Transportation in the UAE: The Complete 2025 Expat and Visitor Guide

The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its futuristic infrastructure, and that includes a diverse, interconnected, and rapidly evolving transportation network. Whether you’re commuting daily, exploring the country, or relocating as an expat, understanding how to get around efficiently is essential to enjoying life in the Emirates.

From world-class metro systems to the highly anticipated Etihad Rail, this guide breaks down all the transportation options in the UAE as of 2025—including costs, routes, apps, and tips for getting from A to B across the seven emirates.

Abu Dhabi Electric tram-like bus

🛣️ Overview of Transportation in the UAE

The UAE offers a multimodal transport system that includes:

• Metro and light rail (Dubai, Abu Dhabi underway)

• Public buses across all emirates

• Intercity buses (RTA, ADNOC, SRTA)

• Taxis and ride-hailing (Careem, Uber)

• Rental cars and private vehicles

• Trains (Etihad Rail now partially operational)

• E-scooters and bicycles in urban areas

• Water taxis and ferries (Dubai)

Whether you prefer public, private, or shared transport, the UAE offers modern, clean, and tech-integrated options—supported by smart apps, Nol cards, and widespread road signage in English and Arabic.

🚇 Metro and Light Rail Services

🔹 Dubai Metro

• Lines: Red and Green, with extensions reaching Expo City and the Jebel Ali area

• Operator: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

• Operating Hours: 5 AM – 12 AM (weekdays), extended hours on weekends

• Fares: AED 3 – AED 7.5 depending on zones, payable with Nol card

Fully automated and driverless, the Dubai Metro is the most efficient and affordable way to travel within Dubai.

🔹 Dubai Tram

• Runs through JBR, Marina, and Al Sufouh, connecting with the metro and monorail

• Ideal for short trips in high-traffic tourist and residential areas

🔹 Abu Dhabi Metro (under construction)

• Part of the Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan, phase 1 is expected to complete after 2025

• Will integrate with Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi’s planned tram and bus rapid transit (BRT) networks

🚆 Etihad Rail: A New Era of Public Transit

Etihad Rail is one of the most exciting developments in UAE transport, introducing long-distance passenger and freight rail services across the country.

✅ Etihad Rail Key Facts (2025):

• Phase 1: Operational since 2016 (freight only, from Shah to Ruwais)

• Phase 2: Passenger and freight service linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah

• Planned Extensions: Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and a future GCC network connection

💺 Etihad Rail Passenger Service (2025 Highlights):

• Top Speed: 200 km/h

• Travel Time: Abu Dhabi to Dubai in under 50 minutes

• Stations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, RAK, Fujairah (in stages)

• Features: Wi-Fi, food services, first-class cabins, luggage space

The Etihad Rail experience is set to rival air travel domestically for comfort and convenience.

🚌 Buses: Public & Intercity

All emirates have modern public bus networks with air-conditioned coaches, smart ticketing, and GPS-tracked routes.

🔹 Dubai Bus (RTA)

• 1,500+ buses covering city and suburbs

• Integrated with Metro stations and S’hail app

• Fares from AED 3, payable with Nol card

🔹 Abu Dhabi Bus

• Operated by Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)

• Serves the island, suburbs, and other emirates (e.g., Al Ain)

• Hafilat card required for rides

🔹 Sharjah and Northern Emirates

• SRTA (Sharjah), Ajman Transport Authority, RAK Transport operate regional routes

• Intercity buses link to Dubai and Abu Dhabi

🚕 Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced throughout the UAE.

Service	Starting Fare (AED)	Notes
RTA Taxis (Dubai)	12.00 (airport)	Available via street hails or Careem app
Abu Dhabi Taxi	5.00 – 12.00	Book via TransAD or Abu Dhabi Taxi app
Careem/Uber	8.00 – 12.00	App-based, higher during peak hours

Careem also offers bike rentals, food delivery, and car sharing, making it a one-stop lifestyle app in major cities.

🚗 Driving in the UAE

Many residents prefer owning a car, especially in suburban areas or for family needs.

📌 Requirements:

• Valid UAE driver’s license (convertible from select countries)

• Vehicle registration and insurance

• Salik tag (Dubai toll system) for highway use

💰 Costs:

• Fuel: AED 3.00 – 3.30/litre (2025 average)

• Parking: Free in residential areas, paid in commercial zones via apps (RTA, Mawaqif)

Be aware of strict traffic laws, including speed cameras and DUI penalties.

🛴 Micro-Mobility: Scooters, Bikes & More

In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, e-scooters and bike-sharing are widely available:

• Providers: Tier, Lime, Careem Bike

• Usage: Rent by the minute or hour via apps

• Safety: Helmets recommended; limited to specific lanes and zones

These services are ideal for “last-mile” transport or eco-conscious commuting.

⛴️ Water Transport

Dubai offers a network of marine transport services including:

• Water Buses: Affordable ferries across the Creek and Marina

• Abras: Traditional wooden boats (AED 1–2 per ride)

• Dubai Ferry: Long-distance, scenic sea routes connecting Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Al Ghubaiba

Abu Dhabi is also expanding its passenger ferry services between islands.

📱 Essential Transportation Apps (2025)

App	Platform	Use
UAE PASS	iOS/Android	Digital ID for public transport apps
RTA Dubai	iOS/Android	Pay parking, Salik, Metro, bus services
S’hail	iOS/Android	Trip planner for Metro, Tram, and buses
Careem	iOS/Android	Taxi, food, scooter, and delivery
Abu Dhabi Police	iOS/Android	Traffic fines, vehicle registration
Hafilat / Nol	Physical + apps	Recharge and manage transport cards
Etihad Rail	Coming in 2025	Booking rail tickets and schedules

🌍 Sustainable Transport Initiatives

The UAE is heavily investing in green mobility, including:

• Electric buses and taxis in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

• EV charging stations through DEWA and private providers

• Integration of bike lanes and smart crossings

• Promotion of public transport to reduce congestion

By 2030, the UAE aims to reduce transport-related carbon emissions by 40%, in line with its Net Zero 2050 strategy.

✨ Final Thoughts

The UAE’s transportation system in 2025 is efficient, high-tech, and constantly expanding. Whether you’re commuting in Dubai, exploring Abu Dhabi, or planning inter-emirate travel via Etihad Rail, you’ll find a safe, reliable, and modern network tailored for residents and visitors alike.

By combining metro systems, intercity rail, ride-hailing apps, and e-mobility, the Emirates is setting a global standard for urban mobility. Make sure to get your UAE PASS, explore your app store, and choose the transport mode that best suits your lifestyle.