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Public Transport System
DoT Abu Dhabi Bus Network
Hafilat Card System
- Where to get: Bus stations, Metro stations, Spinneys, Union Co-op
- Cost: AED 25 (AED 19 balance + AED 6 card fee)
- Top-up: Online, machines, or at counters
- Zones: City (AED 2), Suburb (AED 4), Intercity (AED 25)
- Validity: 3 years from last use
Main Bus Routes
- Route 54: Airport → Marina Mall → ADNOC HQ
- Route 5: Al Wahda Mall → Corniche → Marina Mall
- Route 32: Khalifa City → Abu Dhabi Mall
- Route X90: Abu Dhabi → Dubai (Express)
- Frequency: 10-15 minutes peak, 20-30 minutes off-peak
Darb App (Real-time Tracking)
- Download: App Store/Google Play
- Features: Live bus locations, route planning, arrival times
- Journey planner: Enter start/end points for best route
- Hafilat integration: Check card balance and top-up
Alternative Transport Options
Taxi Services
- TransAD: +971 600 535 353 (official Abu Dhabi taxis)
- Starting fare: AED 12 (6 AM - 10 PM), AED 15 (10 PM - 6 AM)
- Rate: AED 2.30/km within city, AED 2.60/km outside
- Wait time: AED 0.50/minute
Ride-Sharing Apps
- Careem: Most popular, good coverage, budget/premium options
- Uber: Available, competitive pricing
- Average cost: AED 15-40 for most city trips
- Airport trips: AED 70-120 depending on location
Intercity Transport
- Abu Dhabi-Dubai Bus: E101 route, AED 25, hourly service
- Duration: 2 hours (direct), stops at major malls
- Al Ain bus: Route E300, AED 25, every 30 minutes
- Booking: Online or at Central Bus Station
Driving License Conversion
Eligibility by Country (Direct Conversion)
GCC Countries (No Test Required)
- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain
- Process: Direct exchange same day
- Cost: AED 200 + admin fees
Direct Conversion Countries
- USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
- EU: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- Requirements: Eye test + document verification only
Test Required Countries
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Egypt, etc.
- Process: Theory test + road test required
- Option: Join driving school (recommended)
License Conversion Process (Step by Step)
Step 1: Document Preparation
- Original driving license (valid minimum 6 months)
- Certified translation (if not in English/Arabic)
- Passport + UAE residence visa
- Emirates ID
- No objection certificate (NOC) from sponsor/employer
Step 2: Eye Test
- Approved centers: Al Mafraq Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
- Cost: AED 50-100
- Time: 15-30 minutes
- Validity: 3 months
Step 3: Application Submission
- Location: Abu Dhabi Police Traffic HQ (Muroor Road)
- Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Sunday-Thursday)
- Processing time: Same day (direct conversion)
- Photo: Taken at the center
Complete Fee Structure
| Service |
Direct Conversion |
With Test Required |
Notes |
| Application fee |
AED 120 |
AED 120 |
Mandatory |
| License issuance |
AED 200 |
AED 200 |
10 years validity |
| Traffic file opening |
AED 320 |
AED 320 |
First-time only |
| Eye test |
AED 50-100 |
AED 50-100 |
External cost |
| Theory test |
- |
AED 80 |
If required |
| Road test |
- |
AED 200 |
If required |
| Translation |
AED 100-150 |
AED 100-150 |
If needed |
| Total Estimate |
AED 690-770 |
AED 970-1,050 |
- |
Driving Schools & Testing Centers
Approved Driving Schools
Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)
- Location: Multiple branches - Khalifa City, Al Mushrif, Airport Road
- Phone: +971 2 508 7777
- Light vehicle course: AED 2,800-4,200
- Package includes: Theory lessons, practical driving, test fees
- Duration: 4-8 weeks depending on progress
- Languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu
Al Habtoor Driving Center
- Location: Al Mushrif area
- Phone: +971 2 445 4555
- Specializes: Fast-track courses for license conversion
- Express package: AED 1,800-2,500
- Features: Female instructors available, pick-up service
Galadari Driving Institute
