From November to March, Dubai becomes a hotspot for tourists. With its perfect weather, it’s the best time to explore the city and beyond at your own pace. But before you jump into a rental car, knowing the essentials is necessary. From the documents required to the tips on choosing the best service provider, we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car in Dubai.
Is it Practical to Rent a Car in Dubai?
Renting a car in Dubai can be a wise choice. The city has a well-developed road network, which makes driving easy. Moreover, rental cars allow you to go wherever you want, like to the desert or to beaches or malls outside the city.
For families or groups, renting a car, especially with weekly or monthly packages, is often cheaper than using multiple taxis. However, public transportation might be a good option if you plan to stay in central areas due to traffic flow and parking difficulties.
Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Dubai
Before you rent a car, you should know a few things to make your journey as adventurous as you expect.
Driver’s license
You need a valid driver’s license to rent a car in Dubai. If you’re a tourist visiting from the UK, Canada, or other EU nations, you must have an International Driving Permit and your home country’s license. However, residents need a UAE driver’s license for rental services.
Age limit
While the legal driving age in UAE is 18, you need to be 21 or older to rent a car there. And if you want a supercar or luxury car rental, you must be 25 or above. Some places might still rent to those under 25 but could charge extra. So, checking with your preferred rental company to confirm the age details is best.
Documents
The documents required to rent a car in Dubai vary based on whether you’re a UAE resident or a tourist. Residents must have a UAE driving license (valid for 12 months minimum), Emirates ID, resident visa, and a copy of their passport. However, tourists must present their home country’s driving license, IDP, visit visa, and passport copy to the rental company.
Additional driver policy
If you are renting the car but want someone else to drive, you can ask the rental company for an additional driver. They will charge separately for this service, though. The driver needs to meet the same age and document requirements as you.
Toll system
Dubai uses an electronic toll system, Salik, to automatically charge tolls as you pass through the gates. Each toll costs AED 4, so you should have a minimum balance of AED 50. However, you don’t need to pay it manually when driving a rental car.
Rental companies typically deduct Salik from your deposit or add it to the receipt later. They offer you a Salik Tag, which automatically deducts the toll every time you pass a gate, freeing you from the hassle of stopping and paying.
Traffic rules & penalties
Driving in the UAE is easy, but you must follow the traffic rules. Penalties for speeding are common, with fines reaching up to AED 500. Moreover, if you’re driving without documents, you may have to pay AED 5000. There are also penalties for illegal parking and not wearing seatbelts.
Fuel policy
When renting a car in Dubai, fuel policy can vary depending on the rental company. However, the most common one is a “full-to-full” fuel policy. This means you pick up the vehicle with a full tank and return it the same way. If you return the car with empty or less fuel, you’ll be charged for refueling, and these charges can be higher than at a regular gas station.
Insurance
When renting a car in Dubai, most companies include basic insurance like third-party liability in their package. However, it doesn’t always cover damage to the vehicle itself. Adding options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or full coverage is worth considering in such cases.
Rental costs
The cost of renting a vehicle in Dubai depends on the car type, rental duration, demand, and company. For example, daily rates for economy cars start at $15, while luxury car rentals range from $500 to $3000 per day.
Tips for Choosing the Right Car Rental
When renting a car in Dubai, you must research the service providers available. It includes reading reviews or customer testimonials to check the service quality.
It’s also important to check the rental terms, such as fuel policy, insurance coverage, and mileage limits. A reputed rental company should offer a transparent pricing structure without hidden fees. You can compare costs across different providers to find the best deal.
Summing Up
Renting a car in Dubai can make your trip more enjoyable and safe. You just need to choose a reliable company, understand the basic RTA laws, and follow the traffic rules. So, if you’re ready to explore Dubai, book with us today and drive confidently!
FAQs
What are the conditions for renting a car in Dubai?
To rent a car in Dubai, you must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid international driving permit, national license, and credit card.
What is the cost of renting a car in Dubai?
On average, renting a standard car costs around AED 70 per day, while the luxury car rental starts at AED 850.
What do I need to rent a car in Dubai as a tourist?
If you’re a tourist from a GCC country, you can rent a car using your local driver’s license. However, tourists from other countries will need an international driving permit, a passport, and a copy of their visit visa.
Can I rent a car in Dubai with an Indian license?
You can rent a car in Dubai with an Indian license, but you must also have an international driving permit (IDP).