GUIDE TO CAR RENTAL IN THE UAE
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most developed cities in the world. The beautiful desert landscape, serene environment and the amazing views of skyscrapers make Dubai one of the most visited cities by tourists in the world.
Generally, Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle caused by the presence of some of the biggest and best hotels in the world. The fascinating atmosphere in the city has made millions of people visit Dubai either for business or tourism.
Dubai has one of the best road networks in the world. If you are in Dubai as a new resident or a tourist and you do not fancy the public transportation system, you will need a car to enable you to move from one part of the city to another and it will also allow you to exploit the city better. There is a great public transport system but it doesn’t give you the freedom that your own rental car does.
Some information to help you with renting a car in Dubai:
Minimum age limit
For you to drive a car in Dubai you must be 18 years and above however, the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai is 21 years. And, for some luxury cars like Ferraris, most car rental companies set the minimum age limit at 25 or 30 years.
Choose your car rental company
There are of course all the major car rental companies in Dubai plus many local companies. There are also companies that specialise in luxury vehicles and SUV’s Shop around to find a company that is offering the vehicle type you are looking for.
Select the car rental company
Car rental companies offer the ability to rent a car on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. According to analysis conducted on car rental companies, long term rentals are more economically viable than short term rentals.
Location
Remember, as with any other country, the location of where you are picking up can make a difference to the rental price. For example if you collect the car at the airport you can expect to be pay more because the rental company pays hefty fees to the airport for the rental desk and operating space in the car park and these are passed on to you as surcharges.
Make your choice of car
Just like everywhere else, rental prices vary between companies and the type or group of car you are renting as well as the duration and time of year. If you are looking to rent for a long duration because you are living there, you are in a good position to negotiate a better rate including insurance. You also need to consider what you are using your car for to determine what will be suitable to meet your needs.
Documents required
To rent a car from car rental companies in Dubai you must present the following documents to the car rental company.
- Passport
- Visa Page
- Driver’s Licence – If you are from GCC, US, Australia, Europe you are ok, if you are not, you will need an International Driving Permit.
- Emirates ID (front and back) (if applicable)
Insurance policies, security deposits, rental agreement and documentation
Insurance policies and security deposits are some of the most important factors you must consider when renting a car. Ensure you understand the cover you are paying for and any excess you are still liable for. Keep all rental documentation handy at all times when you are in the car. Also make sure you have contact numbers to call if you should need any help.
Vehicle inspection
Ensure you check the car over before making the required payments and signing the agreement papers. You will probably be liable for any damage not reported at time of collection (just like any other country).
Other bits of info that will be useful once you have your rental car:
Fuel
Obviously fuel is in abundance in the Middle East so you will enjoying filling your tank 😊 July 2020 fuel was AED1.79 per litre … which is £0.39p or US$0.49c.
Tolls/Salik
There will be an electronic tag on your windscreen so every time you go through a toll the rental company keeps track and the total fees will be deducted from the deposit you left with the rental company. There are 7 toll roads but you can avoid toll roads if you are using a GPS – there is no cap, you will get a charge every time you go through one and the current charge is US$1.09 … so more than double the price of a litre of petrol!
Parking
Typically parking in the malls is free for the first 3 hours and free all day Friday and Saturday. Street parking varies so it’s difficult to advise on those costs.
Speed limits
Speeding is frowned upon and fines can be as high as US$900 depending on how much over the limit you were travelling. Also running a red light could cost you US$300 and using your phone whilst driving (unless handsfree) could cost you US$250.
Driving
You will be driving on the right hand side. Kids between 4 and 8 years need to be in a booster seat and children have to be 13 or over to sit in the front passenger seat. Seat belts are compulsory for everyone.
Drinking and Driving
With the alcohol laws in Dubai it is really not smart to drink and drive. For obvious safety reasons but also you risk being fined up to US$5000, being deported or even put in jail. Don’t risk it.
Hitting the road
Be sure to rent or buy a GPS or if you can, use the maps on your phone. Dubai has a fantastic road network but the roads are busy and can be confusing if you don’t know your way around. They always say you see more when you get lost, which is very true, but quite stressful if you are lost when you are supposed to be in a meeting 10 minutes ago!
Going off road?
Even if you have rented a 4X4 make sure before you rent the vehicle that you can take it off road. There are few companies that allow their cars to go into the dunes – they require a massive clean after being in sand – so be sure you have the right permissions. As someone who got stuck in sand for many hours on an official dune safari, I would personally advise against going in the dunes. Even if you have some off road experience, the sand is so soft, it is sooo hot and often there is no one there to help. But if you are still determined, go in tandem with another 4X4 so if you do get stuck they can at least help or get help. Take loads of water and food and have the emergency numbers at hand – 112 or 999
Going to Oman?
Great idea, it’s only about 4.5hrs to Muscat. Make sure you get an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the rental company which is proof that you are allowed to drive the vehicle. The registration card and letter from the rental company stating you are allowed to cross over into Oman. Double check your insurance covers you for Oman. If it doesn’t you can purchase this at the border for around US25-$30 for up to 7 days. Passport and Valid Visa which must be applied for in advance now. There is an exit tax when you leave Dubai (US$10) but no exit tax for Oman.