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
- Phone: +971 2 676 1616
- Comprehensive packages: AED 3,500-5,000
- Special features: VIP courses, luxury car training
- Pass rate: 85%+ first attempt
Testing Centers Locations
Abu Dhabi Police Traffic Department
- Address: Muroor Road, near ADNOC headquarters
- Phone: +971 2 4194999
- Services: License conversion, renewals, new applications
- Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Sunday-Thursday)
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues
Al Ain Traffic Department
- Address: Al Sarooj area, Al Ain
- Phone: +971 3 7671999
- Services: Same as Abu Dhabi center
- Advantage: Usually less crowded
Vehicle Registration & Insurance
Car Purchase & Registration Process
Required Documents for Registration
- Valid UAE driving license
- Emirates ID + passport copy
- Salary certificate (minimum AED 4,000/month)
- Vehicle purchase invoice
- Insurance certificate (comprehensive recommended)
- Vehicle inspection certificate (Fahs)
Registration Costs Breakdown
- Registration fee: AED 420
- Number plate: AED 400 (random), AED 1,000+ (choice)
- Vehicle inspection: AED 170
- Comprehensive insurance: AED 1,500-4,000/year
- Total first registration: ~AED 2,500-5,000
Best Car Insurance Providers
AXA Insurance
- Phone: +971 4 369 7777
- Comprehensive: AED 1,800-3,500/year
- Benefits: 24/7 roadside assistance, agency repairs
- Best for: Premium vehicles, extensive coverage
ADNIC (Abu Dhabi National Insurance)
- Phone: +971 2 691 8888
- Comprehensive: AED 1,500-3,000/year
- Local advantage: Strong network in Abu Dhabi
- Claim process: Fast and efficient
ADIB Insurance (Takaful)
- Phone: +971 600 543 216
- Sharia-compliant: Islamic insurance principles
- Comprehensive: AED 1,400-2,800/year
- Best for: Those preferring Islamic finance
Car Buying Locations
New Car Showrooms (Authorized Dealers)
- Sheikh Zayed Road: Toyota, Nissan, Honda showrooms
- Airport Road: BMW, Mercedes, Audi showrooms
- Benefits: Warranty, financing options, after-sales service
- Financing: 0% down payment options available
Used Car Markets
-
- Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM daily
- Tips: Bring a mechanic, negotiate price, check documents
- Al Ain Used Car Market: Good alternative, less crowded
Online Platforms
- Dubizzle.com: Largest classified ads, filter by location/budget
- YallaMotor.com: Car-specific platform with reviews
- AutoTrader UAE: Professional car sales platform
- Safety tip: Meet in public places, verify documents
Transportation Tips for Newcomers
First 3 Months Strategy
- Month 1: Use public transport + ride-sharing to learn the city
- Month 2: Start license conversion process while understanding your routes
- Month 3: Car shopping after getting license and understanding needs
Cost Comparison for 6 Months
| Transport Method |
Initial Cost |
Monthly Cost |
6 Months Total |
| Public Transport + Taxi |
AED 25 |
AED 400-600 |
AED 2,425-3,625 |
| Ride-sharing Only |
AED 0 |
AED 800-1,200 |
AED 4,800-7,200 |
| Used Car (AED 25,000) |
AED 3,500 |
AED 800-1,000 |
AED 8,300-9,500 |
| New Car (Financed) |
AED 5,000 |
AED 1,200-1,500 |
AED 12,200-14,000 |
Important Considerations
- Summer months (June-August): Car is almost necessary due to heat
- Family considerations: Public transport less convenient with children
- Work location: Industrial areas poorly served by public transport
- Resale value: Cars retain 60-70% value after 3 years in UAE
Traffic and Parking Tips
Peak Hours to Avoid
- Morning: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Evening: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Thursday evenings: Heavy traffic to Dubai
Parking Zones
- Orange zones: AED 2/hour (city center)
- Blue zones: AED 1/hour (residential)
- Free parking: Fridays, public holidays
- Payment: Mawaqif app or SMS to 3009
Emergency Contacts
- Traffic Police: 999
- Abu Dhabi Police (non-emergency): +971 2 4194999
- Breakdown assistance: Your insurance provider
- Mawaqif (parking violations): +971 2 418 0000