Ah, Dubai is that dazzling city in the future, where all sorts of luxury are indeed just a lifestyle. The roads appear as smooth as the world’s finest silk. So what could be more practical when getting around this cosmopolitan city than renting a car?
Whether cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road, heading out for an adventure in the desert, or a road trip across cities, having a car available to you makes that experience so much more memorable.
However, right before you speed off on a brand-new car in Dubai, there are important conditions and requirements for rental cars in Dubai. We have covered your minimum age requirement, your documents, and how to get a car rental insurance policy plus drive here.
So far as you are concerned, all that matters is spelt out here. We would not bother you with that – everything is here in order to give you straight, hassle-free guidelines and guide you as you will make plans to rent your car in Dubai.
Minimum Age and License Eligibility
Let’s start with some of the basics—what’s the minimum age at which you can rent a car in Dubai? All this excitement aside, after all, let’s have some words on age and licenses.
The minimum age required for car rental in Dubai is generally 21 years old. However, the age of minimum rental will often be higher, for instance, 23 years old, with some companies only offering that for luxury cars or SUVs.
If you are under 25 years old, you should know that most of the rental agencies will charge you an extra young driver fee. This is precautionary against the risk of renting to younger drivers.
Key Documents to Have Ready
The following are the requirements for hiring a car in Dubai. It is a must to possess a valid driving license issued from your home country; however, the rules change according to the country one is coming from. People coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council country can drive with their local license.
If you are from a country other than the GCC, then you would require an International Driving Permit in addition to your national driving license. IDP is basically an interpretation of your native driving license that is useful especially if your license text is not written in English or Arabic.
Visitors carrying a driving license from Europe, America, Canada, or any other country of international importance need to carry their home country’s driver’s license; however, it is always best to confirm with the renting agency ahead of time.
Don’t panic if you haven’t obtained an IDP before you leave: Obtain one from your local automobile association or similar organization before you leave home.
Furthermore here is a simple checklist about the documents you need to follow:
1. Valid Passport: This is an absolute must, especially for foreign visitors. Rental agencies in Dubai will ask to see your passport as proof of identification.
2. Driving License: You will be expected to provide an existing current valid driving license, depending on the considerations mentioned earlier. But, if you are from any of the countries whose license is in any language other than English or Arabic, an IDP is also essential besides.
3. Credit Card: Most companies accept the card for deposit and charges just to cover the deposit amount as well as the fees in full.
Few companies do accept a debit card solely for the purposes of making payments; yet, that depends. Do ensure your credit card has sufficient available credit for both deposit as well as for the charges of rental.
4. Visa or Residence Permit (for UAE residents): If you’re a resident of the UAE, bring along your Emirates ID or visa.
Ensure that you prepare and present these documents when you get there to expedite the process. Avoid arriving with a crumpled photocopy of your passport (that’s the fastest ticket back to your hotel).
Security Deposit and Payment Policies
You are supposed to pay a security deposit on rental, which covers damages or fines the company might incur with your rented car. That usually comes in the form of a hold on the credit card, which then gets refunded once you’ve returned the car to exactly the same condition minus of course any charges that incurred.
The deposit varies with the type of car: Luxury cars and SUV high-end models require larger amounts of deposits.
Generally, the deposit is between AED 1,000 and AED 5,000- about $270 to $1,350- and is refundable when the car is returned in good condition after the rental period.
You will probably use your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) to pay for your rental car.
Cash may be accepted to make the payment but the rental company still asks you for a credit card as security. Make sure to request other fees which may apply in addition to fuel, tolls, or another driver’s fee so you would not be surprised at pick-up.
Understanding Rental Insurance Options
So before you sit down and take off, let’s discuss the insurance part of your car rental. In Dubai, you have numerous choices in insurance that may confuse you a little if you do not know them beforehand.
1. Basic Coverage (CDW – Collision Damage Waiver): This is the most commonly selected option, and typically it is already included in the rental price. This coverage covers any damage done to the vehicle in the accident but with a deductible or excess. Hence, you may have to pay part of the repair costs.
2. Full Coverage: If some people avoid paying the deductible fee by opting for full coverage, then this insurance offers coverage of everything under damages, theft, or any accident, without deductibles. It really is suited for those people who love complete peace of mind during the drive.
