Dubai is one of the most popular destinations worldwide, attracting millions of visitors annually. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or both, you should rent a car in Dubai to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. However, renting a car in Dubai can be daunting if you must become more familiar with the local rules, regulations, and customs. This article will provide valuable tips for renting a car in Dubai in 2023, covering topics such as driving basics, car types, costs, insurance, eligibility, fuel prices, licences, tolls, and more. By following these tips, you can enjoy your trip to Dubai without any hassle or stress by Al Salam Bus and Van Rental.
Does It Make Sense to Rent a Car in Dubai?
The first question you might ask yourself is whether renting a car in Dubai makes sense. The answer depends on several factors, such as your budget, itinerary, preferences, and comfort level. Here are some pros and cons of renting a car in Dubai:
Pros
You have more freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its attractions at your own pace and schedule.
You can save money on public transportation or taxi fares, especially travelling with a group or family.
Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from various car types and models, from economy to luxury.
You can access places inaccessible by public transportation, such as the desert, the mountains, or the neighbouring emirates.
You can enjoy the thrill of driving on some of the best roads and highways in the world.
Cons
You must deal with traffic congestion, especially during peak hours or holidays.
You must follow Dubai’s strict driving rules and regulations, which can differ from your home country.
You must pay for parking fees, tolls (Salik), fuel prices, and insurance costs.
You have to be careful of potential scams or hidden charges from some car rental companies.
You have to be prepared for any accidents or breakdowns on the road.
Basics of Driving in the United Arab Emirates
If you rent a car in Dubai, you must know basic information about driving in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Here are some crucial points to keep in mind:
Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden. The legal blood alcohol limit is zero. Any violation can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
Driving is on the right side of the road, and overtaking is on the left side.
Road signs are written in Arabic and English. However, some signs might use different symbols or colours than you are used to. For example, green signs indicate highways or main roads, while blue signs indicate secondary routes or exits.
Roundabouts are common in Dubai and other emirates. The general rule is to give way to traffic coming from your left unless otherwise indicated.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Children under 12 must sit in the back seat with appropriate child seats.
The speed limit varies depending on the road type and location. Generally, it ranges from 40 km/h to 140 km/h. There are speed cameras installed on most roads and highways.
Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Hands-free devices are allowed.
Tips for Renting a Car in Dubai in 2023
Now that you know what driving in Dubai entails, let’s move on to some practical tips for renting a car in Dubai in 2023. These tips will help you find the best deal, avoid problems, and enjoy your trip.
What Type of Car Should You Choose?
One of the first things you must decide when renting a car in Dubai is what car you want. This depends on several factors, such as:
The number of people travelling with you
The amount of luggage you have
The places you want to visit
The weather conditions
Your personal preferences
Generally speaking, there are four main categories of cars available for rent in Dubai:
Economy: These are small cars that are suitable for solo travellers or couples who only have a little luggage. They are also cheaper to rent and more fuel-efficient. However, they must be more comfortable and spacious for long or off-road trips.
Compact: These slightly larger cars accommodate up to four people with moderate luggage. They are also more affordable and economical than bigger cars. However, they might offer little legroom or trunk space for larger groups or families.
Standard: These are medium-sized cars that can fit up to five people with ample luggage. They are also more comfortable and reliable than smaller cars. However, they might be more expensive to rent and consume more fuel than smaller cars.
Luxury: These large cars can accommodate up to seven people with plenty of luggage. They are also more stylish and luxurious than other cars. However, they are also the most expensive to rent and consume the most fuel.
In addition to these categories, you can also choose from other types of cars, such as SUVs, vans, convertibles, sports cars, or even supercars. However, these cars might have higher rental rates, insurance costs, and fuel consumption than regular cars.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Dubai?
The cost of renting a car in Dubai depends on several factors, such as:
The type and model of the car
The duration and season of the rental
The location and company of the rental
The insurance and extras included in the rental
To give you an idea, here are some average prices for renting a car in Dubai in 2023 based on web search results:
Car Type
Daily Rate
Weekly Rate
Monthly Rate
Economy
40 AED
280 AED
1200 AED
Compact
50 AED
350 AED
1500 AED
Standard
70 AED
490 AED
2100 AED
Luxury
150 AED
1050 AED
4500 AED
These prices are only indicative and may vary depending on the car rental companies’ availability, demand, and offers. Therefore, comparing different options and booking online in advance is advisable to get the best deal.
Insurance, Excesses and CDW
Another important factor to consider when renting a car in Dubai is the insurance coverage and the excesses or deductibles. Insurance is mandatory for all car rentals in Dubai, but the type and level of insurance may vary depending on the car rental company and the car type.
Generally, there are two types of insurance available for car rentals in Dubai:
Third-party liability insurance covers any damage or injury caused by the rented car to other people or property. This is the minimum level of insurance required by law and is usually included in the rental price.
Comprehensive insurance: This covers any damage or loss caused to the rented car due to accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. This optional insurance level offers more protection and peace of mind but also costs more.
