Driving Info
From the UK embassy site...
Penalties for drugs trafficking, smuggling and possession are severe in the Gulf States. If you have used drugs prior to arrival in the UAE and a blood test on you for illegal drug usage proves positive, you can still be charged with a criminal offence. In general the sentence for taking drugs is a minimum of four years in prison and a minimum of seven years for anyone found dealing in drugs. It can take up to six months or more for trials involving drug offences to be completed. During this time the accused remains in custody on the basis that the eventual sentence will be longer than time already served.
Do dress in a modest way, covering at least tops of arms and legs. Don't wear tight clothes.
Don't behave in a manner that might insult Muslim sensitivities, customs and beliefs.
Don't make rude gestures or swear - you could be taken to court and face a severe fine and/or detention. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Penalties for illegal possession, sale or importation of alcohol are severe and can result in fines and a custodial sentence if you commit another offence at the same time.
Don't take pornography into the UAE - videos and books are often checked and may be retained by customs officials and charged with criminal offence.
In the UAE, drinking is allowed in your own home if you are non-Muslim and hold a valid liquor licence. There are a large number of licensed hotels but these are strictly speaking designed to serve alcohol to their own hotel guests only. Muslim sensitivities to alcohol should be observed and it is an offence to be drunk in public. The following punishment is prescribed by the Alcoholic Beverages:
"Anyone arrested drunk in public places shall evidently be punished by imprisonment for a period not less than two months and not more than one year, and shall be fined not less than 500 Dhs and not more than 2,000 Dhs. Without prejudice to any other penalty stipulated by the Penal Code or any other law."
In essence the above means that if another crime is committed whilst under the influence of alcohol eg fighting or damage to property the punishment received will be that much more severe and can on occasion be followed by deportation.
The UAE has one of the highest death rates per capita due to traffic accidents. With the exception of rental cars in Abu Dhabi, driving is not permitted on a valid UK licence or International Driving licence in the UAE - if you are planning to drive in the UAE, you should contact the local Traffic Department about getting a licence. In Abu Dhabi, visitors can drive hire cars using a UK International drivers' licence. In Dubai, a visitor can drive a hire car only with a valid local temporary license. This can be arranged by the rental company on production of a valid UK licence, or a valid international licence issued in the UK.
Do observe speed limits, people caught driving at more than 100 km/h in a 60 km/h zone can be punished by a week in prison, with their vehicle being impounded for one month.
Don't drink and drive - offenders can incur detention, severe fines and prison sentences. Although the standard of driving in the UAE can at some times be haphazard, road rage is not tolerated. As mentioned above people who react by giving rude gestures or verbal abuse should expect to receive a custodial sentence and/or fine.
If you have a motor accident to remain with your vehicle. It is an offence to leave or move your vehicle from the scene of the accident before the police have arrived.