Car rental in Dubai: tips, prices, routes

Are you going to the United Arab Emirates for a road trip of a few days? This is our mini-guide to rent a car in Dubai!

The Arabian Desert is a vast desert in Western Asia. The latter extends from Yemen to the Persian Gulf. Against all expectations, a futuristic city shines its lights during the cool nights of the Arab desert. This is Dubai. This town that once lived mainly from fishing is now a popular tourist destination for travellers. Indeed, it was only in 1940 that the great development began, especially thanks to the exploitation of black gold. Since then, shopping malls, luxury hotels and great restaurants have been abounding in the city of the future and the demeasure. It is not surprising if the tourist influx increases every year. Despite public transportation available in the city, many prefer the option of renting a car in Dubai.

In addition, the road trip between Dubai and Abu Dhabi has practically become a passing rite in the UAE. You plan a route by car, but you need more information? With the help of our comprehensive guide, you will have no difficulty in car rental in Dubai.

Where to rent a car in Dubai?

At the airport

The two main airports in Dubai are the Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the Al Maktoum International. The latter is often nicknamed the Dubai World Central (DWC) . Several international agency counters are available on site at both airports. These are useful if you ever need to rent a car in Dubai.

In town

The biggest advantage of renting a car in Dubai with a local company is the price. The prices of international agencies are often inflated in the high season, but they nevertheless make it easy to travel.

Itineraries in Dubai by car: some ideas of road trip

Before going to the big questions, we created three different routes for you, depending on the number of days you will have for your trip. So here’s our favourite route ideas.

Itinerary from 2 to 4 days in Dubai

• Did you plan a stay in the city of the future? So this route will go hand in hand with your car rental in Dubai! To begin, on the way to the highest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Indeed, it is not necessary to have vertigo, because this tricky design tower is 864 meters high. From the airport, just take the E11 road, which will take you directly to the tower.
• To continue your day, a visit to the Deira Clocktower should complete everything before you return to the hotel.
• For your second and third day, a visit Palm Jumeirah It's set. With one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, Hotel Atlantis, you’ll have to take some beautiful pictures. If you have children, a fun park with water slides is at the back of the gigantic palm tree.
• If there is still time, by borrowing the D61, you can easily reach the Miracle Garden of Dubai. They have over 50,000 floral species.
• To gently finish your stay, go to the beach of Jumeirah. Then finish the day in beauty with the Dubai Fountain.

7-day itinerary in Dubai

Did you visit the tower, the palm tree and the beach of Jumeirah? So why not take a trip to Abu Dhabi City for the rest of your trip? With some vehicle rentals, it is even possible to drop the car to the city airport. Therefore, please plan your flight tickets according to where you wish to complete your route.

• Once you arrive in the city of Abu Dhabi, you cannot miss the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
• Moreover, on your way, you will surely have noticed the small islands in the north of the city. Visiting these will take you at least one day or two. In addition, Saadiyat Island, you will have the chance to explore the Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum.
• To conclude, a must-see monument is undoubtedly the palace of Qasr Al Watan.

Itinerary for two weeks and more in Dubai

If you have the adventure spirit, then this route will certainly fill you! First of all, please note that it is possible to exchange the activities of the previous routes, according to your tastes. For example, you could visit the city of Dubai for a few days before entering with the following. We invite you to heat your engines, because the road is a little longer this time.

• Indeed, prepare your luggage for the north of the United Arab Emirates. Your next destination is the mountain of Djebel Jais, about two hours’ drive from Dubai by E311. Being the highest geographical point in the UAE, you can climb, camping, and discover small local restaurants. The perfect place to relax, away from Dubai's busy life. Once you have visited the mountain, you can conclude with the road trip in Abu Dhabi.

How to compare and book your rental car online in Dubai?

The route is established, but what about the car rental process in Dubai? In order to proceed calmly, it will first be necessary choose dates to which you wish to leave and return. In addition, you will need to choose the type of vehicle and the number of seats you need. Several car rental sites in Dubai are available, but how to find the best prices?

It is always recommended to use a price comparison in order to compare prices of different agencies. In this way, even if the vehicle you are looking for is not available in one, it can be available in the other. With Rentalcars , for example, you can filter by vehicle category, budget or company. Thus, you will be assured to rent a car in Dubai at the best price.

How much does a rental car cost in Dubai?

Per day

The city of Dubai is as beautiful as it is luxurious. In this case, the wallet must be prepared accordingly, especially in high season. Provide on average between 30€ and 50€ per day to rent a car in Dubai. This includes insurance and taxes.

Per week

The strict minimum will be 300€ per week for your car rental in Dubai. In the high season, from November to April, expect almost double will save you from anguish. Indeed, the rates rise very fast during the tourist season.

Driving to Dubai: the traffic rules to know

For speed limits in the United Kingdom:

• In agglomeration you will have to drive at maximum speed 80km/h.
• On the highways, you can make 120 km/h maximum.
• Local residents tend to exceed speed limits and make last minute dry turns. So, on the highways as in the city, it is important to remain vigilant. In addition, note that several toll points are present under the name salik. You can see them appear on signage panels.

Note that alcohol in the steering wheel is formally prohibited, and the belt is mandatory.

Our tips for your car rental in Dubai

The preparation of your trip to Dubai is almost over. Here are some important points to remember to rent a car in Dubai:

• Prioritize one full warranty on car rental in Dubai.
• You can return the car to Abu Dhabi City with some agencies.
• Take the time to check the age of the vehicle and its mileage.
• Think about taking it unlimited mileage especially if you intend to stay more than a week.
• Try to rent several weeks or even several months in advance, to get the best prices.

Rent a car in Dubai: what conditions do you need?

We must have 21 years minimum to rent a car in Dubai. Every driver must have in his possession a driver’s license of at least one year old. The French driver's license is sometimes accepted, however the international permit can be requested in addition.

Limited or unlimited mileage?

• If the majority of your trip was in Dubai, a Limited mileage would then be potentially advantageous.
• On the other hand, if you plan to get out of town, then you will have to favor a unlimited mileage.

Do you need insurance to rent a car in Dubai?

Third party insurance is formally mandatory in the city of Dubai. Don't worry, though. Most international agencies provide third party insurance and damage insurance.

Where to park in Dubai?

Large parking lots are available near the airport. Otherwise, if you would like to bet in the city, it will cost you expensive ! For major attractions of the city, large parking lots are available so no worries.

What is the most convenient car category to visit Dubai?

• Since Dubai is located in the desert, many believe it is absolutely necessary to rent a 4×4 to drive in the dunes. In fact, car driving in the sand is a supervised activity with professionals. Moreover, it is even uncommon to do so if you do not have the habit.
• If you want to rent a car in Dubai, a small economic car will do the job, most roads being tarnished. However, if your group is made up of more than four passengers, prices can rise quite quickly. This is why we recommend you take a lot of advance on your car rental in Dubai.

That concludes our guide on car rental in Dubai. As we hope to have brought a perspective on travel, we wish you a great visit to the UAE!