With its year round sunshine and impeccable roads, the glitzy shores of Dubai is a paradise for driving, and given the surprisingly inadequate nature of its public transport system, it makes great sense to rent a car for the duration of your stay.
Unless, of course, you plan on spending exorbitant amounts on hailing private taxis, to be chauffeured around wherever you go.
While consumers in the city are spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of car rental services, with a wide variety of car options at different price points, there are a few laws, rules, and intricacies that visitors need to keep in mind.
Understand The Requirements
Car rental services in Dubai try their best to make it as simple as possible for visitors to rent expensive vehicles, and hit the roads on their own with as little paperwork, and documentation as possible. However, there are a few essentials, and requirements that even they wouldn’t dare skirt.
A few of them are pretty standard, some pertain to certain peculiarities of the city state, and its governing authorities.
- A Valid Driver’s License
Customers have to be at least 21 years of age, and have a valid driver’s license before they can rent a car in Dubai. Failing this, an International Driving Permit (IDP) would work just as well.
- Original Driver’s License From Home Country
Even with a valid IDP, car rental services require that customers present the original driver’s license from their home country. This is a bit unorthodox, but does matter from a risk perspective.
- Original Passport & Visa
Customers are also required to present the original copy of their passports, residence, or tourist permit, and if not, an Emirates ID. A photocopy of these documents is taken, and kept on file for any issues.
Other Key Considerations
Beyond the bare minimum requirements discussed above, there are a few other considerations that visitors need to be aware of while renting a car in Dubai.
- Traffic Rules & Laws
Dubai currently offers one of the best urban roads for driving, and this is primarily a result of its strict traffic laws.
Similar to the US, vehicles are required to drive on the right-side of the road, and each road, including the major highways have a speed limit, with extensive monitoring in the form of speedometers, and high speed cameras.
Any rule-breaking in Dubai is quickly identified, and often results in fines that can prove to be quite expensive. So, a thorough understanding of the city’s laws and rules are pertinent before hitting the roads.
- Always Get Add-On Coverage
Millions of travelers across the world decline an add-on coverage when renting a car, which for all intents and purposes is a major risk. There are certain credit cards that offer primary rental coverage when you rent a car using the said car, but even that has its limitations.
When booking a car at a rental agency, make sure to ask for the coverage you receive, and liabilities that you are assuming while renting the car. Most services offer add-on coverage options for marginal increments in the overall price, which can be great value for some peace of mind.
Without the right understanding, rental agencies might charge customers for diminished value, towing, loss of use to the vehicle, and much more, which can quickly become very expensive. Consumers can also compare car insurance in Dubai online, before making any decisions.
- Beware of The Heat
A key peculiarity of Dubai is the excessive heat that vehicles are exposed to, which is something that most cars aren’t particularly designed for.
Long-term residents and drivers have a good understanding of how their cars perform in this heat, and the measures to take in order to avoid breakdowns, and more often than not, the vehicles stranded in the middle of a busy street are rental cars driven by tourists.
Make sure to ask questions regarding the car you plan on renting, and for tips from the agency regarding its heating and cooling.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is essentially a paradise for car lovers, after all, there are few other cities that allow you to rent anything from a basic sedan to a Lambhorgini at affordable prices, to drive around on roads that are almost akin to a Formula 1 track.
With a bit of planning, and the right selection of vehicles, terms, and agencies, renting a car in Dubai can be a wonderful experience in itself.