With high-end shopping malls, gleaming gold mines, and world-famous landmarks, Dubai’s skyline is known to leave everyone awestruck. From a visit to the world’s tallest building to hitting up local shops for all your necessities, the city is never short on things to do. Dubai is not only a sight to behold but also boasts of a fantastic road network that is easily navigable.
While you might think that there is no better way to experience the city like on a drive around the main highways, most people forget that there is no ‘easy way’ to rent a car in Dubai. If you are also confused about how to rent a car in Dubai, look no further as this guide is here to help.
If you are planning to stay in Dubai for a long time, it’s a smart decision to opt for a monthly car rental in Dubai instead of weekly or daily. Here are some reasons why:
Renting a car in Dubai: A step-by-step guide
Know the Purpose of Your Trip
Different things are important for a business trip than a vacation. Similarly, different things are essential for a vacation than if you are staying in Dubai for a long time. Before getting down to the details, you must understand the purpose of your trip. This will help you determine what kind of car you need and will also help you set a budget.
For example, if you are planning a quick trip to Dubai to get the place of the week, a four-wheel drive might not be the most suitable option for you. The type of vehicle you choose depends on the nature of your trip, as well as its location. For instance, if you are visiting for a short trip, you will probably need a vehicle that is easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and parking-friendly.
For a business trip, you will need a business vehicle, a four-wheel drive, or a large sedan, which are easy to find in Dubai. On the other hand, if you are planning to take a quick ride into the desert for a desert safari, a four-wheel drive is the obvious choice.
In case you are moving to Dubai for the long term and want to lease a car instead of renting it for a couple of weeks or months, you must check out the lease option. It is a much better deal than regular car rental in Dubai.
Choose the Right Vehicle Type
Dubai’s roads are well-maintained, and therefore, you can rent any kind of vehicle here, from a compact hatchback to a luxury sports car. The most important aspect of renting a car in Dubai is to understand your requirements. The most important thing to consider is the purpose of your trip, as mentioned above. Depending on the vehicle you choose, your overall experience will differ.
While you are planning to rent a car in Dubai, consider the following:
- In case you are going for a quick trip, look for fuel-efficient, comfortable, and easy-to-drive and easy-to-park cars.
- If you are on a business trip, you can go for executive sedans or luxury sports cars.
- If you are looking for a desert trip, consider hiring a four-wheel drive or an SUV.
- If you are planning to stay in Dubai for a longer period, check for monthly car rentals in Dubai or leases.
It is important to make the choice of a vehicle according to the purpose of your trip. Since you have multiple options to choose from, pick the one that meets your requirements and is also in your budget.
Make sure you also take into account the following before deciding on the car to rent in Dubai:
- Go for comfortable, stylish, and fuel-efficient vehicles for city routes.
- If you are going on a desert adventure, get an SUV or a four-wheel drive.
- In case you are looking for a luxury, splurge on the new and used sports car for sale in Dubai.
Compare Rates and Inclusions
One of the main factors to consider while choosing the right car rental in Dubai is the pricing. The base price varies with the vehicle category, duration of rental, and season. However, do not just settle for the base rate as you will also need to check for what is included.
Mileage is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for car rental in Dubai. Some companies offer unlimited mileage, while others have a daily cap. The best way to make the most of your money is to find out the kind of package that is best suited for you. In addition to the mileage, make sure you check for the following before renting a car in Dubai:
If you are renting a car, make sure you know whether the car comes with a full tank or not. Do not assume that you can return the car with a full tank and you will be charged for the same.
Car rental companies provide the bare minimum basic insurance. However, in case of any accident or damage, you need to opt for comprehensive insurance coverage. Make sure you are clear on the payment process before you choose to go for a certain package.
Along with insurance, you need to also take into account GPS navigation, child seat, and additional driver charges.
You can compare the rates after searching ‘car rental near me’ and finding out the exact rates. However, always read the fine print before making the final call.
Check the Insurance Coverage
Another important aspect to consider before you go ahead and choose a rental car in Dubai is insurance. Remember that you cannot overlook insurance in Dubai as it is important. You should make sure that you get at least basic third-party liability insurance. If you want better coverage in case of any mishap, you can go for CDW, TPW, and PAI.
It covers any damage to the car and reduces your responsibility in case of an accident.
If the vehicle is stolen, this option covers the entire cost.
It takes care of medical bills in case of an accident during the rental period.
The best way to save some bucks is to check if your credit card or travel insurance also provides coverage. If they do, you can avoid paying extra for rental insurance.
Check the Driver Requirements
To rent a car in Dubai, you must satisfy the following conditions:
The minimum age limit for renting a car is usually 21 years. However, it varies from 21 to 25 years for different vehicles.
Your country’s license is accepted if you are coming from GCC, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or many European countries.
In case your country does not provide licenses in English or Arabic, you need an IDP.
Tourists will need to carry their passport and a valid entry visa or stamp.
Make sure you carry all these while you are on the road in case you are checked.
Local Driving Conditions
Once you are done with choosing the car, you must know the rules of the game. The first thing to know about driving in Dubai is that the roads are wide and well-marked, and that makes it easier to drive around the city. However, there is traffic in certain hours of the day, and this might be a drawback.
One thing you need to remember is that there are limits to how fast you can drive in Dubai. There are speed radars installed everywhere, which makes sure you stick to the limit.
