Dubai is a city that dazzles with towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and futuristic architecture.
Whether you are here to explore the world’s tallest building, shop till you drop, or enjoy a desert safari, you will need a reliable way to get around.
Taxis and public transport can be availed of, but there’s no beating the freedom and flexibility of having your own rental car. Still, finding the best car rental deals in Dubai can be a bit of a challenge.
Don’t worry! A little strategy and know-how will get you driving away with a good deal. Here’s how to do it, step by step, without putting too much stress into your system.
Define Your Requirements
And before you plunge into the wide rental sea, write down to yourself just exactly what you could possibly need.
Are you going to need to dash around town in a cool sports car? Or have you always wanted to shove some of your relatives or buddies for an interstate cross-country run across the desert?
It can guide you away from impulse purchases; for this, you can ask yourself:
If you and your luggage are the only ones travelling, then a compact car is ideal. Traveling with all members of the family will be perfect in a mid-size sedan or SUV, but much better.
The type of driving you’ll be doing will also count – you may want to find a car for city driving, desert exploration, or long highway journeys. All cars are handled differently over varied terrains, so choose one based on the most frequent places you would be driving to.
Your budget will also guide your choice. Do you really want to rent a Lamborghini in Dubai? Don’t let the excitement fool you; your wallet needs to agree. Set a sensible budget according to the scope of your travels and work within it.
How long will you be renting? Short-term rentals cost differently than long-term rentals, so be ready for that.
Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms
Don’t accept any deal. There are quite a number of car rental companies in Dubai, ranging from multinationals to small independent ones, and most of them charge differently. Here, you should compare prices while taking advantage of several providers.
Online availability of platforms like Kayak, Rentalcars, and Expedia allows you to compare prices with a number of providers and saves time and effort. It’s like strolling down a shopping mall from your couch.
Major rental car companies like Hertz, First Supercar, and DreamRides have special promotions or rates that are not found on their sites but can be found on these platforms.
Compare the price, and check if it covers car insurance, taxes, or any hidden fees. Another convenience that some platforms may offer is free cancellation, saving you from headaches in case your plans change at the last minute.
Look for Special Offers and Discounts
Who’s not a fan of deals? Dubai is an extremely competitive car rental marketplace, and rental firms are always trying to attract and entice their clients. Watch for special offers, especially for advance bookings or flexible date availability. Here are some tricks to get you off on the right track.
They go on seasonal offers. At times, they have these low seasons during summer holidays when it’s very hot in Dubai and people refrain from visiting. The firms reduce their charges during the low season to attract maximum customers.
You can always get credit card deals and free additional drivers or some free upgrade of your category. You can also find loyalty programs that provide discounted rentals if you are a frequent renter.
They also offer package deals which can sometimes be cheaper in case you bundle your car rental with a hotel reservation or flight. This feature is also offered by travel websites, so take the time to check it on the website.
Book in Advance for Better Rates
If you want to visit Dubai during the high season, which includes the winter months or major festivals, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, you will be wise to book beforehand. Prices can go from good to bad overnight in demand, and you would most likely pay a lot if you wait until the last minute.
Booking early comes with its advantages; here are some examples:
During peak seasons, good models sell within a short time. Booking in advance saves you from having your preferred car unprepared for you.
Often, the rental companies use low-priced rates in price quotations to charge customers booking in advance as it helps them manage their fleet.
You will be able to book early enough for you to compare your various options, change your decision, or even cancel when you do not incur stiff cancellation fees.
Consider Long-Term Rentals for Extended Stays
If you stay longer in Dubai, consider long-term rentals. Often, a car rented for a month or more is much cheaper than a car rental booked for a few days if you’re going to use it much.
Usually, there are discounts on long-term rentals. The rental companies usually give major discounts on long rentals and sometimes even the facility of paying in terms of monthly basis instead of daily.
They also provide a free upgrading program if you rent for a longer time.
For the long run rental always, you get out of the hassle of coming and going every now and then in a metropolitan city like Dubai.
Surely to read the Terms and conditions, it will help you avoid getting locked up against an unfavorable clause.
Check for Additional Fees and Hidden Costs
Rental companies are infamous for their extras that can make your cut-rate rental a living hell.
From airport fees to fuel charges, there’s a lot to contend with here, like Insurance Fees. Most rentals include basic insurance, but you may still want to add extra coverage for peace of mind, which costs money.
There are companies that charge you before and assume you will exhaust all the fuel in the car before returning it to them. Other firms also adopt the full-to-full policy and charge you for the whole tank before returning a full one to them. Just choose what is better.
You are expected to pick up your car at a particular place and then return to a different place. Consider their fees on this move as well.
If you are traveling with someone else and wish to split the driving, you may have to pay a little extra to add another driver. Moreover, in Dubai, there will be toll roads and parking fees. So, be prepared for them too.
Always read the fine print before confirming your booking. Transparency is the key!
Evaluate Insurance Options Carefully
Of course, the first thing you think of when renting is, insurance. You do not want to get caught with a huge bill if anything goes wrong. Most rental car companies do provide some form of basic insurance, but it probably won’t be quite enough for any increased expenses you bear.
Collision Damage Waiver covers in case of a collision accident. This also usually carries a deductible; therefore, if you do not get peace of mind while driving, then explore other options.
If your rental car is stolen, theft protection will cover its cost. This is useful if you are renting a car for a long period or plan to leave the car in public places.
In case you or your passengers get injured in a car accident, this insurance covers medical costs.
Always ask what is covered and if you are already covered by your credit card or personal insurance. Sometimes, using your own insurance can save a bit on rental insurance.
Avoid Airport Pickups If Possible
Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports around the world, and it may be attractive to pick up your car rental at the airport. However, it is more expensive than other alternatives. Rental companies usually surcharge for airport pickups as operating at the airport costs more.
If you are staying in a hotel or apartment, it usually makes sense to use public transport for the first day or two and collect your car from a non-airport location. This may be a bit less convenient and saves you a fair amount of money.
Look for Local Rental Companies
It is good to find an international car rental company, but one should not overlook local agencies. More often, such companies provide services at good rates and include personalized touch as well as fewer surprise fees.
Certain local companies offer specialized vehicles, such as 4x4s for desert adventures or classic cars for a luxurious driving experience.
Read Reviews and Check Reputation
Before committing to any car rental company, take a moment to read reviews and check its reputation. There are plenty of online review platforms, like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and TripAdvisor, where past customers share their experiences.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, you have to research and compare while finding the best car deals for renting in Dubai. Firstly, access websites that allow price comparisons among various rental agencies and see if there are discounts and offers. It is worth pre-booking during the high season to get a good rate.
Always read your contract carefully to avoid unexpected fees, and understand which insurance policies apply. Other factors to consider for a better deal include the type of vehicle, rental duration, and pick-up/drop-off locations. Following these tips will ensure a hassle-free car rental experience in Dubai.
You can ask fellow travelers for recommendations to ensure that the company has a good reputation, reliable cars, and good customer service.
Also Read: Guide To Traffic Rules in UAE
