How to rent a car in Dubai
When you go to Dubai, renting a car is basically a necessity. The city does have public transportation options, but they are somewhat limited in terms of the number of popular tourist spots and potential meeting places they will take you. There are also taxis, of course, but they are very expensive and out of the budgets of most people.
By far the most reasonable option for most people is renting a car. But how should you go about it as a foreigner? Are there special rules that you need to follow?
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how to rent a luxury car, or even just an economy car in Dubai.
What’s inside
- Booking rental cars
- What type of rental car to choose?
- Insurance, excesses and CDW
Booking rental cars
If you want to be sure that you can book a particular kind of rental car at the airport or at another specific spot, you should make a booking in advance. The airport has plenty of options for luxury car rental companies and also standard ones, so you won’t be at a loss for options. But if you are coming in late at night or have a tight deadline, it could be to your advantage to take care of it in advance.
Be sure to find the right location for the car rental company that you want. One thing you might consider is using a smart rental app, which is an app that offers convenient pick ups and drop-offs all over the city.
What type of rental car should you choose?
Pretty much any type of car that you might want will be available for you to rent in Dubai, with car rental services being widespread all over the region. If you’re coming with your family, then obviously you will want to rent an SUV or something similar that will allow you to fit everyone and all your stuff in.
If you’re on a romantic getaway with your significant other, there are a lot of snazzy sports cars that you can choose from. Remember, Dubai is a city of glamor above all else. If you’re planning on hitting some of the city’s famous restaurants and driving along the beach, you might consider a fancy convertible to put an exclamation mark on your trip.
Terrain in the area is another consideration. If you are planning on driving out to the mountains, you will need a more durable car, perhaps a 4X4. Any kind of rough terrain will call for wheels that have particularly good traction on them. And if you’re hitting the sand dunes, you will definitely need a specialized vehicle. Whatever your plans are, do some research in advance to find out what the best type of rental car will be for your purposes.
Terrain in the area is another consideration. If you are planning on driving out to the mountains, you will need a more durable car, perhaps a 4X4. Any kind of rough terrain will call for wheels that have particularly good traction on them. And if you’re hitting the sand dunes, you will definitely need a specialized vehicle. Whatever your plans are, do some research in advance to find out what the best type of rental car will be for your purposes.
You will also need to consider what kind of extras you will want with your rental vehicle. How many designated drivers do you want to have? This could make a difference in your price. You should also consider the following options:
- GPS. Many phone plans come with universal coverage, which should give you access to Google maps, etc. But if you happen to lose coverage, you could have a big problem getting around. GPS can be a great thing to have.
- Child seats, if you are taking kids with you.
- Prepaid fuel, which you might want to get instead of getting fuel on the road.
Insurance, Excesses and CDW
You will also need to consider the question of insurance. For one thing, it is a legal requirement in Dubai. Most rental agencies will offer insurance packages at the time of rental. Driving in the UAE is a unique experience, and the unpredictability of people’s driving patterns can easily cause people to get thrown off and cause an accident.
Extras
In addition to basic insurance, there are a number of add-ons that you might consider. These can include:
- Liability coverage, if you are responsible for causing an accident.
- Personal accident coverage. This can be important to have if you are in a foreign country and need to seek medical help.
- Liability roadside assistance. If you are in an unknown place and have to seek roadside assistance, you might feel totally helpless. This can be hard enough to deal with when you are in your home country, so it’s best to get this covered.
- Business travel insurance, if you are traveling for business.
Particularly if you are looking for luxury car rental services, you will want to be insured as damage costs can run high. Luxury car rental Dubai is widespread, but potentially pricey if you have an accident.
You should consider getting a collision damage waiver (CDW). Although CDWs tend to be among the more expensive insurance options, getting one will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your deductible will not go up if you get in an accident. CDWs are known to be the most comprehensive type of insurance. At its core, CDW means that the agency agrees to pay for damages to the rental car that are incurred in an accident.
Drive on the right hand side of the road
Remember that the UAE has right-side driving. If you are coming from the UK or other countries that drive on the left, you will need to prepare yourself to switch sides when using rental cars in Dubai.
You should also familiarize yourself with the speeding limits. If you are from the US and are used to speed limits being written in miles per hour, remember that Dubai uses kilometers. Also, be aware of what the limits are because speed cameras are common and fees can be high.
Renting eligibility
Foreigners are legally permitted to rent cars in Dubai. You will need to have a valid driver’s license from your country of origin, an international driver’s permit, and a passport when you register. Citizens of GCC countries, the US, UK, and Canada do not need an international license. You will need to have a valid credit card at the time of rental as most agencies will “hold” a certain amount on the card as collateral until your rental is complete.
Note, though, that the age requirements can vary. In some countries, such as the United States, people as young as 16 can drive. In Dubai, most agencies will not let you rent a car until you are 21, and in some cases the minimum age is 25. So be sure to check this with your car rental company of choice if you think that age might be an issue.
