7 tips for renting a car in Dubai and scenic day trip ideas
Whether you’re planning to explore the Arabian Desert in a 4x4 or race past Dubai’s glittering skyline in an exotic supercar, renting a car in Dubai gives you easy access to some of the region’s best attractions.
To get you started, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering 7 frequently asked questions about renting a car in Dubai. If you need some road trip inspo, scroll to the end to discover 5 traveler-favorite destinations worth the long drive.
Renting a Car in Dubai
Here’s a beginner’s guide to choosing the right rental car for your vacation.
1. Is it worth renting a car in Dubai?
Taxis are common and public transportation in Dubai is relatively convenient. However, Dubai is also home to some of the best road networks in the world that connect the city to the region’s iconic deserts, mountains and beaches. So unless you’re only keen on exploring the Burj Khalifa and its surroundings, renting a car is the best way to venture off the beaten path and take in some of the UAE’s top sights.
2. Where can I rent a car in Dubai?
Most global car rental companies including Hertz, Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Sixt operate in Dubai. Rental cars can be hired at all terminals in Dubai Airport and at major shopping malls and attractions like the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina, and Media City.
3. What car should I rent and how much does a rental car cost in Dubai?
Compact, sedan, SUVs, luxury and sports cars are all available for rental in Dubai. Consider how many people are in your travel group, how much luggage you have and where you are intending to visit.
Mini or compact cars
- Best for hassle-free parking and driving in the city
- Approximately AED160 (USD40) per day
Mid-sized sedans or saloons
- Best for business meetings and longer drives
- Approximately AED180 (USD50) per day
4x4s and SUVs
- Best for family road trips and driving into rougher terrain
- Most car rental agencies do not allow off-road driving and dune bashing. Dune bashing vehicles can be rented from specialized desert safari tour operators instead.
- Approximately AED200 (USD55) per day
Prices fluctuate greatly, with peak travel season from November to April typically seeing higher rental prices. Input your travel dates into this price comparison tool for the most updated rate.
4. Where to rent a luxury sports car (e.g. Ferrari or Lamborgini) in Dubai?
Supercars are a common sight in this glittering emirate — and it's totally okay if you feel tempted to splurge on a supercar rental while you're here. You can rent a variety of exotic cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches by the hour or day. Rates vary but you can take reference from these traveler recommendations in this Tripadvisor forum post.
“We booked with Apex Luxury Car Hire. We got a Ferrari 458 Spider for 24hrs, it was AED3500 (USD950) with an AED5000 (USD1,360) deposit. They were really helpful and had loads of cars to choose from. The car is delivered and collected from our hotel.” - nikola_44
Otherwise, the cheapest way to drive a racecar in Dubai is to visit the Travelers’ Choice 2020 award-winning Dubai Autodrome. This motorsport center allows you to take sports cars such as the BMW M5, Ferrari GT, Renault Clio and even an authentic F1 Jaguar 2000 out for a spin alongside a professional driving instructor. Prices range from AED250 (USD70) - AED9,995 (USD2,720) depending on the car chosen. A bucket list experience for every racing enthusiast.
“Clio Cup Experience: more intense than skydiving! Did the Renault Clio Cup experience and had a blast. I’ve done a few track days back in the USA but only in normal streetcars. Driving a proper race car was a huge step up in excitement and challenge... The professional instructor riding with me was super helpful and patient.” - tdodge
Dubai Driving Rules
Driving in Dubai is not difficult, but there are a few regulations to keep in mind.
4. What kind of driver’s license is accepted in Dubai?
Tourists in the UAE will need to produce their international driving permit, passport and visit visa at the time of rental. Drivers from selected countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia can present a driver’s license from their home country instead. These rules may change — contact your rental agency for the latest regulations.
5. Which side of the road do you drive on in Dubai?
Similar to most of Europe and the U.S., vehicles in Dubai have the steering wheel on the left and are driven on the right side of the road.
6. What is the speed limit in Dubai?
Speed limits on Dubai and UAE freeways range from 100-120 kph (62-75 mph). In urban areas, the speed limits are between 60-80 kph (37-50 mph). These are typically well signposted in Arabic and English.
