Dubai impresses with its scale and futuristic architecture. But you can truly feel this metropolis only behind the wheel. Public transportation isn't always convenient, and taxis for long distances cost too much. The Renty.ae service lets you quickly solve the transportation problem — on the platform, you can evaluate options and book a car online. Tourists can easily find the perfect car rental service for any trip purpose. At the same time, the local market has its own strict rules. Without preparation, you can easily get an unexpected fine here. We've prepared an honest checklist for drivers. It will protect you from typical beginner mistakes.
Documents and Driver Requirements
First, prepare all necessary documents. Rules in the Emirates are very strict, and mistakes here cost a lot. To successfully hire a vehicle, you'll need an international license — it's called an IDP. A regular national plastic license needs to be taken along too. Without the paper IDP booklet, they simply won't give you the car, and police on the road will also require it. Get this document in your home country in advance.
Be sure to check the company's age restrictions. The minimum driving age in the UAE by law is 18 years, but companies rarely give cars to such young drivers — the risks are too high for insurance companies. Usually, you need to be older than 21 years. If you're interested in luxury car rental, the bar is even higher: rental companies often require age 25 and up, and driving experience must be at least one or two years.
Detailed Car Inspection Before the Trip
Before taking the car, you need to inspect:
- Body. Record on video all scratches, chips, dents, and scuffs on bumpers.
- Windows and mirrors. Check for the absence of stone cracks and small chips.
- Wheels. Assess tire tread condition and be sure to examine rims for scratches.
- Interior. Check seat cleanliness and seatbelt operation. There should be no cigarette smell in the cabin.
- Equipment. Turn on the air conditioner. Check headlight, turn signal, and wiper operation.
- Instruments. Photograph the exact mileage and fuel level on the dashboard.
- Trunk. Check for the presence of a spare tire, fire extinguisher, and emergency stop sign.
The manager must enter every defect into a special document — this document is called an inspection sheet or transfer act. Have the employee mark all damage on the car diagram, and check that signatures are present on both sides. Attentiveness guarantees quick car return at the end of vacation: your rented car will be accepted back without unnecessary disputes, and you'll avoid lengthy proceedings and deposit withholding.
Contract, Deductible, and Hidden Fees
Every car rental company has its own internal rules, and they strongly affect the final rental price. Always check the daily mileage limit before the trip. Local companies usually give 250-300 kilometers per day — for the city, this is quite sufficient. But for every extra kilometer, you'll need to pay additionally, and the excess cost can be high. For long trips between cities, look for an unlimited rate — it will work out much cheaper.
Study the insurance conditions and deductible amount. The deductible is the amount of your maximum risk in an accident: if damage is less than the deductible, you pay yourself; if more, the insurance company pays. Basic insurance often doesn't cover tire, glass, and underbody damage. For complete peace of mind, you can buy extended insurance — it's called Super CDW. With it, your deposit will be completely safe.
Remember the local toll road system called Salik. In Dubai, there are no familiar payment booths with barriers — special gantries automatically read car numbers on the move. Each gantry costs around 4-5 dirhams. When returning the car, you'll be presented with a total bill for all passages.
Driving Rules and Return Process
Traffic rules in Dubai cannot be violated. Fines here are enormous and come quickly. Cameras stand literally at every step and work perfectly — they record not only speed but also an unfastened seatbelt and a phone in the driver's hands. They also record crossing a solid road marking line. U-turns in unauthorised places are categorically prohibited.
Before you get a rental car, study road signs. In Dubai, you can exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h, but in the neighbouring emirate of Abu Dhabi, this buffer doesn't exist at all.
The car return process also requires strict rule compliance:
- Fuel. Fill the car to the level it was at when received.
- Cleaning. Wash the body and vacuum the interior if they got significantly dirty.
- Time. Arrive at the office on time, without delays.
- Personal items. Check the glove compartment, door pockets, and trunk before handing over the keys.
- Documents. Take your copy of the car return act with the manager's signature.
If you return the car with an empty tank, the rental company will calculate the fuel themselves, and the company's fuel price will be three times higher than at a regular gas station. Being even one hour late will turn into payment for an extra rental day.
Conclusion
A good rental company is the key to an excellent vacation or business trip. If you decide to rent a vehicle, follow these simple rules — then the trip will bring only pleasant emotions, and you'll enjoy perfect asphalt and beautiful views.