Dubai is a popular destination for many tourists. So, if you want to save money on your next trip to Dubai, then consider renting a car. Renting a car in Dubai is an excellent option for conveniently getting around and experiencing the city’s attractions.
But the car rental scene in Dubai is so massive that it can be daunting, especially for first-time renters. So, if you’re trying to understand the process by which luxury car brands like mercedes rent a car, or other vehicles like SUVs, coupes, vans, sedans, and so on, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you will get a better understanding of how the car rental scene in Dubai works.
Requirements For Renting A Car In Dubai
Renting a car in the UAE or Dubai is pretty much the same at every rental agency. It is a requirement to provide certain documentation during the rental process. So, it’s important to come prepared to ensure everything is seamless. Some of the more general documents you will be required to provide include:
Photocopy of Passport
Whether you are a citizen or a tourist in Dubai, when you want to rent a car in Dubai, the agency will demand you provide a valid means of identification. As such, it’s best to go to the car rental agency with your passport. For residents in Dubai, providing your Emirates ID should suffice.
Proof of Residence
Also, when you want to rent a car in Dubai, you need to provide proof of where you live. For residents in Dubai, utility bills should suffice most of the time. But for tourists visiting Dubai, you need to provide your visit visa and an address to where you are staying while in Dubai.
Driving License
Renting a car in Dubai does not exempt you from needing a driver’s license. Whether you are a Dubai resident or a tourist, you need to provide a valid driver’s license. Individuals who come from the Gulf Cooperation Council and those from most first-world countries can use their country’s driver’s license. Whereas, if you’re from some other country, must obtain an international driving permit (IDP) from your home country to drive in Dubai.
Credit Card or Deposit
Importantly, when hiring a car in Dubai, providing a valid credit card or security deposit is often a requirement. Often, a credit card is preferred to prove you’re not a financial risk. This requirement protects the rental company by helping them recoup cost in case of any damage or when the car is not returned on time.
Details of Auto-insurance Company
Furthermore, car rental companies often demand that you provide the details of your car insurance company. If you don’t have one, you can include insurance coverage for a fee.
Note that there are different types of auto insurance, which cover different types of damages and repairs to the vehicle. For example, you can get insurance coverage for collision, which is different from auto liability coverage, which protects you from injuring someone or damaging a property in a car accident.
How Long Can You Rent A Car In Dubai?
Another thing to consider when renting a car in Dubai is the duration of the rental. The UAE is one of the most flexible places to rent a car. So, you can hire any type of car however you like. Below are the three most common rental durations.
Short term
This type of car rental service is ideal for anyone in Dubai seeking to explore different parts of the city. Renting a car is economical and gives you the luxury to stop anywhere along your exploration. It includes renting for:
- Hourly
- Daily
- Weekends
Medium-term
This type of rental service is ideal for people in Dubai for an extended period. Rather than taking public transport, you’ll get your money’s worth by renting a car which gives you the flexibility to go anywhere anytime. It involves renting a car for:
- A full week
- Monthly
Long term
This rental package is ideal for people who live or are momentarily in Dubai for business or anything else and prefer not to purchase the car they want to rent. It involves renting a car for:
- A few months
- Years
How To Find The Best Car Rental Service In Dubai?
Seeing the benefits of renting a car in Dubai is one thing, but finding the best car rental service in Dubai is another. With a plethora of car rental agencies in Dubai, it’s easy to get confused about which to use. Below is a list of things to look out for when renting a car in Dubai.
Reputation
Never overlook the reputation of any car rental agency you choose to use. Conduct research on people who have patronized the car rental agency before and read their reviews. If the services the car rental agency offers are top-notch, it wouldn’t have many negative reviews.
Fleet Variety
Another thing to look out for is the variety of cars in the agency’s fleet. The vaster the cars are in the fleet, the better. Scrolling through the car rental agency’s website to find different car brands, models, and specs gives you the flexibility to rent what suits you and not just what is available.
Range of Amenities
When renting a car, several amenities are included in the rental package. Some rental packages often come with roadside repairs, attached chauffeur, paid insurance coverage, and so on. Note that the type of amenities that come with the rental package you get may be influenced by the type of car you are renting.
Flexibility of Rental Packages
Importantly, you can tell a rental company is at the top of its game when it offers you flexible rental packages. For example, the option to include a second driver, locations you can drive the car to, and so on. The more flexible the rental package is, the better your experience.
Excellent Customer Service
Reliable customer service is another feature you can use to tell a car rental agency is one of the best. So, it is vital to evaluate the customer support you can get from a car rental agency to ensure a smooth rental experience. The type of customer service you get from a car rental service can make or break your experience.
Conclusion
Summarily, renting a car in Dubai is easier than many think. As long as you have all the right documents, you will be out of the rental company with the car in no time.
Remember that when you’re driving a rental car in Dubai, you must comply with all the driving rules and regulations. Breaking any traffic law can attract a fine, which you are liable to pay, and not the car rental agency. So, ensure you educate yourself with the dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth car rental process.