There are endless varieties of cars available from reputable car rental companies in Dubai. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, cars ranging from economy models to off-roaders to top of the range performance vehicles are all available.

Hiring a car is a terrific way to get out and about and see Dubai and gives the tourist maximum flexibility. Additionally most rental companies are extremely customer-friendly and will deliver to and collect the car from your hotel or apartment.

If you decide to hire a car it is always a good idea to make sure that you have some Dirham coins in the ashtray for parking meters. Parking charges are either Dhs 1 or Dhs 2 per hour depending where you park, or Dhs 5 for two hours when parking in a metered bay. Parking in a metered bay is free from 1pm to 4pm and parking in shopping malls is complimentary.

In petrol stations the pump attendant will normally fill up your tank with petrol, you are then expected to pay him for the petrol without the necessity of leaving the car to pay for petrol inside the shop. Prices are regulated in the UAE and petrol is inexpensive and currently ranges between Dhs 1.57 and Dhs 1.68 per litre. Expect to pay about Dhs 100 for unleaded petrol (called ‘Special’) to fill an economy car and about Dhs 150 for a larger car or 4X4.

Rental companies will generally quote for third party, CDW and theft insurance. If you require fully comprehensive insurance you will need to make this clear when arranging the car. When taking delivery of a rental car you will require your passport, driving licence, two passport photographs and the payment or credit card. Drivers must be aged over 21 years to drive a small economy car and over 25 to drive a larger car with an engine capacity over 2 litres.

Be advised that if you are staying with a friend who lives in Dubai, it is against the law for you to drive his car without a current UAE driving licence; an international licence is insufficient. If you were to have an accident no insurance company would cover the damage caused as a result of the accident.

For details and contact numbers for car rental agencies please see our Online Directory.

Limousines

For the ultimate luxury night out with a larger group of friends or to make a real impression why not consider hiring a chauffeur driven limousine to collect you from your hotel and allow you to arrive at your restaurant or nightclub destination in real style. The prices are surprisingly affordable, especially when split between 8 or 10 people and very reasonable if the limo is only hired for a one-way journey. After all you can always get a taxi back to your accommodation.

Some limo companies provide, amongst other limos, a stretch Hummer which leases at around Dhs 500 per hour. For other stretch limousines expect to pay about Dhs 300 for 3 hours for 3 passengers, rising to Dhs 1,000 for a group of 14 passengers for 3 hours. Prices include the driver, insurance, unlimited mileage and soft drinks. When booking a limousine try to give as much notice as possible to avoid possible disappointment.

For details and contact numbers for limousine leasing agencies please see our OnlineDirectory.