Car Rental at Dubai Airport: Pros and Cons

Rental car at Dubai Airport is becoming an increasingly popular service among travelers. Dubai International Airport offers a wide selection of vehicles for those who want to explore this amazing city and its surroundings independently. Many tourists wonder about the cost of renting a car in Dubai and the rental conditions offered by local companies. This decision greatly impacts the comfort and freedom of movement during your vacation.

To make the right choice, it's important to compare offers from different companies and understand the requirements for renters. In this article, we will discuss the specifics of car rentals in Dubai for Russian tourists, popular routes for trips, and what to do in case of unforeseen situations. We will also discuss the pros and cons of renting a car directly at the airport, including convenience and time savings. Booking in advance and thoroughly inspecting the car before your trip are key points to consider.

Requirements for Renters

To rent a car in Dubai, you need to meet certain criteria. The minimum age for renters is 21 years, although some companies set a higher threshold of 22, 23, or even 25 years. Driving experience must be at least one year.

Renters are required to provide the following documents:

  • International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • National driving license (not always mandatory, but recommended to have)
  • Passport

Additionally, a credit card in the driver's name with a sufficient amount for the security deposit is required. The deposit amount varies depending on the company. For UAE residents, a local driving license with at least one year of validity is required.

Comparison of Car Rental at the Airport and in the City

Renting a car at Dubai Airport significantly enhances convenience and saves time. Travelers can pick up their vehicle immediately upon arrival and start their journey without delays. However, rental prices at the airport are usually higher than in other parts of the city due to a surcharge for the speed and convenience of not having to arrange for delivery to a hotel or apartments.

Rental company counters are easily found in the arrival areas of Terminals 1 and 3, as well as in the main hall of Terminal 2. It is important to book in advance, especially during the tourist season, to ensure vehicle availability. At the counter, you will need to present your passport, International Driving Permit (IDP), credit card, and voucher.

Companies offer a wide range of vehicles from various classes, from economical to luxury, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs and budget. This gives travelers the flexibility to explore Dubai's unique attractions, such as deserts and cultural heritage sites, at their own pace.

Absolute Rent Car has been in the car rental market in Dubai for over 10 years, offering competitive prices and comfortable, advantageous conditions for clients, including free delivery to hotels within Dubai. Our fleet includes both budget vehicles and luxury cars.

Popular Routes for Trips

Dubai and its surroundings offer numerous interesting routes for traveling in a rental car. The roads in the UAE are in excellent condition, and the traffic rules are similar to those in Europe, making trips comfortable and safe for tourists.

One of the most popular destinations is a jeep safari in the desert. Travelers can embark on an extreme tour in the afternoon and enjoy thrilling rides over the dunes until late at night. Many companies offer such tours, which include visits to a Bedouin village, dinner under the open sky, and various entertainments.

For adrenaline enthusiasts, there are options like buggy safaris, sandboarding, and quad biking. These tours typically last around 90 minutes and are offered both in the morning and after lunch. They often include a visit to a Bedouin camp and an introduction to the local culture.

Besides desert adventures, tourists can explore the city of Dubai itself, visit the neighboring Abu Dhabi, or take a cruise along the Dubai Marina. The opportunities for interesting trips in the UAE are truly limitless.

What to Do in Case of an Accident or Breakdown

In case of an accident, the renter must immediately call the police at 999. It is important not to move the vehicle until the police arrive and make a report. If the accident is the renter's fault (red police report), they are required to pay a fine (more about fines can be read here) and cover the downtime of the vehicle during repairs. If the renter is not at fault (green police report), no payment is required.

It is recommended to use a special smartphone app to file the accident report. This app allows users to enter details about the incident, participants, and vehicle damage. Typically, the request is processed within 10 minutes, after which the renter receives a PDF report.

In case of a vehicle breakdown, you should contact the rental company's 24/7 technical support. Some companies provide a replacement vehicle if the accident was not the renter's fault.

Conclusion

Renting a car at Dubai Airport significantly enhances the comfort and freedom of movement for tourists. It allows you to start your journey immediately and explore unique places at your own pace. It's important to remember the requirements for renters, including age restrictions and necessary documents, as well as the rules for handling unforeseen situations on the road.

Overall, renting a car in Dubai opens up a wide range of opportunities for travelers. From extreme jeep safaris in the desert to cruises along Dubai Marina, there is a route for everyone. The key is to study the rental conditions in advance, book your car, and follow traffic rules to ensure a smooth vacation that leaves only pleasant memories.

FAQs

Question: What documents are needed to rent a car in Dubai?

Answer: To rent a car in Dubai, an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with the national driving license from your country of residence is required.

Question: Why is buying cars in Dubai more advantageous than in other countries?

Answer:One of the reasons is the absence of taxes and duties on new cars, which are shipped directly from manufacturers, making their cost lower compared to other countries.

Question: Is it mandatory to have an international driving license to rent a car in Dubai?

Answer: Yes, an International Driving Permit is mandatory to rent a car in Dubai.