Deira is the oldest commercial district of Dubai, stretching along the northern bank of the Creek. Long before the glass towers of Downtown appeared, wooden dhows unloaded spices, textiles and gold here, and the area still keeps that busy trading spirit. For drivers, Deira is a world of its own: narrow streets, constant deliveries and traffic that moves to a rhythm very different from the wide highways of new Dubai. The query rent a car in Dubai Deira is popular among travellers for a simple reason: the district lies only minutes from Dubai International Airport and has plenty of hotels, so many road trips across the Emirates start right here.
Old streets, new rules
The heart of Deira, around Al Ras, Naif and Baniyas Square, was laid out long before mass car ownership. Streets are narrow, many are one-way, and lorries unloading goods near the souks can block a lane for several minutes. Pedestrians often cross the street outside of marked crosswalks, and taxis stop wherever a passenger flags them down.
A compact car or mid-size sedan is much easier to drive here than a large SUV. If you plan to visit the Gold Souk, the Spice Market, and the historic merchant houses in Al Ras, it’s best to park on the outskirts of the neighborhood and continue on foot. Navigation apps sometimes lead you down dead-end streets, so be sure to study the route carefully before setting out. Evenings and Fridays, when locals and tourists flock to the markets, are the busiest times, whereas early mornings are surprisingly quiet.
Crossing the Creek
Deira is separated from Bur Dubai by the Creek, and every trip to Downtown, Jumeirah or the Marina begins with a crossing. The main options are Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge and the newer Infinity Bridge near the mouth of the Creek, easy to recognise by its huge arch. Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud have Salik toll gates, that register the car automatically. During the morning and evening peaks the approaches to the bridges become congested, as does Al Ittihad Road towards Sharjah, so it pays to travel outside rush hour.
Parking without stress
Most on-street parking spaces in Deira are metered. Zones are marked with signs indicating the zone code and operating hours, payment can be made via a mobile app. Fines for non-payment of parking fees are issued immediately. Shopping centers, such as Deira City Centre, offer spacious indoor parking lots, that also protect your car from the sun.
A week on the road
A couple of days are enough to see Deira itself, but the real advantage of a car is the chance to explore the rest of the country. That is why many travellers choose a weekly car rental: seven days leave enough time to combine city sightseeing.
The first two days can be devoted to the city itself: the souks, the Creek waterfront and an evening on Al Mamzar Beach near the Sharjah border. On the third day, it is worth heading to Hatta (about 130 km away), where a winding mountain road leads to a turquoise reservoir and hiking trails. The fourth day is ideal for a trip to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the drive along the coastal highway takes about two hours.
On the fifth day the route turns north to Ras Al Khaimah and the serpentine road up Jebel Jais, and on the sixth it crosses the Hajar Mountains to the east coast, Fujairah and Khor Fakkan. The seventh day is best kept for a quiet day in the city before returning the car.
Practical tips for a seven-day trip
- Inspect the vehicle before starting your trip and take photos of the body, wheels, and interior.
- Check tyre pressure before long drives.
- Ask about the mileage limit.
- Keep water in the car and never leave electronics or aerosols on the dashboard.
