of my car isn't impressive enough to ward of others ;) You know I drive around there all the time and I cannot recoginize what you are talking about from your description. Perhaps if you were clearer we could advise? Do you mean the u turn after the roundabout (as if you were driving straight towards the metro station from the roundabout - or are you taking about coming from the opposite direction?
 
 

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