Exploring the Emirates: Your Key to Seamless Car Rentals in the UAE

If you’re planning on visiting or touring the UAE, renting a car is certainly one of the options you should consider thanks to the flexibility and convenience that comes with it, unlike public transport. Provided that you find a trusted car rental to rent a car from, you can be assured of the flexibility to explore the country at your own pace.

What’s more, you will also have all the time to access remote areas and attractions not easily accessible by public transport. And the best part? Car rental in the UAE is cost-effective and is essentially all you need to avoid the high costs associated with buying, maintaining, and insuring a car.

And, it also saves you from the hassle of selling the car once your visit ends. Read this guide for answers to frequently asked questions on car rental in the UAE.

Who is allowed to Rent Cars and Drive in the UAE?

As is the case with other states, Dubai also has specific conditions for car rental which you have to meet in order to be allowed to rent a car and drive. You may be allowed to rent a car and drive in the UAE if have:

• An International Driving Permit (IDP): Passport holders from GCC countries, the UK, the US, and Canada can use their driving license from their country. If you’re a visitor from other countries, you may need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Do keep in mind that rules vary and are subject to change. So, check with rental companies for license acceptance or IDP requirements to be sure.
• The Right Insurance: All Dubai car rentals include third-party cover by law. But some travel insurance policies may cover car rentals. Also, additional insurance can be purchased from rental companies. To ensure that you have the right insurance at the best price, it may be best to plan ahead.
• Met the Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Dubai. Also, you need to be in possession of a valid UAE driving license. Depending on the car rental company you’re engaging in, they may require that you’re 25 years old if you’re thinking of renting some supercars.
• The Correct Passport Information: UAE residents must provide a copy of their passport (photo ID page and visa page) at the time of rental. If you’re a tourist or visitor, you must have a valid UAE entry visa along with your passport.
• Additional Conditions: Some rental companies may require a minimum of driving experience. In most cases, this is usually at least one year. Payment is typically made by credit card, and a security deposit is often required. Vehicles are usually rented with a full tank of fuel and should be returned the same way.

How do I Pay Tolls on a Rental Car in Dubai?

If you’ve researched car rentals in the UAE, you must have come across things like tolls and Salik charges, etc. In this regard you may wonder how to pay tolls on a rental car in Dubai? Now, Salik charges in Dubai are fees collected for using the Salik electronic toll road system.

Paying tolls on rental cars in Dubai is easy. All vehicles are fitted with a “Salik tag” for automatic registration and toll charging. So, each time you pass through a Salik gate, a fixed fee of AED 5.25 is automatically deducted from your account and when returning the rental car or during renewal, you’ll be told the number of times you crossed Salik points and charged accordingly.

The Bottom Line

The key to exploring the UAE stress-free is understanding the requirements for car rental and your qualifications. While most of these pieces of information are available online, a good car rental company will be ready to address any concerns you may have. So, if you’re not sure about anything, always feel free to seek clarification.