Ask any resident of the UAE what the best way to experience the country would be
and they’ll all have the same answer- drive. With one of the most advanced road
infrastructures in the world- including massive superhighways and interchanges- the
country is literally built for drivers. Renting a car will definitely improve your trip and
help you make memories that will last forever.
Many of the best experiences the country has to offer are far removed from the
hubbub of its main cities. If you ever want to catch the sunset over the Al Qudra
Oasis, kayak through the stunning lakes of Hatta or experience the awe-inspiring
views from the top of JabelJais, a car is a must.
Although many tourist sites can be accessed using public transport, your wallet will
thank you for renting a car. Fares for airport transfers, inter-city trips and taxis to
more out-of-the-way spots can rack up quickly, making having your own
transportation the most budget friendly option
Don’t let your experience be limited by rigid pick-up schedules and inflexible
timetables. At the end of the day, the greatest thing renting a car can offer is the
freedom and independence to forge your own trail and create your own adventures.
Because it is such a popular choice among visitors, renting a car in dubai is a
surprisingly straightforward process. All you need is your passport, your visit visa and
your driving license from home. Depending on where you are coming from, you may
also need an international driving permit (more on that later).
You must also be 21 years or older, although some supercar companies require you
to be over 25 to rent certain cars.
Passport
Visit Visa
Home Country
Driving License
International Driving Permit
(If Required)
Although all tourists are expected to provide their passport and visit visa, you can
rent a car using only your driving license if it was issued in one of the exempted
countries mentioned below. Some of the accepted ones include the USA driving
license, the UK driving license, the Canadian driving license, the EU driving license
and more.
If your driving license is not from one of the countries mentioned below, you’ll need
to additionally provide an international driving permit to rent a car in the UAE.
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Canada
China
Denmark
Italy
Kuwait
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Oman
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Switzerland
Netherlands (Holland)
Turkey
United Kingdom (UK)
USA
Yes, you can! Getting a UAE driving license usually requires you to undergo hours of training and tests, but if you come from an exempted country (see above), you can easily convert or transfer your existing license into a UAE license.
If you are between 18 and 21, this license will be valid for one year; if you are older than 21, the license is valid for two years. Before beginning the process, prepare the following documents:
If you hold a diplomatic passport, you will need to present:
If you have a driving license from an exempted country and are a GCC national, make sure to have your:
Once you have all your documents ready, here are the simple steps you can take to convert or transfer your license to a UAE driving license!
Certified Eye Test from the DHA
Go to an RTA Customer Centre
Fill up an application form
Submit all your documents
Wait for your application to be verified
Once a new account is opened with our info,
pay the necessary fees at the cashier
Have your photograph taken one your name is called
Receive your UAE license in just a few minutes!
UAEdriving BlogThis process can be completed with minimal fees, as listed below:
Although there are slight seasonal variations, the cost of renting a car in the UAE starts from AED 80 per day for a basic sedan. Because it is a year-round tourist hub, the rates are quite competitive, and many companies offer cheaper weekly and monthly plans.
However, more significant variations in pricing can occur depending on the type of car that is most suited to your needs. Follow our handy guide to determining which car is right for your needs.
Compact and budget-friendly basic sedans or hatchbacks, economy cars are the best option for you while staying within city limits. Perfect for independent city explorers, economy cars can usually comfortably accommodate 4 people and a moderate amount of luggage. These cars also have the additional advantage of consuming way less fuel, making it the greenest and cheapest car option available.
or similar
Sedan
or similar
Hatchback
If you are planning on getting away from the city, an SUV or a mini van is the better choice for you. SUVs have the additional advantage of being perfect for adventurers who are looking to drive into the desert to enjoy a bit of off-roading. However, both have the luxury of being able to comfortably accommodate up to 7 people and a large amount of luggage, making it perfect for large families or groups going on longer road trips.
or similar
SUV
or similar
SUV
The UAE’s well-known love for fast and expensive cars gives renters the unique opportunity to rent luxury and sports cars that would put a Fast and Furious movie to shame. If you fancy driving a Maserati or a Ferrari for a trip, these Luxury cars are available to rent at relatively reasonable prices
Yes! In fact, UAE law requires car rental companies to provide you with third party liability insurance inclusive of the rental price. Some additional insurances you could get on top of that include:
Several rental companies offer even more insurance options throughout the rental process. You could also check with your bank at home to see if they offer rental car insurances abroad- you could save quite a bit of money if this option is available to you.
