Are you in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for work? Could you be attending a social function? Is a road trip in and around the UAE in your bucket list?

Have an easier and more comfortable time on the road by choosing the best car rental deals you can find. Don’t know where to start? Let us guide you through the ins and out of car rental in the UAE.

Easy Cruisin’

The UAE is a region full of wondrous sights. From Abu Dhabi to Dubai, Fujairah to Ras Al-Khaimah, and the rest of the emirates, each one has a distinct personality that you can discover. Whether you are a local visiting a neighboring city or a tourist out on a road trek, it would be more enjoyable if you had control over your itinerary, don’t you think?

Having your own car to drive around while exploring the sights is convenient. You can roam around at your own pace instead of having to rush to see the sights in one location because you need to follow a schedule and move on to the next attraction, as is often the case with tour groups. You also have more freedom to explore destinations other than those included in the typical tourist itinerary.

Aside from time concerns, you can also save on transportation costs when you drive your own vehicle, especially when you are traveling with several people. Instead of paying for several cabs, you can just rent a van and enjoy your time touring the UAE together.

If you’re in town for business, then you can manage your time better and get an opportunity to balance work and play. After a day of business meetings or being cooped up in a conference, you can then drive around to shop, immerse yourself in the local culture, or simply savor the sights, sounds and savory offerings that the emirates have to offer.

But before you hop into any vehicle for rent, you must also be wise in choosing the best rental company. There are also basic things that you must be aware of when driving in and around the emirates. Here are four great tips that can help you successfully choose the right rental car in the UAE:

Prepare Your Paperwork

First of all, you need to be eligible to drive or rent a car in the UAE. Local residents must be 18 years old and above to be issued a driver’s license. However, you need to be 21 years old or older to be able to rent a vehicle.

If you’re a tourist, you must possess an International Driver’s License. However, if you’re coming from one of the GCC countries or from European nations such as Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK, then you can convert your foreign driver’s license into a UAE one. The same applies to visa-holders from the US, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia.

Locals who want to rent a car must submit a copy of their Emirates ID, passport, residential visa, and a valid UAE Driver’s License. Tourists wanting to rent a car must give a copy of their passport, visit visa or visa stamp, and a valid International Driver’s License (unless they are from the GCC countries, Canada, UK, US or other eligible countries).

Be Aware of Local Road Rules

Whether you’re a local or not, you should be aware of the UAE’s road rules and regulations. Observing them will not only help you avoid fines but also, more importantly, keep you safe on the road.

Seat belts are mandatory, and so are child safety seats for children up to the age of four. No passenger under the age of 10 and below 145 cm tall should be allowed to sit on the front passenger seat.

Ignoring traffic signals, racing or reckless driving, and driving under the influence will lead to fines and penalties. Using phones while driving is also a traffic offense punishable by law. Other information and details on the UAE’s traffic laws can be found here.

Identify Your Needs

When you’re all done with the necessary paperwork and eligibility requirements, then you can move on to choosing the right car.

First off, you need to identify your needs. Where will you be going? Will you just be cruising around the city or will you go to the outskirts? Will you require a light vehicle or an all-terrain one?

You should also consider the number of people in your group. If you’re traveling alone or with about two or three companions, then a sedan will do. If you’re a bigger group, then you might need a van to go around.

Also, check the fine print on your car rental document. Be aware of additional fees, if any. Vehicles are mandated to be covered by car insurance in the UAE but you have to present a valid police report at the time of the accident.

Check the Car Rental Company

Another very important consideration is the company you will be renting from. Make sure that you only deal with a reputable car rental company. This will protect you from any dubious transactions as well as other road safety and security risks.

Well-regarded companies will ensure that their vehicles comply with UAE road regulations. At the same time, you can be assured that the vehicles for rent will be in good condition. You can also look forward to efficient service.

Enjoy Your Drive

When you have met all the requirements needed to drive in the UAE, then you can freely choose which car will suit your needs the most. Whether it is a cozy hatchback, a sporty SUV, or a classy luxury car, the choice is yours. As long as you follow the rules, then you can look forward to a fun and fantastic time driving around the UAE.

Get in touch with us at UAE Driving for your vehicle rental needs.