3. Theft Cover: This protects you in the event that the car gets stolen. If you want to rent a luxurious car, then this may well be something you might have to pay for with the rental package.
4. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This covers all the medical costs of the people inside the car if some unfortunate accident occurs. Although optional, it may do the trick if you want to ensure that nothing unwanted happens.
5. Third-Party Liability Insurance: This insurance is generally included and covers damages to third parties (other vehicles, property, etc.). It’s often required by law.
Pro Tip: If you have travel insurance or a credit card offering car rental insurance, you might not need to purchase extra coverage. Always check with your insurance provider before opting for the rental company’s insurance.
Fuel Policy and Mileage Restrictions
A few important things to note when renting a car in Dubai are the fuel policies and mileage limits. These include:
The most common policy in Dubai is full-to-full: You opt for the car with a full tank of fuel and return it full. It’s very straightforward and you are charged for only the fuel that you use.
Some agencies may offer a prepay fuel policy whereby you are charged for the full tank upfront, and you will not be asked to refill the car on return, but this tends to cost more than you would by refilling it yourself.
Most rental companies allow for unlimited mileage throughout your stay, so you don’t have to keep track of how many miles you accumulate in a given day or week.
However, some of them have a mileage limit; you’ll be charged an extra fee if you cross the set limit. 250 kilometers are allowed for a day; if you cross this amount, there is a fee per kilometer.
So, in case you will drive very long distances-for instance, you’ll go on a road trip to Abu Dhabi or even to Oman, you should definitely know whether there is a limitation on the mileage included into the rent or if you are not allowed to use it for free.
Traffic Rules, Fines, and Accountability
Traffic laws in Dubai are not to be taken lightly, and you will be right to fear the consequences of breaking such laws because the roads there are quite congested at times, and speeding tickets have become an annoyance. A few traffic rules that might come in handy are these:
1. Speed Breaking: Dubai has very high rates of enforcement for speed breaks. Speed limits in towns are generally 60-80 km/h, but on highways, they allow up to 120 km/h. Watch out for those cameras-they line the streets!
2. Alcohol: Zero tolerance for alcohol! The legal blood alcohol limit is 0%. Even trace amounts of alcohol in your system can lead to heavy fines or even jail time. Do not drive after drinking.
3. Seat Belts: Always wear your seat belt, even if you’re driving alone in the car. Not only is it safer, but it’s also a law.
4. Parking: Observe parking policies. Parking in prohibited places will lead to fines, and even your car gets towed away. Therefore, be very cautious regarding parking in congested shopping malls or in downtown areas.
Just in case you get fines along the way, they shall be charged on your credit card after you return to the car. Some allow checking fines online so one can settle them before coming home.
Vehicle Choice and Booking in Advance
Dubai’s car-rental market has everything from small sedans to luxury ones. Advance booking is very advisable if you are coming in winter or for events like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Formula 1 Grand Prix, as these vehicles are mostly booked during those periods!
Book Early: Advance booking ensures that you book the car you want. This also ensures you are offered the best rates possible.
Choose the Right Car: Consider your needs before choosing a vehicle. You should consider the SUV or other 4×4.
Rental Packages: Choose a rental package, which would cover you all the more from benefits of unlimited mileage or insurance that can include or not charge you extra upon usage.
By booking as early and choosing the appropriate car model, you should have nothing but a smooth ride around Dubai for your visit there.
Cancellation Policies
Most car rental agencies operating in Dubai are lenient with regard to the cancellation policy, but they differ in terms of other features. Most would offer you an opportunity to cancel, while some have stringent cancellation periods depending on their own conditions.
If you are within the specified 24-48-hour window after booking, full refunds can be granted except for terms specified by certain rental providers. You have to check on terms and conditions prior to making reservations to avoid last-minute hassles.
Conclusion
The other good thing about renting a car in Dubai is the freedom to travel around the city as well as the surroundings. This offers flexibility as one can enjoy much of the city’s surroundings and its attractions.
Therefore, with knowledge of age requirements, documents, insurance, and options for vehicles, it is easier to book a car ahead of time, make the best deals, and know what to do when cancelling. Always make plans beforehand to get the best prices and the proper vehicle.
Also Read: Why renting a car in dubai is better than other countries?