Navigation
There are several different tools that you can use to successfully navigate your way around Dubai in your rental car. Google Maps, RTA Smart Drive, Waze, and Moovit all get high rankings from locals for their ability to accurately get you around the city.
Is driving in Dubai easy and safe?
If you’re new to the area, you might wonder about the driving style in the area. The short answer to this question is that the region has a wild reputation for a reason, and this is surely one of the reasons that basic insurance is an actual legal requirement rather than just an option.
Indeed, driving habits in the Emirates can be scary for newcomers to the area. Although it tends to follow its own particular logic, it can be difficult for visitors to determine what this logic is. And it is a known fact that nervous drivers tend to cause accidents.
The enforcement of speeding and other traffic violation rules has helped to put a clamp on the craziness to some extent. But it can still be a shocking first experience for people who haven’t driven much in the area.
Parking
Paid parking is available all over Dubai. The parking fees range from 2-20 AED per hour, depending on which zone you park in. You should familiarize yourself with the city’s zones and where you will be going within them before you get your rental car so that you don’t accidentally end up paying the wrong fees.
Fuel prices in Dubai
If you’re put off by the price of restaurants in Dubai, you will at least be relieved to know that the region has some of the lowest fuel prices in the world. As a fuel producing country itself, Dubai enjoys the luxury of paying relatively little for fuel in comparison to other countries. At the moment, the average price for one liter of gas is 2.78 AED, which is almost three times lower than in the US, for example.
Driving within the UAE
Rental agencies in Dubai will allow you to drive to the other six Emirates that are part of the UAE. Most of them will not allow you to drive outside the region, though. If you are planning on driving outside the Emirates, check with your rental agency and ask first.
Remember that each Emirate has its own driving rules, however. Different speeding limits will apply, different fines for traffic violations, etc. So be sure to figure these things out in advance if you plan on driving to other Emirates.
Tolls
Dubai has a system of tolls throughout the city, and they are planning on an additional two which will come into existence soon. Passing through these tolls cost drivers 4 AED each time they pas through. City officials are creating a system known as “Salik,” which will act as personal accounts for drivers and allow them to deduct money directly from their accounts when they pass through.
Road quality
The quality of the main roads in the UAE is among the best in the world. The country ranks fifth globally in terms of road quality overall, and first in the MIddle East. The reason for this is clear: the country is basically brand new. Just a few decades ago, the region was essentially just a big dessert. But top-notch building and infrastructure projects in the recent past have helped make the region one of the best places in the world to drive.
If you’re planning on going into the mountains, of course, this will be a different story. Offroading is generally rough, so you should take this into consideration if it will be part of your journey.
Finding luxury car rental companies, cheap car rentals, sports car rentals, and basically any other type of car you might like to rent is easy to do in Dubai. Whether you are driving in Dubai alone, or want to drive around to Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE, you can do this in your dream car. Just be sure to check with the agency you choose to make sure it has the car and features that you want. Also be sure to bring the required documentation with you, and get your car insured. Then you’ll be sure to have a great rental experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners rent a car in Dubai?
Foreigners can rent a car in Dubai as long as they bring the required documentation with them at the time of rental. This includes a driver’s license, a passport, and an international driver’s license for citizens of most countries.
How to get a rental car in Dubai?
You can rent a car in Dubai either by reserving a car in advance at one of Dubai’s many rental agencies, or by finding a car rental company when you arrive.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Dubai?
Car rentals Dubai start at the equivalent of about 19 USD. They can vary considerably depending on the kind of car you rent and how long you want to rent it.
What are the conditions of renting a car in Dubai?
You can rent a car in Dubai if you have the required documentation, are (in most cases) at least 21 years old, and have a valid credit card.
Can a US citizen rent a car in Dubai?
Yes. A citizen of any country can rent a car in Dubai, as long as he or she meets the conditions of the agency.
Is it worth renting a car in the UAE?
Renting a car is by far the most convenient way of getting around the UAE. While there is a public transportation system, it won’t take you everywhere you need to go, and times can be unpredictable. Taxis are widely available, but they are expensive.
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Dubai?
Luxury car rentals in Dubai start at the equivalent of 56 USD. They can vary considerably depending on the type of car and the length of rental. You can also find chauffeur services, VIP rentals, and other features when you hire luxury cars in Dubai. Simply check out the features of your chosen agency before you get started.
Is it worth renting a car in the UAE?
Renting a car in the UAE is pretty much the only reasonable way to get around if you are visiting. Waiting for public transport will cause you to stand in the blazing sun for untold amounts of time, and taxis can be prohibitively expensive for most people. Car rentals can be very reasonably priced and convenient, and fuel prices in the region are some of the lowest in the world.
Can an 18-year-old rent a car in the UAE?
No. You must be at least 21 to rent a car in the UAE, and some agencies will require you to be 25. Check with the individual car rental company before you rent.
What documents are required for car rental in Dubai?
To rent a car in Dubai, you will need to have a driver’s license, your passport, and (for citizens not from GCC countries, the US, UK, or Canada) an international license.