PRO TIP
If you are considering going off-roading or dune bashing, be warned that while some companies offer insurance for the same, some do not allow you to do so in their rental cars. Check with your rental company first to avoid any unwelcome encounters.
Renting a car with a chauffeur in the UAE is a great way to get around, and rates are quite competitive given the high demand for the service. It is even the recommended
option for trips to busier tourist sites, as you won’t have to bother with the hassle of finding parking.
Given the UAE’s diverse nature, chauffeurs in Dubai are known to be multilingual
giving them a professional edge over many of their international counterparts. Being
able to easily communicate with your driver also means that you could end up finding
out about a few spots on the way to your destination that may not exist on most
tourist itineraries.
Chauffeured rides also are simpler in terms of cost calculation as the prices includes
both petrol and road tolls, with any extra charges levied on inter-city transfers being
clearly stated. There is also the factor of allowing a local to navigate the roads of a
new city, which provides you with extra safety from fines or road accidents.
As per UAE law, only certain cars can be provided with a chauffeur, and are
technically classified as ‘limos’, even though they don’t necessarily have to be of the
stereotypical stretch limo variety. Economy cars, like a Toyota Camry, cannot come
with a chauffeur, so most chauffeured cars are either SUVs, people carriers or luxury
models like the Lexus ES350 or the Mercedes Sprinter
4
3
5 Hours (Half Day)
10 Hours (Full Day)
19
6
5 Hours (Half Day)
10 Hours (Full Day)
To maintain and expand their excellent road infrastructure, the cities in the UAE do
in fact levy tolls using a series of electronic gates.
Every time you go through a toll, you will be automatically charged AED 4 using the
Salik tag attached to your windscreen. The rental company places a deposit on your
credit card from which the total sum of tolls you incur will be deducted, with the rest
being returned to you when you return the vehicle.
PRO TIP
Select the ‘avoid tolls’ option on your GPS to find a cheaper route, as there is no cap on how many road tolls you can be charged in a day.
As is the industry practice worldwide, you will need to pay a security deposit before
you can drive off in your rented car. Although this amount can vary greatly
depending on your rental company and the car you’re renting, the deposit for a basic
sedan is usually around AED 1000. If you don’t have a chauffeur, any road tolls or
fines you incur will be deducted from this deposit, with the remainder being returned
to you.
Most companies accept the amount via cash or credit card authorization and will not
accept cheques. If, you don’t have a credit card or don’t wish to use it abroad, most
companies can give you the option to set up a wire transfer to your bank to refund
your cash deposit. Given the choice though, it is always wiser to pay the deposit using
your credit card, not cash, as you can get your money back faster and more hassle
free.
Rental car companies often block the deposit amount on your credit card. Since
traffic fines sometimes generate several days after the incident is recorded by the
Roads and Transport Authority, companies block the deposit amount on a credit
card as a safety net for fines incurred on their leased cars while they were rented by
you.
Road tolls and vehicle damages are also recorded in a few days by the rental company
to be paid by the driver. If there are no fines or deductibles, the blocked amount is
released within 14-21 days.
Most rental car companies accept all major credit cards, debit cards and cash. Cheques are not usually accepted.
You will be driving on the right side of the road and passing on the left, as is the
norm in many countries. This might be something you need to be more aware of if
you come from a country that drives on the left, such as Australia or the UK.
Speed limits are always clearly signalled and posted and are generally the same across
the country.
Motorways
120 km/ph
(minimum of 60 km/ph)
Urban Areas
60 km/ph
Residential Areas
40 km/ph
If you are travelling with small children between 4 and 8 years old, the law requires
that they sit in a child car seat in the back. If you don’t have your own, most car
rental companies will provide these car seats at a small additional cost. Also note that
children under the age of 13 are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a car.