7. Are there tolls in Dubai?
There are currently 8 Salik, or toll, gates in Dubai. These are positioned around the city but most are along Sheikh Zayed Road — you can find a map of all the gates here. Each crossing costs AED4 (USD1), paid electronically via the Salik tag on your windscreen. Your car rental company will usually place a deposit on your credit card for these tolls.
5 Scenic Day Trips from Dubai
Car keys in hand, you’re now equipped to take in the best of what Dubai and the rest of the UAE have to offer. From pristine beaches or craggy mountains, here are some traveler-favorite destinations in the UAE that are best accessed by car. Most of these are less than 2 hours away from Dubai, but we've also included hotel recommendations in case you'd like to make a weekend trip out of it.
Ajman: For serene sunsets and white sand beaches
Distance from Dubai: 40km (25mi)
Do: Ajman lies on the coast of the Persian Gulf and is blessed with 16km (10mi) of white sand beach. The Travelers’ Choice 2020 award-winning Ajman Beach is free to access and beach bums can visit for clear turquoise lagoons and an idyllic sunset view.
Stay: Check into the Ajman Saray and indulge in the resort’s opulent rooms, elegant spas, and private beach facilities. Awarded Travelers’ Choice 2021.
Sharjah: For off-road expeditions and desert adventures
Distance from Dubai: 76km (47mi)
Do: The Emirate of Sharjah is your gateway to some of the UAE’s most popular desert experiences. Drive to Fossil Rock, named after the 70-million-year-old marine fossils that can be found in the area, and hike up the rocky outcrop for a panoramic view of the surrounding dunes. Then, visit the new Buhais Geology Park for an insight into the area’s natural history. The Al Madam ghost town, abandoned years ago and since swallowed by billowing sandstorms, is also worth a visit.
Stay: Experience desert living without compromising on modern amenities at the Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, a traditional Arabian castle and hotel set amidst the sweeping dunes.
Hatta: For mountain biking thrills and watersport spills
Distance from Dubai: 133km (82mi)
Do: Framed by the Hajar Mountains, this mountain town presents a scenic escape from bustling Dubai. The pleasant 1.5-hour drive from Dubai will take you through varied landscapes from remote deserts to rugged mountains. The most direct route from Dubai is via Oman, but if your visa does not allow border crossings the longer E102 route is also possible. Once in Hatta, explore the mountains on bike from the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre where over 52km (32mi) of cycling trails await. Then, cool off by renting a kayak at the Hatta Water Dam.
Stay: Pitch a tent under the starry night sky. Or check into Travelers’ Choice 2021 award-winning JA Hatta Fort Hotel to access more outdoor activities including rock climbing and zip-lining.
Jebel Hafeet: For hairpin turns and scenic drives
Distance from Dubai: 15km (98mi)
Do: Put your driving skills to the test and conquer the Jabal Hafeet Mountain Road — where you’ll have to ascend 1,219m (4,000ft) while navigating 60 spine-tingling turns. Jabal Hafeet in Al Ain is the UAE’s second tallest mountain and many have described the winding uphill road as one of the best drives you can get in the UAE. Travelers also recommend hiking or driving up at dawn for unbeatable sunrise views.
Stay: Perched at 914m (3,000ft), the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet is a convenient option for travelers planning a sunrise experience.
Dubailand: For family-friendly malls and theme parks
Distance from downtown Dubai: 20km (12mi)
Do: If you have a shorter stay but still have time to wander away from downtown Dubai, consider a day trip to Dubailand, a sprawling family-friendly entertainment complex just 20 minutes away from the city. The Travelers’ Choice 2021 Best of the Best award-winning Miracle Garden is well-loved for its extravagant botanical displays, while the Butterfly Garden next door is also worth visiting during the cooler months. A short drive away is the IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park featuring characters from Marvel, Cartoon Network and more. Finally, pop by the multicultural festival hub Global Village for dining, shopping and entertainment experiences from all over the world.
Stay: You’re not too far away from the hotels downtown, but if you’re after something different consider the Al Habtoor Polo Resort. This equestrian-inspired resort overlooks expansive polo fields and is equipped with luxury amenities for a comfortable stay.
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