New to the UAE? Here’s How Car Rentals Work (Plus Local Driving Tips)

Are you a first timer in the United Arab Emirates? Welcome! You’re about to have an unforgettable experience, no matter your purpose for visiting, because you can be sure of hospitality, richness, and attention to detail, whatever emirate you choose to visit. 

While there is much beauty to behold, finding your way in these large cities as a newcomer can sometimes be so frustrating, even with a GPS. It’s even worse if you have to use public transportation, as it will take a while to get used to the stops. This is why car rentals are so popular in the UAE, and you can go for the option of a chauffeur.

 

This guide will help you choose a car rental with offers and vehicles that suit your needs, whether you’re touring the cities for rest and relaxation or for work.

How Renting a Car Works in the UAE: Newbies Edition

Every location has rules, requirements, and regulations for doing business, and hiring a vehicle is not left out. To ensure that both the buyer and the seller benefit from this, the following have to be in place:

Requirements to Get a Rental Car

The locations to hire a vehicle are not the problem, as several places are obvious, like your local agency, or following the online website of a rental company. However, here is the basic list to check off if you have intentions to rent a car in the UAE stress-free:

• Age: This requirement is a necessity, and it varies from country to country. For the UAE, the standard age to rent a car is 21 years, and you should be licensed and have driven a car for at least a year. 

• Driving Licence: A UAE driving licence or an international licence that is on the list of acceptable licences would suffice for this category. 

• Passport: Since you’re new to the UAE, you need your international passport and a visa or entry stamp as proof that your stay in the UAE is legal. 

• Credit Card: A credit card comes in handy when a car rental company requires you to pay a security deposit in case of damage while you rent the car. Some car rental services allow customers to rent a car in Dubai without deposit, though they’ve created a system around the rental that, even if damages occur, they can sort them out. As you can imagine, people troop to such places. 

Your Choice of Car

Speaking of packages, the car you want also affects the pricing. Are you on a budget during your trip and just need something minimal because your only criterion is that it moves, or are you capable of funding it and need a luxury car rental to impress your business clients? Whatever your choice, you are sure to find it.

How is Costing for Renting a Car Done in the UAE?

Your car rental will not only hinge on the car and the rental price, but some other factors will be accounted for. For instance, daily rates can change depending on the season, and the rental company will account for those costs and others, like how much insurance coverage you’re getting. 

 

Other costs include the tolls, mileage limits, and the fuel policy in the UAE. All these need to be considered before renting a vehicle, as they all affect the cost.

 

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Driving Tips for a Road-Law-Abiding Newcomer in the UAE 

To maintain order in busy cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, strict laws have to be put in place and followed by all. There are even radars to ensure that everyone follows the speed limits; if not, they get fined.

 

Things like how you drive in your lane and how you overtake, using your phone while driving, and where you park can put you at risk of getting fined huge sums of money. 

 

Finally, Before You Hire…

All tips in this guide point to the fact that you need to know what you need from a rental vehicle before you purchase, while getting all requirements handy. A rented car is your best bet for convenience and flexibility when you travel to a new city, and especially the UAE!