The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving, requiring rivers to
have a blood alcohol content of zero at all times. Driving under the influence will
result in hefty fines up to AED 30,000, license suspension, jail time and even
deportation.
All cars on the road need to be registered and fully insured, so make sure your rental
company provides you with all the necessary paperwork in case you are required to
show them.
To ensure safety, the Road and Transport Authority strictly enforces the rules of the road using a system of fines and black points.
The black points system in the UAE is applicable to both those driving with a foreign
license and those driving with a UAE license. These black points are assigned to a
driver’s license when they violate certain traffic laws- accruing a total of 24 black
points will result in you facing your license being revoked or being banned from
driving any vehicles for a year.
As mentioned before, any fines you incur are taken out of your security deposit by
your rental agency. Offenses that you can be penalised for are listed below:
| VIOLATION | FINE AMOUNT | BLACK POINTS | ADDITIONAL PENALTIES |
|---|---|---|---|
| More than 80 kmph over posted limit | AED 3,000 | 23 | Confiscation for 60 days |
| More than 60 kmph over posted limit | AED 2,000 | 12 | Confiscation for 30 days |
| Less than 60 kmph over posted limit | AED 1,500 | 6 | Confiscation for 15 days |
| Less than 50 kmph under posted limit | AED 1,000 | - | - |
| Less than 40 kmph under posted limit | AED 700 | - | - |
| Less than 30 kmph under posted limit | AED 600 | - | - |
| Less than 20 kmph under the speed limit | AED 300 | - | - |
| VIOLATION | FINE AMOUNT | BLACK POINTS | ADDITIONAL PENALTIES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endangering lives of road users | AED 2,000 | 23 | Confiscation for 60 days |
| Driving without number plates | AED 3,000 | 23 | Confiscation for 90 days |
| Sudden swerving | AED 1,000 | 4 | - |
| Blocking traffic | AED 1,000 | 6 | - |
| Jumping a red signal | AED 1,000 | 12 | Confiscation for 30 days |
| Not leaving a safe distance between vehicles (tailgating) | AED 400 | 4 | - |
| Overtaking on the hard shoulder | AED 1,000 | 6 | - |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol | AED 20,000/jail term decided by the court | 23 | Confiscation for 60 days |
| Driving under the influence of drugs/similar substances | Fine/jail term decided by the court | - | Confiscation for 60 days, suspension of license for one year after the end of jail term |
| VIOLATION | FINE AMOUNT | BLACK POINTS | ADDITIONAL PENALTIES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using the phone while driving | AED 800 | 4 | - |
| Driving without a seatbelt | AED 400 | 4 | - |
| Driving with expired tyres | AED 500 | 4 | Confiscation for 7 days |
| Driving without a valid insurance/registration | AED 500 | 5 | Confiscation for 7 days |
| Exceeding 50% of car window tinting limit | AED 1,500 | - | - |
| Driving a noisy vehicle | AED 2,000 | 6 | - |
| Transporting passengers illegally | AED 3,000 | 24 | Confiscation for 30 days |
| Jaywalking | AED 400 | - | - |
| Using a quadbike on the road | AED 3,000 | - | Confiscation for 90 days |
| Throwing garbage while driving | AED 1,000 | 6 | - |
Although you will be provided with a full tank at pick-up, the standard practice
among car rental companies in the UAE means that you will have to pay for additional top-ups and cover fuel expenses.
However, gas is pretty cheap in the UAE, so don’t let gas prices deter you. As of June 1st, 2020, the price of petrol in the UAE stands at AED 1.79 per litre, while diesel stands at AED 2.06 per litre. Make sure to confirm what type of fuel is best for your rental car with your agency.
PRO TIP
Find out what mileage your car can deliver if you plan to go on longer trips. This will help you plan smarter and avoid petrol stations at crowded peak hours.
Parking in the UAE are usually divided into two kinds- mall/private parking and public parking.
Malls, being a major attraction in the UAE, usually have paid private parking spaces,
which vary greatly in price. Usually, malls allow you to park for around 3-4 hours
before charging a parking fee around AED 20. Many malls around the country also
offer free parking on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.