In addition to insurance, you must know the excesses or deductibles that apply to your car rental. Excesses or deductibles are the amounts you must pay out of your pocket in case of any damage or loss to the rented car. For example, if the excess is 1000 AED and the repair cost is 2000 AED, you must pay 1000 AED, and the insurance will cover the remaining 1000 AED.
The amount of excess or deductible depends on the car rental company and the car type. Generally, the higher the car’s value, the higher the excess or deductible. For example, an economy car might have an excess of 500 AED, while a luxury car might have a lot of 5000 AED.
One way to reduce or eliminate the excess or deductible is to buy a collision damage waiver (CDW) or a super collision damage waiver (SCDW). These are optional products that waive your liability for any damage or loss to the rented car up to a certain limit. For example, if you buy a CDW with a limit of 2000 AED and the repair cost is 3000 AED, you only have to pay 1000 AED instead of 2000 AED.
However, CDW or SCDW are not insurance products and do not cover everything. There are some exclusions and limitations that apply, such as:
Damage or loss caused by negligence, misuse, or violation of traffic rules
Damage or loss caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Damage or loss caused by driving off-road or on unpaved roads
Damage or loss to tires, windows, mirrors, lights, roof, undercarriage, interior, or personal belongings
Damage or loss caused by war, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, or acts of God
Therefore, it is advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully before buying a CDW or SCDW and check what is covered and what is not.
Renting Eligibility: Can Foreigners Rent Cars in Dubai?
The answer is yes. Foreigners can rent cars in Dubai as long as they meet some basic requirements for foreigners to rent cars in Dubai are:
A valid passport and visa
A valid driving licence from your home country or an international driving permit (IDP)
A credit card or debit card with sufficient funds
Minimum age of 21 years old (or 25 years old for some car types)
Driving Licence and IDP
You need a valid driving licence from your home country or an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the UAE. An IDP is a document that translates your driving licence into different languages and certifies that you are authorized to drive in foreign countries. You can obtain an IDP from your local automobile association or authority before you travel to the UAE.
The UAE accepts driving licences and IDPs from most countries, but some exceptions exist. For example, if you are from one of the following countries, you do not need an IDP, but you need to have your original driving licence with you:
Australia
Bahrain
Canada
China
Hong Kong
Japan
Kuwait
New Zealand
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
United Kingdom
United States
If you are from one of the following countries, you need to have both your original driving licence and an IDP with you:
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
If you are from any other country, you need to check with the car rental company or the UAE embassy in your country whether your driving licence and IDP are accepted.
Note that your driving licence and IDP must be valid and not expired or suspended. You must also have at least one year of driving experience to rent a car in Dubai.
Fuel Prices in Dubai
Another factor that affects the cost of renting a car in Dubai is the fuel price. Fuel is relatively cheap in Dubai compared to other countries, but it still adds to your expenses. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a fuel-efficient car and drive sensibly to save money on fuel.
The fuel price in Dubai depends on the type and grade of the fuel. There are two main types of fuel available in Dubai:
Gasoline (petrol): This is the most common fuel used by most cars in Dubai. Three gasoline grades are available in Dubai: E-Plus 91, Special 95, and Super 98. The higher the grade, the higher the octane rating and the performance of the fuel. However, the higher the grade, the higher the price as well. The average price of gasoline in Dubai in 2023 is 2.25 AED per litre for E-Plus 91, 2.37 AED per litre for Special 95, and 2.49 AED per litre for Super 98.
Diesel: This is another fuel used by some cars, especially SUVs, vans, or trucks in Dubai. Diesel is cheaper than gasoline, but it is also less available and less environmentally friendly. The average diesel price in Dubai in 2023 is 2.06 AED per litre.
You can check the current fuel prices in Dubai on the official website of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
When you rent a car in Dubai, you need to pay attention to the fuel policy of the car rental company. The fuel policy determines how much fuel you must pay for and how much fuel you must return with. There are three main types of fuel policies in Dubai:
Full to full: This is Dubai’s most common and fair fuel policy. It means that you receive the car with a full tank of fuel and have to return it with a full tank of fuel. You only pay for the fuel that you use during your rental period. However, if you return the car with less than a full fuel tank, you will be charged for the missing fuel plus a service fee.
Full to empty: This is a less common and fair fuel policy in Dubai. It means you receive the car with a full fuel tank and have to pay for it upfront. You can return the car with any fuel left, but you will not get any refund for the unused fuel. This means that you might pay for more fuel than you use.
Pre-purchase: This is another less common and fair fuel policy in Dubai. It means you can pre-purchase a certain amount of fuel at a discounted rate when you book or pick up the car. You can return the car with any fuel left, but you will not get any refund for the unused fuel. This means that you might pay for more fuel than you use.
Therefore, choose a full-to-full fuel policy and avoid full-to-empty or pre-purchase policies.
