For drivers who want to explore Dubai, there are picturesque routes straight out of a movie! To truly enjoy the wonders of Dubai, test out the immaculately maintained, super-fast roadways. From the leisurely cruises across Dubai Creek to a trip up the world’s tallest building- the Burj Khalifa, everything about the emirate is grand and carefully planned. But an often ignored attraction of Dubai is the drive itself. While it may seem daunting at first, with cars zipping past at over 100 km/h, the mandated car insurance and strict road rules make the drive as safe as possible.
Car Rentals
The size of Dubai itself makes walking a less than viable option. Among the various modes of transport around the city, car rentals have won the heart of many.
Let’s look at the reasons behind this:
- Taxis
Taxis in Dubai are expensive and the cross-emirates taxis costs even more. For example, hiring a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi can cost anywhere between AED 150-250. Furthermore, due to car insurance rules in the UAE, taxis are not allowed to carry more than 4 passengers at a time unless it is a larger taxi (which will be more expensive). - Scenic Beauty
Carefully planned infrastructure and beautifully intricate building designs make the drive to Dubai’s various attractions extremely enjoyable and easily navigable. - Safety
One of the most commendable road laws is mandated car insurance in UAE. Besides the necessity of insurance in Dubai, strict laws and hefty penalties for driving violations make the nation’s roads extremely safe for motorists. - Variety
Options are in no short supply for Dubai. Offering driving enthusiasts with an enormous variety of vehicles from utilitarian to luxury and even vintage in nature, car rental is a booming business in Dubai. - Weather
Extreme highs and lows in climate make walking in Dubai very unpleasant for the most part of the day. This further motivates people to look for affordable car rental options. - Families
As mentioned earlier, large families have a tough time hiring taxis due to strict car insurance terms and conditions which prohibit more than 4 passengers from travelling at a time. Rather than taking two cabs or paying extra for a larger one, it is more feasible for such families to opt for car rentals. It is also far more convenient for families with little children who are uncomfortable using public transport. - Friday
On Fridays, parking is free across the entire UAE. While this may not be the sole reason for someone to consider a car rental service, it is definitely an added bonus.
Rental Benefits
Whether it’s to reap the benefits of comprehensive insurance in Dubai or to enjoy the one of a kind driving experience, car rentals offer drivers many benefits. Some of these are listed below:
- Luxury Cars
Known for its glamorous lifestyle and modern architecture, Dubai is proud to host to visitors from all over the globe who are keen to take part in the festivities. Renting a luxury car is the ultimate cherry on top for those looking for the authentic Dubai experience. Not to mention, with the Dubai skyline in the backdrop, it makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. - Flexible Tenure
Most car rentals are extremely flexible in terms of tenure and cancellation charges. Motorists can rent cars for days, weeks or months and cancel at any time with no cancellation fee at all. - Coverage
Nearly all car rentals provide the driver with comprehensive car insurance. It ensures the safety of the car and the passengers both. - Salik
Salik charges are electronic tolls installed across Dubai. Rather than having to stop and pay the toll, car rental services pick up information on tolls crossed directly from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This allows the motorist to enjoy a seamless driving experience. - Additional Drivers
Under the RTA’s car insurance rules, only the driver mentioned in the policy is allowed to drive. So, most car rentals allow customers to add additional drivers during the time of rental.
Required Documents to Explore Dubai
Be prepared with all the required documents, and the car rental process will be extremely simple and quick. Opting for extra cover in the car insurance policy and nomination of additional drivers can all be done at the counter.
For Residents
For residents, the required documents are:
- Passport copy
- Residential visa copy
- Valid UAE driving license
- Copy of Emirates ID
For Visitors
For visitors, the required documents are:
- Passport copy
- Copy of visit Visa or of the Visa stamp, if available
- A valid international driving license*
Note – Passport holders belonging to GCC, US, Canada, UK, and select countries, can drive using their home country’s license.
Safe Travels
Be sure to clarify any car insurance queries at the time of rental itself. Modifying it, later on, could become pretty complicated. Safe travels on the quest to explore Dubai, where there is plenty to see!