Partying: Hire a ‘safe driver’ to celebrate responsibly in Dubai

Dubai: It’s celebrations time as Dubai lights up with festive cheer, turning the city into a sparkling wonderland during winter holidays.

Maya Jane, a Dubai-based marketing consultant, is excited about her upcoming New Year party at one of the city’s top hotels. “I love celebrating with my friends, but I am not taking any chances this year,” she said. “The risk of drink driving isn’t worth it for our own safety. We must all follow the UAE laws.”

Hefty fines

In Dubai, the blood alcohol limit is zero, and the consequences of driving under the influence are severe. Offenders can face hefty fines, licence suspensions, and even imprisonment. A first-time offender could incur a fine of up to Dh20,000 and a one-year suspension of driver licence, with the possibility of jail time.

These services allow people to keep their own cars while a professional driver takes the wheel, making it easy to enjoy a carefree night out without the hassle of parking, taxis, or checkpoints.

Options

Munsif Khan from Beam Safe Driver in Dubai noted that they have seen a surge in bookings during the winter holidays. “We have already received numerous queries and have drivers booked for dozens of people going out for celebrations during New Year Eve,” he added.

The service allows people to have a professional driver take them home after party in their own vehicle. Prices range from Dh80 to Dh120, depending on the location within Dubai.

As the festive season approaches, more people are choosing to celebrate responsibly by using safe driver services. The peace of mind these services provide, knowing you have a reliable driver to get you home safely, has made them increasingly popular in Dubai.

For Layla, a fashion designer in Dubai, using a safe driver service is an easy choice. “If I am out partying with friends, I don’t want them driving themselves home.”

Crowded roads

Ahmed Abdullah, a businessman in Dubai, agreed. “The roads can get really crowded on New Year’s Eve, and it’s hard to drive safely with so many distractions. I am definitely using a safe driver service this year,” he added.

Janice, marketing manager in Dubai, also values the convenience and safety of using a professional driver. “New Year’s Eve is always crazy, and there’s so much to look forward to,” she noted. “But I have heard too many stories of people making poor decisions. Using a safe driver service just seems like the right decision when you are out for a party with friends.”

How does it work

You can book a safe driver through any service provider in Dubai. The driver will come to your location at the given time. He will drive your car to take you home and leave you and your car safely at your place before he is picked up by his company driver. Some companies even offer services of a female driver for families and women.

Growing awareness

Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, which was issued in September, 2024 and will take effect on March 29, 2025, imposes stricter penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and licence suspension or cancellation for repeat offenders.

It states that anyone who drives or attempts to drive a vehicle on the road while under the influence of alcohol shall be subject to imprisonment and a fine ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, or one of these two penalties.

Driving licence penalties