Dubai instantly dazzles with its futuristic shine. However, the real magic of the Emirates will reveal itself far beyond the glass skyscrapers. For tourists, renting a car in Dubai is the key to all the country’s hidden locations. Your own transportation instantly frees you from pushy guides and stuffy tour buses.
Heading Into the Unknown: Where to Go From the Metropolis
You should definitely include in your route:
- Jebel Hafeet (Al Ain). This is an iconic mountain serpentine for fans of beautiful roads. Perfect asphalt winds up to the very summit, opening up an incredible view.
- Liwa Oasis. A real mecca for those who value silence and cyclopean dunes. It’s in these silent sands that you can catch the authentic spirit of ancient Arabia.
- Sharjah and Ajman. Quiet neighbours of noisy Dubai. They’ll surprise you with deep historical museums, Eastern bazaars, and well-maintained promenade waterfronts.
- Musandam Peninsula. This enclave belongs to Oman. A tourist car trip to the location takes just a few hours. The main reason for visiting the peninsula is the majestic sea fjords and crystal-clear water. Take light snacks and swimsuits.
A reliable car rental company will ensure the trip is unforgettable and comfortable. Professionals will select the ideal car.
Secrets of the Perfect Road Trip: From Idea to Ignition
Preparing for a car tour through the Emirates won’t take much time. The main thing is to decide on your trip format in advance.
Select the Ideal Car Class
The car must match the trip’s purpose. An economical sedan works for cities. Dunes require great passability and high ground clearance – take a powerful SUV with four-wheel drive.
Luxury car rental is a separate service category. This is the best way to get vivid emotions. Status cars are chosen by businesspeople and tourists who value luxury.
Book Your Wheels in Advance
You can easily find a car rental service in Dubai at the airport terminal. Counter rental is always more expensive than ordering a car online. Having bought a plane ticket to the Emirates, it’s better to immediately book transportation from your smartphone. All available models can be viewed in the app. Rental company drivers will have a fully fueled vehicle ready upon arrival.
Check Road Documents
Gather a complete document package in advance. Check for an international license. Consider age restrictions. Cars can be rented from age 21.
UAE police will definitely check these documents. Also prepare your foreign passport and credit card in the driver’s name.
Don’t Skimp on Insurance
Car repairs in the UAE cost enormous amounts of money. The basic policy often doesn’t cover minor scratches or windshield damage from flying stones. Extended insurance will give you absolute peace of mind throughout the entire trip.
Study the Contract
Cars are given to tourists under certain conditions. The company limits daily mileage. The standard limit is 250 km. If you’re planning a long route across the entire country, it’s better to get a rental car with unlimited mileage.
Local Road Specifics
Remember the main safety rules:
- Keep your distance. At high speeds, this is critically important.
- Read road signs. Speed limits in different emirates often differ. Cameras recording movement are everywhere and can even catch an unfastened seatbelt.
- Park by the rules. Municipal services in the UAE strictly monitor this. Fines are high and will need to be paid when returning the car. Dubai has many free and paid parking lots.
- Inspect the body. Take photos of all scratches before the trip. Record video around the car. This way, the company can’t present you with a repair bill for damage.
- No alcohol. Drunk driving is the biggest offence in the country. Punished not only with fines but also imprisonment.
The decision to rent a vehicle in the UAE is the best way to make a vacation rich and comfortable. In an unfamiliar place, tourists get confused between locations. Better to load a navigator on your smartphone in advance. The program will plot an optimal route and lead you to the destination without getting lost.
Conclusion
A car trip erases banal tourist stereotypes about the UAE. There’s no need to fear traffic. The main rule: before the trip, find an adequate rental company and respect local laws. In return, the road will take you to incredible locations. You’ll return home with a baggage of great stories that you’ll be retelling to friends for a long time.
This article is a paid guest contribution. The views and information expressed are those of the contributor and not of Homegirl London.