Car Rental in Dubai
This information is correct as of July 2015.
Where to rent a car in Dubai
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates definitely has many car rental agencies scattered across the whole of the area, providing an alternative transportation mode for travellers who would like to consider driving around. Many of them have cheap rates and ask for very little paper work, although an international driving permit will almost always be required. Some of the car rental agencies that can be found in the city include Fancy Rent A Car, German Rent A Car, Bettercar Car Rentals, Superprice Rent A Car, Al Qaim Dubai, and many others. Major car rental companies also run services in Dubai, including Budget, Sixt, Hertz, and Thrifty to name some. Majority of the car rental companies' offices are located along the E11 and D79 areas near the airport and near the coast, primarily for easy access. Many of these car rental companies also offer competitive pricing schemes, discounts, and others to draw clients in.
What to expect when renting a car from Dubai
Dubai is a huge emirate of the UAE and a developed one at that – so many paved roads and highways here are well-maintained and well-lit. However, traffic here becomes a headache especially during the peak hours. Due to the denseness of the population in Dubai, locals and even visitors exhaust transportation modes too much that the roads become parking spaces during rush or peak hours. Roads are not marked in logical order as well and road signs are usually in Arabic, which can be a pain for travellers who are driving here for the first time. To remedy this, you can install or have a reliable and updated map or GPS system on your rental car. Chances are that the car rental company offers vehicles with built-in GPS systems, so make sure to enquire on this. Further, some car rental companies offer services such as chauffeurs along with the vehicle, which may ease the trouble of asking for GPS systems and others. Both services will require extra payment/s though, so be prepared for this. If still pushing to drive on your own, do remember that drinking and driving is not tolerated here, and stiff penalties are belted to perpetrators. Moreover, toll fees are paid using Salik tags, which are supposed to be provided by the car rental companies. All toll fees that will be used when driving will be charged to the renter upon return of the car.
Getting to your destination
Jebel Ali
Once an isolated area from the main Dubai bulk, Jebel Ali now stands as a major residential and industrial hub that is located in the southern portion of Dubai. The main attraction here is the Ibn Battuta Mall, styled on the countries visited by the famous explorer.
Jebel Ali can be reached from central Dubai via Dubai - Ghweifat International Hwy/Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 in 25 minutes (toll roads are to be expected) or via E 44 in 35 minutes.
Bur Dubai
A historical district, Bur Dubai is famous for its abras, souqs, floating restaurants, and creeks in the area.
Bur Dubai can be accessed through the 366 going towards the 2nd Za'abeel Road in Dubai.
Jumeirah
Home to many a culture, Jumeirah is a cornucopia of destinations. It rolls beautiful villas, beaches, and even shopping districts in to one place.
Coming from the city centre, Jumeirah is only about 10-15 minutes away via Dubai - Ghweifat International Hwy/Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 or via Al Wasl Rd/D92. The first route is the quickest, but expect toll roads along the way.