Watch Out for Any Possible Additional Fees
When you rent a car in Dubai, you must be aware of any possible additional fees that might apply to your rental. These fees might include:
Delivery and collection fees: Some car rental companies might charge you extra for delivering or collecting the car to or from your location, such as your hotel, airport, or home. These fees vary depending on the service’s distance, time, and availability. Therefore, checking the delivery and collection fees before you book or pick up the car is advisable.
Additional driver fees: Some car rental companies might charge extra for adding a driver to your rental agreement. You must pay more to share the driving with someone else. Therefore, checking the additional driver fees before you book or pick up the car is advisable.
Young driver fees: Some car rental companies might charge you extra for being a young driver. This means that you must pay more if you are under a certain age, such as 25 or 30 years old. Therefore, checking the young driver’s fees before you book or pick up the car is advisable.
GPS fees: Some car rental companies might charge you extra for renting a GPS device with your car. You have to pay more to use a GPS device to navigate your way around Dubai. Therefore, checking the GPS fees before you book or pick up the car is advisable.
Child seat fees: Some car rental companies might charge you extra for renting a child seat with your car. This means you must pay more if you have a child under 12 who needs a child seat. Therefore, check the child seat fees before you book or pick up the car
is advisable.
Some of the most common additional fees apply to your car rental in Dubai, but there are others. Therefore, it is advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully and ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
Road Tolls (Salik)
Another thing you need to know when renting a car in Dubai is the road tolls or Salik. Salik is an electronic toll collection system that operates on some of Dubai’s main roads and highways. It uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to automatically deduct a fee from a prepaid account whenever you pass through a toll gate.
The fee for passing through a toll gate is 4 AED per gate. There are currently seven toll gates in Dubai:
Al Barsha
Al Garhoud Bridge
Al Maktoum Bridge
Al Safa
Airport Tunnel
Mamzar
Sheikh Zayed Road
You can check the toll gates’ locations on Salik’s official website.
When you rent a car in Dubai, you must pay for the tolls you incur during your rental period. There are two ways to do this:
Prepaid account: You can buy a Salik tag and register it online with your credit or debit card. You can then attach the tag to your windshield and top up your account with any amount you want. Every time you pass through a toll gate, the fee will automatically be deducted from your account. You can check your balance and transactions online at any time.
Postpaid account: You can use the Salik tag attached to your rented car and pay the toll later. Every time you pass through a toll gate, the fee will be recorded by the car rental company and added to your final bill. You can check your toll charges online at any time.
The advantage of using a prepaid account is that you can control your spending and avoid surprises or disputes with the car rental company. The disadvantage is that you have to buy and register a Salik tag and pay an extra fee.
The advantage of using a postpaid account is that you don’t have to buy or register a Salik tag and pay an extra fee. The disadvantage is that you might only know how many tolls you have incurred once you return the car and receive your final bill.
Therefore, choose the option that suits your needs and budget best.
The procedure for Renting a Car in Dubai
Now that we have covered some of the most important tips for renting a car in Dubai let’s look at the procedure of renting a car in Dubai step by step:
The first step is to compare different options and book online in advance. You can use online platforms such as Bing Travel or Bing Car Rental to search for different car types, models, prices, locations, and offers from various car rental companies in Dubai. You can also read reviews from other customers and check ratings from reputable sources such as Trustpilot.
The second step is to prepare the required documents and payment method. You must have a valid passport, visa, driving licence, IDP (if applicable), credit card or debit card, and any other documents the car rental company might require. You also need to check the rental agreement and terms and conditions carefully and ensure you understand everything before signing it.
The third step is to pick up the car from the designated location. You must present your documents and payment method to the car rental agent and verify your identity and booking details. You also need to inspect the car for any damage or defect and report it to the agent before you accept it. You also need to check the car’s fuel level, mileage, and accessories and ensure that they match the rental agreement.
The fourth step is to drive safely and enjoy your trip. You need to follow Dubai’s traffic rules and regulations and respect the local culture and customs. You must also pay attention to road signs, speed limits, tolls, parking fees, and other road conditions. You must always keep your documents and payment method with you in case of any emergency or inspection.
The fifth and final step is to return the car to the designated location. You must return the car on time and in the same condition as you received it. You also need to refill the fuel tank according to the fuel policy of the car rental company. You must also check the car for any damage or loss and report it to the agent before you hand over the keys. You must also settle any outstanding charges or fees that might apply to your rental.
Conclusion
Renting a car in Dubai in 2023 can be a great way to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace and schedule. However, renting a car in Dubai can be challenging if you are prepared and informed. Therefore, it is advisable to follow some useful tips for renting a car in Dubai in 2023, such as:
Compare different options and book online in advance
Choose the right type of car for your needs and budget
Check the insurance coverage and the excesses or deductibles
Meet the eligibility requirements for renting a car in Dubai
Pay attention to the fuel prices and policies
Have a valid driving licence and IDP (if applicable)
Watch out for any possible additional fees
Be aware of the road tolls (Salik)
Follow the procedure of renting a car in Dubai step by step
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
