Please wait
We research the local rental car companies' offerings to find you the best options for you
Total 696 cars with an average check of 33$ per day

The best way to explore Abu Dhabi and its surroundings is to rent a car. This is a great opportunity to experience the authentic Arab culture and avoid overpaying for taxis. Car rental in Abu Dhabi is a fairly simple process if you know all the details and nuances.

It’s best to arrange the car in advance. Experienced tourists know that the best way to start a comfortable trip from the first minutes in the UAE is to book a car with airport delivery.

Main advantages of car rental on Localrent

Car rental in Abu Dhabi through Localrent will help you feel comfortable during your trip. What benefits does the client receive:

  • Detailed filters. The website is easy to navigate, and selecting the right option is facilitated by search parameters. You can specify the deposit amount, year of manufacture, brand, engine size, additional options, etc.
  • Completely transparent booking. Each listing shows the actual rental cost. There are no hidden fees or additional charges. This means no unpleasant surprises when picking up the car.
  • Small advance payment during booking. You can set the minimum and maximum amount in the filter system when searching for a suitable car.
  • Real photos for most cars. Listings display the actual vehicles provided by rental companies.
  • Good car selection. The catalog includes luxury vehicles and budget models.

What you need to book a car

Car rental in Abu Dhabi requires a certain list of documents. Here's what you need:

  • International passport valid throughout your stay in the UAE;
  • Valid international driver’s license and national driving license;
  • Bank card.

When booking, always check the minimum driver age. Most companies rent cars to clients aged 19 to 70 with at least one year of driving experience. You can check the conditions in each vehicle’s listing.

Driving rules and regulations

Traffic in Abu Dhabi is right-hand. The “give way to the left” rule must be followed. Within the city, the speed limit is 60 km/h. On highways, you can drive at speeds of 100–120 km/h.

There are many cameras for detecting violations in the UAE. Experienced tourists know that breaking the rules in the Emirates is not advisable, including for financial reasons.

Roundabouts with simple interchanges are common on local roads. It is important to follow the rule: vehicles already in the circle have the right of way. For convenience, all road signs are in Arabic and English.

Fueling and parking

There are many parking spots in Abu Dhabi. They are scattered throughout the city, but in places with a high influx of tourists and locals — such as malls and bazaars — they may be scarce. It’s best to book parking spaces in advance through a special app.

Fuel stations are also not a problem. They are available both in the city and along highways. To refuel, you don’t even need to get out of the car: an attendant will approach you, and you simply need to tell them the fuel type and amount (or liters). Payment is possible via terminal or cash.

How to book a car in Abu Dhabi via Localrent

Here’s how to book a car in Abu Dhabi on Localrent. The rental system is quite simple:

  1. Select the cities and rental dates. Indicate where you plan to pick up and return the car, as well as the rental period.
  2. Click on the car photo, review the details, and choose additional options if needed, such as a child seat or GPS.
  3. Check the total cost.
  4. Specify the pickup and return time and location. Note that rates are calculated per day. If the return time is later than the pickup time, an extra day will be added to the cost.
  5. Proceed to booking and advance payment. The advance is 15–20% of the total cost. The remainder is paid on-site upon receiving the car.
  6. After payment, you will receive an electronic voucher by email with all necessary information and contact details of the rental provider.

What to see with a rental car

A wealthy emirate, often called a dream come true of a beautiful life. It impresses from the first glance. Here’s what you can see with a rental car:

  1. Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Recommended to visit in the evening to enjoy its luxury and radiance. It features 82 white domes, the largest Iranian carpet weighing 42 tons, and reflective pools with changing lights. It’s an Arabian fairy tale come true. You can visit the mosque in a rented Nissan Kicks.
  2. Corniche. The promenade and recreation area stretches for 8 km. On one side are turquoise waves, on the other — a lush park with palm trees, eucalyptus, and green lawns.
  3. Saadiyat. An island whose name translates as “happiness.” A true beach resort just seven minutes from Abu Dhabi.
  4. Louvre Abu Dhabi. The emirate has its own Louvre. The museum complex was designed by Jean Nouvel. White cube-like buildings are set on the water, connected by a lacy metal dome. The exhibition includes over 300 cultural masterpieces from world museums.
  5. Yas Island. The largest entertainment center in Abu Dhabi. It houses the biggest water park in the UAE. You can go to this fun-filled island in a rented MG 5.

Where to pick up the rental car

When choosing where to rent a car, you need to be aware of all available options. Most rental companies offer delivery to the airport or around the city.

Useful tips

How to book a car in Abu Dhabi most profitably? Here are some useful hacks and tips to help you save money without sacrificing quality and comfort.

Explore all offers

Localrent offers many options from local rental companies. Pre-configure the filters to exclude unnecessary results. This helps you find the best rental car at a good price.

Follow traffic rules

In Abu Dhabi, traffic and parking fines are high. It’s important to follow the traffic rules to avoid extra costs.

Return the car with the same amount of fuel

This is a basic condition for most rental companies. You must return the car with the same fuel level as received. If not, you will be charged for the missing fuel, and the cost is usually higher than at a gas station. The fee is charged according to the rental company’s rates. If the tank has more fuel, the difference is not refunded to the customer.

FAQ

What cars are most commonly rented? What is the most popular model?

We only offer the best rental deals. The most rented vehicles are MG 5, Mitsubishi Attrage, and Hyundai Elantra.

Is it possible to rent a car without a credit card?

Some rental companies accept cash payments. However, a bank card is still required (you cannot pay the advance without it).

Should I rent a car if I’m unsure about driving under local rules?

The UAE has fairly simple traffic rules, intuitive signs, and drivers rarely break the law.

Are there age and experience restrictions?

You can rent a car if you have at least one year of driving experience. Some companies have age restrictions — most often 19 years old, though there are exceptions.

We plan to drive alternately. Is this allowed under the rental terms?

Some rental companies allow a second driver to be added to the agreement. Be sure to add the “second driver in the contract” service to your order.

Rate this article
4.8
based on 222 reviews

Find the best car rental deals in UAE

Our website uses cookies so we can improve user experience and to determine where visitors come from. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies and with the privacy policy
Yes, I agree