Two out of three expats develop a passion for driving after moving to the UAE, according to new research released today by Zurich, one of the world’s leading insurance groups.   

In a survey of 749 UAE expatriate residents conducted by YouGov, 66 per cent of respondents said they have become more passionate about driving since moving to the Emirates.

Of those, 69 per cent attribute their passion to being able to afford better cars than they would in their home countries.

The UAE roads being safer (68 per cent) and better (66 per cent) account for the other main reasons people are more passionate about driving in the UAE than in their home countries. Asian (75 per cent) and Arab expats (71 per cent), in particular, reported that they feel safer driving in the UAE than in their home countries.  

Respondents were also asked by Zurich to name their favourite driving destinations in the UAE, with Jebel Hafeet, Khor Fakkan and Hatta being ranked highest by expat drivers.      

“Everyone has their own opinion about driving in the UAE, yet for a big majority of people, moving to the Emirates will ignite a passion for motoring,” said Maroun Mourad, CEO of Zurich's general insurance operations in the Middle East. “For many people, being able to afford a better car than they could have bought in their home country opens up a world of motoring opportunities, whether it is 4x4 driving in the desert, track day racing, or just a leisurely weekend drive to Jebel Hafeet.”       

The survey by Zurich also asked respondents to name their biggest irritations about driving in the UAE, with changing lanes without indicating (45 per cent), traffic (39 per cent) and using a mobile phone while driving (39 per cent) cited as the biggest annoyances for UAE expat motorists.

The study also reveals that approximately one in five (17 per cent) expats are unsure of the correct procedure to follow in the event their car is involved in an accident. Moreover, 42 per cent of expats report that organising repairs is the most confusing part of the process following an accident, while a quarter (24 per cent) of people say they are confused about establishing liability. – TradeArabia News Service