The public parking system varies from city to city and zone to zone in the UAE, but
in general, the prices are AED 2 per hour, AED 5 for two hours, AED 8 for three
hours and AED 10 for 24 hours. You can park for free on Fridays and public
holidays, and people with disabilities can always park for free.
Check here for a full guide on parking zones and rates in the UAE:
There are many ways to pay for parking in the UAE:
To ensure safety, there are also 6 major parking violations with fines put in place. These are:
Now that you have a car, it’s time to think about where you want to go. The UAE has many roads and destinations where you can experience the freedom of the open road. Considering Dubai as your anchoring point, here are some of the best drives the country has to offer:
PRO TIP
If your rented card does not have built-in navigation systems, many rental companies will provide you with a satellite GPS at a small additional cost. If you plan on taking road trips and don’t have a phone that both has data and is fully functionable in the Emirates, it is best to take this option.
Buckle in for the most expansive view of the UAE landscape you will ever
experience! Jabal Jais is the country’s tallest mountain, rising 1,900 metres out of the
stunning Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. The road through the mountain range
is littered with rural areas and Bedouin camps, where you can get a taste of what life
used to be like in the UAE.
The road to the top is rugged and features 8 hairpin turns which require expert
handling, with the RAK Jebel Al Jais Mountain Resort at the peak offering you the
chance to either enjoy their facilities or extend your stay. You could even choose to
barbecue at the peak to end your drive with a meal with a view.
How to get there: Take the E311 Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, also known as Old
Emirates Road, towards Ras Al Khaimah. This particular stretch is smooth tarmac
and can be made by most.
Once you reach Ras Al Khaimah, follow the road signs towards Jabal Jais. Parts of
this short stretch, about 10 kilometres, are broken and rocky roads, so if you are not
in a four-wheel drive, a more experienced driver may be recommended. Also keep an
extra keen eye out for road signs in this stretch, as they tend to get limited and
obscure. Once you are at the foot of the mountain however, the ride up is smooth
asphalt once more, and the real thrill of summitting Jabal Jais can begin.
The drive from Dubai is 250 kilometres long, or about 3 hours.
PRO TIP
If you want to make the most out of your long drive, timing is everything. Try and hit the road about 4-5 hours before sundown so that you can enjoy the sunset from the peak. This is best if you plan to stay overnight as well, so you can experience the sunrise the next morning and have plenty of time to see the sights of the area.
Truly open road, making a trip to Liwa is simultaneously peaceful and eventful. This
road doesn’t feature many thrilling turns or sudden elevations, but nevertheless
possesses its own quiet charm from the sandy dunes of the Rub Al Khali desert
rolling on both sides. Because of how untouched and serene this area is, it is often
called the Empty Quarter.
You have the option here of either following the peaceful road and driving through
country sides and camel herds or going off the road into the desert (check with your
rental company about off-roading, see above). You could also stop on the side of the
road if you find an interesting spot and walk into the desert a little. Be careful not to
go too far or walk without a phone, as it is easy to get lost.
How to get there: The drive from Dubai is very simple- head straight down Sheikh
Zayed Road, in the Abu Dhabi direction and enjoy the smooth drive for about 3 and
a half hours. Follow the signs pointing towards Al Ghweifat and Madinat Zayed. Fun
fact,the E11 actually goes all the way to the Saudi border!
There are two exits off the E11 to Liwa- it is most common to take the second exit to Madinat Zayed and come back via the other route. Be warned that this route does require you to pass through oil fields and there will be official check points- just show
them your ID and hotel booking. Remember not to take any photographs in this
area; warning signs are posted that say the same.
Liwa is about 350 kilometres from Dubai but is only a 4-hour drive because of how smooth the terrain is.
PRO TIP
Make sure you stock up on water, snacks and most importantly, a full tank of gas before you hit the E11. Since petrol stations and grocery stores are few and far between on this stretch, you would do well to have all your supplies at hand.
