United Arab Emirates Get around Distances in the UAE are relatively short and no rail service exists for the moment, so getting around by road is the only way to go. The roads are safe and in good condition; however, signage is poor in some emirates (namely Sharjah).
There are now some good local city maps, particularly for Dubai (the Explorer series of books). Sharjah remains poorly mapped; however, recently a web site (http://www.ae.map24.com/) offered the first decent online maps of the UAE. Google Earth does offer solid satellite pictures but at a level of detail good mainly for reference purposes.
The lack of good map or signage makes the use of a compass or GPS sometimes useful if you want to get off the highway. People in the UAE drive extremely fast and some are completely reckless: overtaking by the right is the rule, speed limits are ignored by all - including heavy trucks. Last-second line change seems to be a national sport.
However, compared to other countries of the region, UAE drivers are exemplary. Just be careful when you spot a tinted-window SUV at night: due to the black windows, the driver won't see you if he decides to change lanes. Theoretically forbidden, the practice of tinting windows over 30% is widespread among young Arabs, and is generally associated with poor driving skills (the local license test is a joke) and fast driving.
United Arab Emirates Visas and Documentation Citizens from different countries will have different requirements for entry into the UAE via Dubai.
If you are a citizen of one of these countries listed below, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance of travel - a visit visa is stamped directly in your passport by Immigration officials at the port of entry, and is valid for 60 days.
Countries eligible for visa on arrival:
Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican.
Holders of British overseas passports issued in Hong Kong or China can obtain a visa on arrival at Dubai Airport.
GCC(Gulf Corporation Council) residents can also visit Dubai without applying in advance for a visa.
Israeli citizens are banned by the UAE government from entering the country.
Please note, that there has been reported cases of Racial Discrimination against European Union citizens when entering Abu Dhabi and Dubai airport by Immigration officials in 2005.