When you go to Dubai, renting a car is basically a necessity. The city does have public transportation options, but they are somewhat limited. Taxis are widely available, but they are very expensive. By far the most reasonable option for most people is renting a car.
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. Consider using a smart rental app, which 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. If you're coming with your family, you will want to rent an SUV. If you're on a romantic getaway, there are many snazzy sports cars to choose from. If you are planning on driving out to the mountains, you will need a 4X4. For sand dunes, you will definitely need a specialized vehicle.
Additional extras to consider:
- GPS — useful if you lose mobile coverage.
- 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
Insurance is a legal requirement in Dubai. Most rental agencies will offer insurance packages at the time of rental. In addition to basic insurance, there are a number of add-ons to consider:
- Liability coverage, if you are responsible for causing an accident.
- Personal accident coverage — important if you need medical help in a foreign country.
- Liability roadside assistance.
- Business travel insurance, if you are traveling for business.
Consider getting a collision damage waiver (CDW). CDW means that the agency agrees to pay for damages to the rental car that are incurred in an accident — the most comprehensive type of insurance available.
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. Speed cameras are common and fees can be high — Dubai uses kilometers, not miles per hour.
Renting eligibility
Foreigners are legally permitted to rent cars in Dubai. You will need a valid driver's license from your country of origin, an international driver's permit (not required for GCC countries, US, UK, and Canada), and a passport. Most agencies require you to be at least 21 years old. A valid credit card is required as collateral.
Navigation
Google Maps, RTA Smart Drive, Waze, and Moovit all get high rankings from locals for their ability to accurately get you around the city.
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.
Fuel prices in Dubai
Dubai has some of the lowest fuel prices in the world, as a fuel producing country itself. The average price for one liter of gas is approximately 2.78 AED.
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: a driver's license, a passport, and an international driver's license for citizens of most countries.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Dubai?
Car rentals 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.
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.