↵Driving Rules in the UAE
Driving rules in the UAE are similar to those in Europe, so it won't be difficult to adapt. All road signs are easily recognizable and have English translations.
What to pay attention to:
- Speed limits. General speed limits apply in the UAE. On small streets — up to 40 km/h, on main roads — up to 60–80 km/h, on highways — up to 100–120 km/h.
- Roundabouts. The country has many roundabouts. By default, the vehicle already in the roundabout has the right of way.
- Traffic lights. Due to well-organized traffic, there are few traffic lights in the UAE. If you do encounter them, be prepared to wait a long time for a green light. High fines are imposed for running yellow and red lights.
- Politeness while driving. Rude gestures, arguing in traffic jams, aggressive driving, and shoulder overtaking are fined.
- Drunk driving. Unlike in other countries where a small blood alcohol content may be allowed, in the UAE it must be 0. Violators face fines from AED 10,000 to 20,000 (~$2,723–5,446), vehicle confiscation, and even imprisonment.
Fueling and Parking in the UAE
Parking is allowed only in designated parking areas, most of which are paid.
Types of parking:
- Municipal. The cost depends on the emirate, parking type, and city district. There are times when parking is free. All information is posted on signs.
- Private. Marked with a “P” sign. Cost depends on the company's pricing policy.
Restaurants, hotels, and malls in the UAE offer free parking for clients. In new development areas where parking meters haven’t been installed yet, parking is also free, but not safe.
Fueling in the UAE is easy and gasoline is inexpensive. Just roll down the window and tell the gas station attendant what type and how much fuel you need. Gas station employees speak English. You can pay by cash or card.
At gas stations where pumps are labeled "Premium," a service fee of AED 10 (~$2.7) is charged. This fee is waived for people with disabilities and the elderly.
How to Rent a Car in the Emirates
Use the convenient car search filter and rental period selector on our website. You can choose a car by class and brand, with or without mileage limits, with or without a deposit, and other parameters.
How to book a car:
- On the UAE car rental page, enter the city and rental dates in the search field.
- Click on the icon of the selected car. In the pop-up window, select additional services, such as a child seat. Click “Continue.”
- In the new tab, specify the place, date, and time of pickup and return, full name, email, and driver's contact information.
- Pay an advance of 15–20% of the rental cost. Payment options are listed in the order window.
After the advance is paid, a voucher will be sent to your email. It confirms the rental and includes all terms and the final price in USD. You must return the car with the same fuel level as when it was handed over to you.
Premium Cars in the UAE
Where to Rent a Car in the UAE
On Localrent, car rental is available in all emirates and major cities:
- Dubai;
- Abu Dhabi;
- Ajman;
- Dibba, and more.
During booking, you can choose the pickup and return location available for the rental car. For example, you can request car delivery to the airport, central train station, or hotel.
To receive the car at your preferred location, specify the exact delivery address during booking. For example, this could be Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai or Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Thanks for the tips on car rental in the Emirates! Renting a car seems like the ideal way to explore freely.
I am wondering which vehicles are able to driven into Oman during the rental period
Hello! You can travel with a rented car only within the UAE, according to the rental terms, travelling to neighboring countries is prohibited.
Hi! What is the payment currency in the UAE?
Hello! Rental companies accept payments in the local currency, dirham.
How old does the second driver have to be?
Hello! The requirements for the second driver are the same as for the main driver: The minimum driver’s age in the UAE is 25 years. The minimum driving experience is 1 year.
Can I pick up off the car only at the airport or in the city as well?
Hello! The pick-up location may be different for each car. The selected car can be delivered to the locations available in the “Pick-up/drop-off location” field on the “Booking” page.
Good afternoon. How and where will they meet me?
Hello! The rental agent will contact you a day before the pick-up date via messenger or phone number you specified in your booking in order to inform you about the pick-up process at the airport. Please also note that the voucher includes contact details of rental agents (Viber, Telegram, Whats App) in the bottom left corner so that you can contact them directly for information support.
Hello. Until what age does a child need a safety seat?
Hello! A child safety seat is required for passengers under 10 years of age.