Do I drive? Not yet, I’m in the process of getting my driver’s license. My “sponsor”, Richard, the kind man who is also responsible for making me a resident here as of last week, has gotten the process started. Something is supposed to happen later this week. We leased a car, but I have never driven it. I have limited access anyway. Three or four times a week, Richard drives it to Abu Dhabi. He tries to work in the Dubai office on Thursdays, as this is the beginning of the weekend and Thursday night traffic is the same as Friday night traffic anywhere outside the Middle East. Richard claims that most drivers aren’t that bad and actually has more complaints about the problems due to the construction of the new tram in the area – it’s supposed to be completed by November of this year – a rather optimistic projection.
So, how do I get around? Mostly on using my two feet, which isn’t a bad thing, I certainly can use the exercise. The grocery store is within walking distance (although I try to go before noon or after 4 pm due to the ever increasing temperatures).
As we live in the Dubai Marina (yes, get used to saying both words, one just does even if it’s obvious you are in Dubai and not in Abu Dhabi). The water bus is only costs two Dirham (about 50 cents) and gets me to the (Dubai) Marina Mall, which while not one of the fancy ones, has what I need and the closest cinema.
A couple of weekends ago, we took the Dubai Ferry, which is more of a tourist boat than what one normally thinks of in terms of a ferry. It takes you from either the Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek, into the Gulf – Arabian or Persian, depending on who you talk to, i.e. Arabs or Iranians and ends at the other side. It is only one way, so you can take the metro or a taxi back.
The metro is mostly above-ground, at least the Red Line, which is our line. It runs the length of the city, which is rather long as it runs along the coastline rather than deep into the desert. The closest station is only just over a block from the front of our building. The metro trains do not have drivers; it’s all electronic. Kind of weird, but it is fun if you are in the front car and get to see what is up ahead. The metro runs daily until 1 a.m., except for Friday mornings, due to this being a time of prayer. It opens for the day at 1 p.m. Richard uses the metro on the days he works in Dubai.
When we took the ferry, we had to take the Green Line which runs parallel to the Red Line, but a several streets inland. The Green Line is newer and has traditional Bedouin scenes and style at its stations. The Red Line is very modern and the stations can easily be spotted by the large, shiny covering. I think they look like large beetles. Richard disagrees.
One can buy a card similar to an Oyster Card (on the London Underground) and add money onto it as necessary. I’m not exactly sure how much the fares are as it seems I’ve gone to a different station each time I’ve taken it. We opted for the “Gold Card” which makes it possible for us to ride in any of the cars on the train, including one that is exclusively for Gold Card holders. The seats are nicer and there is space for luggage – although I’ve seen more people stand in it to get out of the aisle than luggage occupying the space. I should qualify the “any car” statement. Women with Gold Cards can ride in any car. During the work week, Sunday through Thursday afternoon, there is a car reserved for women and children only. Richard didn’t know this the first time and dashed for an open door when the train pulled in. Poor guy was mortified to find himself the only male in the car! He changed at the next stop.
Taxis are quite cheap (especially compared to those in Belgium, the home of the most expensive taxis in Europe) and the only transportation that runs on Friday mornings before early afternoon. The only problem with taxis is that you need to know the specifics of your destination if a private address. Due to the rapid construction, the naming of streets did not keep up with the being able to assign actual addresses to buildings and streets. The GPS only works if you know the right landmark – most taxis don’t have them anyway. Delivery people constantly get lost – there is a heavy reliance on cell phones and your ability to give directions. Sometimes it helps to give the name of your building, but not always. While the taxi drivers are nice people, it is usually an adventure to go to a private building. Landmark buildings, the airport, etc. are no problem.
A side note to the lack of addresses – this is why there are only post office boxes in a central neighborhood location. I understand some areas have home delivery, but this isn’t possible in the Dubai Marina yet. We therefore decided that our mail is going to go to Richard’s office in Abu Dhabi. Just makes life easier…
Judy and Richard - 1001 Arabian Nights 