Our family travels a lot, but we don't always rent a car. There are many countries where public transportation is well-developed. But in the UAE, there's nothing to do without a car. If you don't want to spend all your time in a hotel or on the beach, consider renting a car in the UAE. All travel can be done comfortably by car. Rent a Mini Cooper be organized. Getting around by car is much more convenient and even cheaper than taking a taxi.
Rental cars in the Emirates
Since most tourists don't come to the UAE capital, but rather to the resort towns, it's advisable to consider rental options in Sharjah and Ajman. If you're planning a package holiday, it's cheaper to order a car to your hotel. For those arriving in the Emirates on their own, it's advisable to pick up the car at the airport. You can choose from budget car brands, as well as convertibles and luxury sports cars. Reservations are available with a minimal upfront payment: no hidden fees. The availability of almost all car models can be checked online. Convertibles and luxury cars are the exception.
Renting a car in Dubai takes just a few minutes. You simply enter the rental date, location, pick-up time, and drop-off time, and click the button with the vehicle class of your interest. The system will display all available options. A variety of filters are also available to narrow down the number of vehicles offered. Specifically, you can choose:
- Gearbox type;
- The type of engine and its volume;
- Drive;
- fuel consumption;
- Year of construction;
- Budget framework.
For an additional fee, you can register a second driver in the contract and order a child seat in advance.
The main advantages of renting a car in the UAE
After buying tickets to Dubai, we decided not to take a car, as we had heard about an extensive metro network and cheap taxis. The need for an international driver's license was also dismissed. However, after talking with friends, we realized that we simply couldn't spend a vacation without freedom of movement. So I'll start at the end. Before I talk about how to rent a car, I'd like to highlight the advantages of having our own car, which we appreciated at the end of our trip.
- The high quality of the road coverage, the huge intersections, the large number of signs make the journey really pleasant and safe.
- The public transportation system is well-developed, but doesn't cover all the streets in the UAE's capital cities. Of course, you can take a taxi. But if you want to see more than one city, travel costs can exceed a reasonable budget.
- Freedom and independence: You don't have to rely on bus schedules or worry about taxi fares changing due to traffic jams.
- The opportunity to drive a Ferrari. It's not necessary to rent a luxury car for the entire duration of your trip. But probably no other country in the world offers the opportunity to book a sports car for a day at a relatively affordable price.
If a beach holiday isn't for you, consider renting a car in the Emirates. The time you spent preparing for your trip will definitely pay off.
Where to go in the Emirates with your own car
Don't limit your vacation in the UAE to the beach and visiting the most popular attractions. The Emirates has many interesting places that aren't packed with tourists. The country is very safe and well-maintained. In addition to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, I recommend visiting several other "uncounted" places.
- Dibba. Like Fujairah, the city is located on the east coast. Dibba is ideal for divers.
- Jebel Is Jace, the highest point in the Emirates, is ideal for hikers and walkers. It's worth renting a four-wheel drive vehicle and practically climbing to the top of the mountain. There are many panoramic spots along the road.
- El Ain. If you're looking for a truly authentic place, head to an oasis town in the middle of the desert. In El Ain, you can visit natural springs, visit a botanical garden, and even watch camel races.
- Hatta. A unique mountain region with a well-equipped campground. Many reviews say that the cabin is comfortable, even if you're camping in tents. My husband and I opted for a hotel, but we spent a lot of time at the trail park and watched the swans on the lake. For those who want to swim, I recommend visiting the dam.
- The Emirates aren't just skyscrapers, boring beaches, and countless shopping malls. If you've been to the UAE several times and have already explored the deserts and main attractions, you should definitely take a car and visit less famous cities.
Even if you don't plan on traveling outside your chosen resort town, don't deny yourself the pleasure of renting a sports car for at least a day. No other country in the world offers such loyal luxury car rental conditions. You can drive on well-maintained highways and have a chic photoshoot against the backdrop of the world's tallest skyscrapers.
