Car hire in Dubai
Hiring a car in Dubai
In the last couple of decades, Dubai has emerged seemingly out of nowhere, with the previously unknown city state in the UAE becoming not only one of the most popular holiday hotspots in the world, but also one of the most glamorous and unique. From beachfront destinations, beautiful blue seas and some of the best shopping in the world, to the opulence of its ambitious skyline and the buildings that bring it to life, Dubai is a city truly like no other in the world.
Diversity is one of the best parts about Dubai as a whole. With popularity among those from the Middle East, India, the UK and US, there is a diverse culture in the state that is unlike that found almost anywhere else in the world, which lends it something of a charm that makes Dubai more than just another sunny beach destination. It's become a must visit for millions of people each and every year, and with good reason.
What you need to know
The best way to get around Dubai is by car, especially with the temperature in the emirate averaging at 36C. You'll be thankful for a vehicle that comes equipped with air conditioning when you're dealing with temperatures that high. That's not all; the popularity of Dubai in recent years has meant that the local government has been spending big on infrastructure. This means that the roads in Dubai are better than they've ever been, and it's more than easy to get anywhere in the city whenever you need to.
The best way to ensure you are prepared for your holiday before you head off to Dubai is to book your car hire in advance with Holiday Autos. We offer you free cancellation and amendments at any time, so you need feel no pressure when you are booking with us ahead of time. With the 20 years experience we have comparing car hire prices across the globe, you can rest easy knowing that you will be getting the best service possible with Holiday Autos.
Where to pick up your car
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main transport hub in the city, and will be the arrival point for anyone coming from overseas. In recent years, it has emerged not only as the most important airport in the Middle East, but also in the world. It has seen millions of tourists coming through each year, which has led to another terminal being built in the last five years, and it is predicted that by the end of the decade, it will have taken London Heathrow's crown as the busiest airport in the whole world.
When you arrive at Dubai International, finding your car will be an easy task. For most of the car hire companies, desks are easily found in the arrivals area, so it's as easy as following the signs when you arrive. Other companies not located in the airport itself will also make the process of finding them easy with a meet and greet service that sees them provide a driver on hand at the airport to pick you up and take you to your car.
Best Car Hire Companies Dubai
Car Hire Reviews Dubai
Where to go
Once you have located your car hire company and collected all of the documents you need, you will be on the road, and all that will remain will be to decide what you want to do and where you want to go. Whether you want to hit the beaches, the shopping malls or see what the restaurants have to offer in upmarket treats, Dubai is your oyster thanks to your easy and convenient car hire.
Nearby Dubai
Hiring a car in Dubai means that you will have the freedom to explore not only the emirate itself, but also the rest of what the UAE has to offer visitors, with many exciting places just a short trip away. For example, just 30 minutes from the heart of Dubai, you will find the city of Sharjah. This is one of the biggest cities in the UAE, much like Dubai, but it offers something a little different. It's ideal for anyone who is travelling to the UAE as a family, and the kids will love the day out as you take them to visit the science museum and the children's museum, both of which are fantastic attractions.
Elsewhere, why not travel a little further afield and make the hour and a half trip to Abu Dhabi? Much less opulent and upmarket than Dubai is, Abu Dhabi has a surprising number of green spaces throughout the city, which has led to its nickname of the Garden City. It makes for a great day out if you want to get away from the hectic glitz and glamour that has come to define Dubai in recent years.
Driving in Dubai
Driving in Dubai will be different to driving at home for most people, and it's important that you know what to expect before you land in the emirate and head out in the car. For one thing, the roads in Dubai can be busy and at times will be quite congested. For newcomers, this means taking your time, and perhaps choosing not to drive at the end or start of the working day, when the roads will be at their very busiest.
Another important thing to note before you drive in Dubai is that the busy roads have brought about a system of tolls on the main roads in the city. To use roads, you need to have purchased a pre-paid toll card before you set off in order to pass through toll points. Many car hire companies will offer these as part of the booking process and bill you at the end of your stay, but it's worth checking in advance to see if this will be the case or if you need to obtain one for yourself.
Top attractions to visit in Dubai
When you come to Dubai on holiday, no matter what your personal tastes are, there will be so much to see and do to delight you and your fellow visitors.
Burj Khalifa
One of the most impressive feats of architecture you'll have ever seen, the Burj Khalifa is one of those global landmarks that just has to be seen to be believed. The building is the tallest in the world, so chances are you'll be able to pick it out from anywhere in Dubai, but it's best to see it from inside, where you can get breathtaking views of the whole emirate from the 124th and 148th floor viewing levels. In addition, there is also a stunning restaurant on the 122nd floor that is well worth a visit.
Dubai Museum
When you think of Dubai, chances are you imagine it to be this fantastically modern city that it's often portrayed as, but the city state has some fantastic history as well, and it's not afraid to show it off. Dubai Museum is located in a fort that was built around the year 1800, and is believed to be Dubai's oldest building, making it well worth a visit in itself, and that's before you even turn your eye to the wonderful exhibits that chart Dubai's growth before oil made it what it is today.
Dubai Mall
Finally, no stop off in Dubai is complete without a trip to the Dubai Mall, and don't let the name fool you, it's more than just somewhere to shop. Sure, the 1,200 stores on site make it any retail fan's dream, but there's also the delights of the dinosaur skeleton, indoor ice rink and theme parks to consider. It's a must see for anyone in Dubai!
Car Hire Tips
Car hire pitfalls to avoid
What to know to pick up a rental car?
Car Hire Fuel Policy Explained
Popular United Arab Emirates car hire locations
null
view all