The United Arab Emirates is made for driving with a fantastic road network, 8-lane highways, and picturesque landscapes. Renting a car is by far the most convenient way to explore the Emirates. With excellent roads even on the outskirts and many attractions scattered over long distances, you will be much better off renting a car and traveling around the UAE at your own pace and on your own terms. This way you will save on expensive public transport and visit all the unique places that can only be reached by car.
Where to rent a car in the UAE
Renty.ae is the best car rental company in the UAE. If you want to rent a car in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah, just check out the website. They have the largest selection of luxury cars such as Lamborghini, McLaren, and Ferrari. If you need a daily or monthly car rental, you will find the lowest prices on Renty.
Not all rental cars have unlimited mileage. Typically, the contract includes 200–250 km per day (total for the entire period), and the surcharge is up to 1 dirham per km.
Cost of renting a car in the UAE
From economy class to luxury supercars, the Emirates has it all! Moreover, all cars are new, in excellent technical condition, with many free options, and, as a rule, with minimal mileage. Middle class, for example, Hyundai Elantra or Kia Sportage, costs $27 and $47 per day. SUVs – from $150. You can check it by yourself here: https://renty.ae/city/sharjah (prices art relevant to the corresponding region).
Rental prices are higher during the peak tourist season from November to April, and rentals of 30 days or more will cost much less. A liter of 95 gasoline in the UAE costs 3.42 AED (September 2023). The price of an excursion tour in the UAE can reach up to $255 per person. Multiply this by two or a family and the benefits are obvious.
If you want to rent a luxury car, such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, for just an hour to drive around and take some cool photos, then this pleasure will cost you from $680 to $920. Another way to drive a sports car in Dubai is to visit the Dubai Autodrome, where you can drive a Ferrari GT and even an F1 Jaguar for $950.
Tips and recommendations for hiring a car in the UAE
It’s crucial to follow the rules diligently. For example, running a red light can result in a hefty fine of $1,000. In the UAE, there’s a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, so not even a glass of beer is allowed. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for unexpected encounters with camels on the road!
Traffic in Dubai can be a nightmare during peak hours: between 7 am and 9 am, 1 pm and 2 pm, and from 5 pm. Roads are also congested on Friday afternoons, especially around shopping centers, beaches, and family attractions.
In the UAE, it is prohibited to drive a rented car off-road, even in a jeep. You can only go to that part of the desert where there is asphalt. To ride the dunes you need to join a tour.
Almost all car rentals in the UAE require a large deposit. But you can find services (for example, EZ Hire) that rent a car WITHOUT a deposit in the UAE.
In the UAE, you’ll encounter paid parking areas, including prominent roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai currently has eight checkpoints scattered throughout the city, and passing through each checkpoint incurs a 4 AED fee, which is typically paid electronically. Your car rental company will often place a deposit on your credit card to cover these toll charges.
Try your local Google Maps option, the RTA Smart Drive app.
Don’t rely on estimated travel times: distances can be deceiving due to heavy traffic, detours, and long traffic lights.