You need to know that the tolls are added automatically to the invoice sent by the rental company later.
Parking in Dubai is available for a fee, especially in the downtown areas. You can check the RTA apps or parking meters to locate a parking spot.
It is illegal to drink and drive in Dubai. Therefore, it is essential to remember that zero tolerance for drinking and driving in Dubai. It is strictly forbidden, and in case of a mishap, you can face legal action.
Once you know all the rules, you will have a smooth ride in Dubai.
Look for Flexible Pickup and Drop-Off Options
When you are travelling, the last thing you want is to wait till your flight lands in the middle of the night. Make sure you look for a rental that offers pick up and drop off. The important thing to look for while choosing a rental company is the flexibility of its pickup and drop-off timings. Here are some things you need to check for while you are looking for a rental company:
- Pick up/Drop off from Airport
- 24/7 availability
- Hotel Delivery
- Drop off at a different location in the city
Do not compromise on flexibility when you are choosing a rental car in Dubai. This can save you time and also ease your commute when you are visiting the city.
Read Reviews and Check the Reputation
Once you have finalized a few options for the rental, you must make sure you take a look at the online reviews and read the testimonials. Do not skip this step when you are choosing the right car rental in Dubai. You need to take into account the below factors while you are reading reviews:
- Customer Service
- Car condition and cleanliness
- Deposit refund process
- Transparency in billing
Once you read the reviews and testimonials, you will know what to expect. The best way to do this is to search for ‘car rental near me’ and then search for the reviews. You can find out about the reputation of the company on Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.
Consider Long-Term Rental Benefits
In case you are visiting Dubai for a couple of weeks or months, it is advisable to look for a long-term rental instead of a daily or weekly rental. You will be able to get the below benefits by choosing a long-term rental in Dubai:
- Low per-day cost
- Scheduled maintenance
- Option to change vehicles during the rental period
- Extended insurance
In case you are staying for a long time, you will be able to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, rather than being caught up in the loop for rentals and return every week. Long-term rental is also known to provide more flexibility and lesser restrictions as compared to short-term rentals.
Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly
Before you get into the car and drive away, it is important to inspect the car thoroughly. There are two types of inspection you need to do, namely visual inspection and functional inspection. The important thing is to take pictures or videos and note down the following:
- Scratches, dents, or any other existing damage to the vehicle
- Condition of the interior
- Fuel level
- Warning lights on the dashboard
- Any other warning sign on the car
It is important to report to the company about any existing damage to the vehicle. This is important as the rental company will hold you responsible for the damage on the car once you return it. This can lead to discrepancies in your final billing once you hand over the vehicle.
Know What to Do in Case of an Emergency
There is no one who is ready for emergencies, even when they are prepared. It is better to have a plan B for everything. Here are some things you need to do if there is an emergency:
- Save the rental company’s emergency contact number
- Know the procedure for car breakdown or accident
- Know the location of the petrol station and service centers
- Know the rules and regulations of toll gate
Emergencies can happen at any point, and it is good to be prepared for the same. In case of an accident, make sure you call the rental company. If you do not know how to contact them, look up the number on the Internet.
Use Navigation Tools Wisely
Since you are going to drive a rental car, it is a good idea to look for a navigation system. In fact, most of the rental cars come with a built-in GPS. You can also use the below to make your journey easy and without stress:
- Google Maps
- Waze
- RTA’s official app for real-time traffic
- Offline map for less explored places
It is good to use these to make your way around the city easily and without wasting time. Using navigation tools can help you find the best route to reach your destination.
Plan Your Routes Ahead
Dubai is full of places to explore. From the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to the Palm Jumeirah and desert safari places, Dubai has everything. Plan your itinerary so that you do not miss out on the places. Plan your itinerary to avoid delays and also plan your refueling stations. The important thing is to make sure you know about the location and availability of the following:
- Salik gates
- Shopping malls
- Dubai Mall
- Desert Safari
- Others
It is important to plan ahead of time so that you can make the most of your time. Plan your route, especially for the evening and night hours. It will help you reach your destination without any hurdles.
Conclusion
If you are visiting Dubai, you must consider renting a car in Dubai to make the most of your trip. The rental car not only gives you the freedom to travel around the city, but it also gives you flexibility and an enjoyable experience. If you are going on a trip to Dubai for adventure, business, or luxury, you can make the most of your trip by choosing the right car.
If you are going on a trip to Dubai, you must have a clear idea about your plans. The best way to make the most of your experience is to know the following:
- Purpose of your trip
- Car Rental Requirements
- Things to do in Dubai
If you know your purpose, it is easy to plan ahead of time. If you know what you want to do, you will be able to choose the right vehicle and make the most of your time. The important thing is to find the right car rental in Dubai. If you are planning a quick trip to Dubai, you will find it easy to make the most of your time. If you are looking for luxury, you can opt for a 4-wheel drive or a luxury sports car.
Before you rent a car in Dubai, make sure you do the following:
- Check for the reputation and read reviews
- Check the rates and read the fine print
- Look for the vehicle type
- Look for a flexible pick-up and drop-off location
The important thing to do is to find a rental car in Dubai. The most important part of your trip is to know your purpose. You will be able to enjoy the trip and make the most of it if you know what you want. If you are looking for a desert trip, look for a 4-wheel drive or an SUV. On the other hand, if you are going on a luxury trip, choose the best luxury car for sale in Dubai.