It may only be the second-tallest mountain in the UAE, but the drive it offers is by
no means second-class! The vintage road up this 1,249-metre behemoth was
constructed in 1986, with over 11 kilometres of asphalt making its way around the
mountain. The twisty road features steep mountain climbs with over 60 corners to
keep you exhilaratingly busy throughout the entire drive.
In fact, this whole road seems to have been designed with thrill-seeking drivers in
mind- there are even platforms up the road where you can occasionally stop your car,
step out and admire the gorgeous views. Driving down the mountain however can be
challenging as there is only one treacherously steep way down.
If you wish to prolong your drive, you could decide to spend the night camping in
the surrounding wilderness, or, if you’d prefer, you could stay at the Hotel Mercure
Grand Jabal Hafeet.
How to get there: If you are driving from Dubai, the route is quite linear. Take the
E311, also known as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and take exit 44 to merge
onto the E66 towards Al Ain.
Stay on the E66, also known as the Dubai-Al Ain Road, for the next 4.4 kms, at
which point, you can follow the clear road signs towards Jabal Hafeet. Once at the
base of the mountain, follow the winding road up- this drive is often compared to
Italy’s Selvio Pass or Australia’s Great Ocean Road.
The drive is 166 kilometres from Dubai and takes about 2 hours.
PRO TIP
To ensure the smoothest ride experience, try and visit Jabal Hafeet on a weekday. The mountain is a very popular spot on weekends and is often bustling with tourists and mountain bikers looking to take advantage of the steep landscape.
A drive filled with welcome surprises, the road to Kalba is one that at first takes you
through Sharjah’s industrial area. The fruits of this drive only show themselves about
50 kilometres in, when you can see the Hajar Mountains rising through the landscape,
giving you plenty of S-bends and valleys to zoom through.
The surprises culminate at the end of a 1.27 km tunnel, which opens out into the
coasts of Fujairah, where you can drive along crystal-clear waters of Sandy Beach,
where you can set up camp for the night. You can head to Snoopy Island, a small
island where you can snorkel, fish, and bask in the majesty of the rich marine life
around you.
How to get there: First step is to hit E311 towards Sharjah. You will find less traffic
on this highway thanks to opposite direction morning traffic. Follow signs for
Fujairah – Kalba until you reach E102 or Maliha Road.
Second step is to fill up on petrol on this road. You will find a couple of stops on the
way. After Maliha Road the gas stations will be hard to come by. Fill up the tank and
load up on refreshments.
Follow E102 until you reach E84 towards Fujairah – Kalba. This is the road leading up to the mountains. You will find a very smooth road with speeds reaching up to 120 km / hr.
The roads towards Kalba are all very smooth, but do take extra care in the rainy
season, as the wadis of the region flood very easily. The drive is about 120 kilometres
long and will take around 2 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the sights.
Equal parts smooth rides and rocky roads, the road to Hatta is just as spectacular as the end destination. A lasting favourite among UAE residents, Hatta is a heritage
village nestled amid the Hajar Mountains, but don’t be fooled by it’s folksy exterior.
The entire area just went through a major overhaul undertaken by the RAK tourism
authorities. They recently opened Sedr Trailers and Resorts by Meraas, a premier
glamping trailer park which gives you access to amazing amenities while spending a
night under the stars. You could also go zorbing, ziplining, kayaking and mountain
biking here- the place has it all.
The road winds through valleys, perfect for a lazy drive with the spectacular Hajar
Mountains in the background, and the giant Hatta Dam in the foreground. Desert
wildlife and vegetation are scattered by the sides of the road, complementing
stunning rock formations all around
How to get there: It’s approximately 96.5km from Dubai to Hatta. The most direct
route is to take the E44 from Dubai, across the border and straight on to Hatta.
Use a more circular route so you don’t end up crossing over to Oman and use the
E102, turning off onto the 42 just before you reach Munay. With clear traffic, the trip
should take you around an hour and a half, making it a great weekend destination.
PRO TIP
If you have an SUV, bring along some barbeque equipment. There are rocky paths that allow you to drive up into the mountains, the perfect area for a barbeque dinner!
August 13, 2020
August 11, 2020
April 08, 2020
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