UAE. THE WORLD IS CHANGING. YOUR COMFORT REMAINS.
Need to contact an airport? Here are some useful numbers:
- Dubai DXB — +971 4 224 5555 · dubaiairports.ae
- Abu Dhabi AUH — +971 2 505 5555 · abudhabiairport.com
- Sharjah SHJ — +971 6 558 1111 · sharjahairport.org
- Doha DOH — +974 4010 6666 · dohahamadairport.com.qa
- Bahrain BAH — +973 8011 4444 · bahrainairport.bh
Here's a list of emergency contact numbers for embassies in the UAE:
- 🇷🇺 Russia — +971 50 621 3636
- 🇺🇸 USA — +971 4 309 4000
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom — +971 50 107 9999
- 🇩🇪 Germany — +971 50 626 0041
- 🇫🇷 France — +971 50 450 1341
- 🇮🇱 Israel — +971 50 944 1500
- 🇪🇸 Spain — +971 50 650 7628
- 🇮🇹 Italy — +971 50 448 5772
- 🇨🇳 China — +971 50 678 8888
Medical Contacts
For medical assistance, consider these options:
- International SOS — +971 4 501 5200
- Mediclinic City Hospital — +971 800 1999
- American Hospital Dubai — +971 4 377 5500
- Save this guide offline or take a screenshot before you fly
- Flight delayed? Contact your airline first, then the airport
- Get a local SIM card or enable Wi-Fi Calling
- Book a transfer in advance — driver meets you with a sign. Worth it.
- Pack a phone charger — it's your lifeline on the road
Fixed price, driver name and vehicle photo provided in advance. 24/7 support.
How much does a taxi from Dubai Airport to the city center cost?
A standard taxi fare from Dubai International Airport to the city center is around 50 AED during the day and up to 65 AED at night. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. You can pay in cash or by card, and taxis are metered for fair pricing.
What are the main airport transfer options in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, you can choose from yellow airport taxis, which cost about 60 AED to the city center and take 30 minutes, or pre-booked private transfers starting at 200 AED for a sedan. Ride-hailing services like Careem are also available right outside the terminals. All options provide air-conditioned vehicles for comfort in the heat.
Can I book a chauffeur service for UAE airports in advance?
Yes, you can book a chauffeur service through apps like Uber Black or company websites for pickups at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports. Prices start at 150 AED for a one-way transfer within the city, and the driver waits with a name sign in the arrivals area. Booking ahead ensures a smooth arrival without waiting in lines.
Getting from Dubai Airport to the City Center
I landed at Dubai International Airport late one night. Tired from the flight, I wanted something quick and easy. Taxis wait right outside the terminals. They cost about 50 AED, or around 14 USD, to reach downtown Dubai. The ride takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Meter starts at 12 AED, plus 1.96 AED per kilometer. No surprises there. I tipped the driver 5 AED for helping with my bags.
Buses run cheaper but slower. The 88 bus from Terminal 1 goes to Al Ghubaiba for just 5 AED, about 1.40 USD. It stops often, so plan for 45 minutes to an hour. Good if you travel light and have time. Private transfers beat both for comfort. Book one through GetTransfer for 150 AED, roughly 41 USD, for a sedan. Door-to-door service, no waiting. They picked me up with a sign, drove straight to my hotel in 20 minutes. Water bottles and Wi-Fi included. Skip the hassle—go private if your budget allows.
One tip: Download the RTA app before arriving. It shows real-time taxi spots and bus schedules. Avoid peak hours from 5 to 7 PM; traffic doubles the time. I once waited 10 minutes for a cab during rush hour. Early morning? Smooth sailing, under 15 minutes total.
Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: What to Expect
Abu Dhabi International Airport feels modern and spread out. I arrived there for a business trip. Taxis line up curbside, yellow ones for the city. Fare to downtown runs 60 to 80 AED, or 16 to 22 USD. Distance is 30 kilometers, so expect 30 to 40 minutes. They add 25% surcharge at night, after 10 PM. I paid 70 AED total once, including the fee.
Public buses like the A1 route cost only 2 AED, under 0.55 USD. It departs every 20 minutes from the bus station near Terminal A. Ride lasts 50 minutes, with seats that fill up fast. Fine for solo travelers, but lugging suitcases? Not ideal. Private cars offer peace. I used a transfer service for 200 AED, about 55 USD, for a comfortable SUV. Driver waited 30 minutes post-flight, no extra charge. We covered the 30 km in 25 minutes, chatting about local spots along the way.
Compare options: Taxis suit short stays, buses save money on long trips, private wins for groups. Four of us split a transfer at 50 AED each—cheaper than two taxis. Book ahead online to lock in rates. Avoid airport currency exchange; use ATMs inside for better AED rates.
Tips for Booking Private Transfers in the UAE
Private transfers changed my UAE trips. No more scanning for taxis or squeezing onto buses. In Dubai, a standard car from the airport to Jumeirah costs 180 AED, or 49 USD. For Sharjah, add 50 AED more, total 230 AED, about 63 USD. Travel time from Dubai Airport to Sharjah Airport is 25 km, 20 to 30 minutes. I booked via app, paid upfront—no cash needed at pickup.
Why private over taxi? Fixed price, no meter arguments. Buses hit 3 AED for 40 km routes, but wait times stretch to 15 minutes. Private skips that. In Abu Dhabi, luxury options like Mercedes vans run 300 AED, 82 USD, for up to six people. We took one to the desert safari start point, 150 km away, in two hours flat. AC blasted cold, perfect for the heat.
Pro advice: Check vehicle options when booking. Sedans work for couples, vans for families. Confirm flight details for delays—most services wait free up to an hour. I added a child seat once for 20 AED extra. Always verify the driver's ID at arrival. Saved me from a mix-up in Dubai. Total cost? Worth every dirham for the ease.
