A lot of first-time visitors to Dubai are nervous about driving here because of the reputation UAE drivers have on highways. But in my experience, with a bit of caution and lane discipline, it's completely manageable. The roads are well-lit, well-signed, and GPS works perfectly throughout the country. I rented from Saadat Rent as a first-time Dubai driver and felt completely comfortable.
The most important things to remember are: stick to speed limits (cameras are everywhere), never use your phone while driving, and be cautious in the fast lane on Sheikh Zayed Road. The rental staff at Saadat Rent gave me a quick verbal rundown of key rules before handing over the keys, which I thought was a nice touch. First-timers — don't let the reputation put you off, it's very drivable.