Meta description: Planning a UAE trip? Learn essential car rental tips, driving rules, required documents, and how to choose the right vehicle for your journey.
The United Arab Emirates has long been one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. If you’re planning a trip to the UAE, it’s worth thinking in advance not only about your itinerary and accommodation, but also about how you’ll get around. Public transport in major cities such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi is well developed; thus, many popular attractions are located far apart, and travelling between the emirates takes a long time. That is why more and more travellers are opting for a car. If you want to travel with ease and without being tied to a timetable, explore new places at your own pace, rent a car in Dubai with Renty.ae, for instance, and make your stay in the UAE more comfortable. Here, we gathered some useful tips for renting a car if you are visiting the Emirates
Documents You’ll Need
Requirements for a car rental may vary among car rental services, but usually, you’ll need the following:
a passport
a valid international driving licence
a visit visa
a bank card to make a deposit (if any is stated)
Our advice is to check the rental company’s requirements online before going to the UAE choosing the best conditions for your journey.
Driver’s Age
A regular question that also needs to be discussed is the driver’s age. Most companies allow people who are 21 years old to drive their cars. But those who want to rent a sports car or a premium one should be at least 25. There may also be a requirement for one year of driving experience. Young drivers sometimes have to buy special insurance or pay an additional fee, which depends on the specific rental company’s policy.
Traffic Conditions
Everyone is aware that the UAE’s roads are considered among the best in the world. And traffic conditions play a vital role here. Most highways have multiple lanes for comfortable driving and sufficient space; modern, precise navigation systems are used in cars; and clear road signs in English and Arabic are easy for everyone to understand.
At the same time, this country has strict traffic laws. There are many automated speed cameras on roads both in and out of the city, and fines for violations can be high.
Special attention should be paid to:
speed limits
the use of seat belts
the prohibition on using a cell phone without a hands-free device
zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.
For tourists, the last point is particularly important, as even the lowest blood alcohol level can have serious legal consequences. Fines for serious violations can reach 3,000 AED ($820), and in certain cases of dangerous driving in Dubai, the law provides additional penalties, including impoundment of the vehicle and fees of up to 50,000 AED ($13,000) to have it released.
Dubai has an electronic toll payment system. In most cases, tourists do not need to pay tolls separately during their trip – payments are automatically registered and added to the final bill after the car is returned. Before signing the car rental contract, it’s a good idea to clarify exactly how the company handles toll payments and whether there are any additional administrative fees.
Parking spots around the city are mostly paid, but if you need a free parking spot, try to look around shopping malls. Payment can be made through special payment machines or mobile apps, like Parkin RTA Dubai. So, downloading and registering them in advance is good advice. In addition to mobile apps, you can also pay for parking in Dubai: via SMS to 7275; through the official Mahboub WhatsApp chatbot; using a Nol card at parking machines.
Which Car to Choose
The choice of a car depends on the type of trip and the people you are with.
Choose a compact sedan or an economical crossover to drive around the city with your beloved or a friend. Spacious SUVs or minivans are perfect for family trips with children or for big groups of friends. Premium cars are for admirers of comfort and luxury. The fact is, the UAE is home to one of the world’s largest markets for luxury car rentals.
So, while planning a trip to the UAE, save time and money by renting a car in advance! It will make your journey more relaxing and memorable! And to make everything easy and comfortable, learn about the traffic conditions and check all the documents you may need before arriving in the world’s most modern country.
