To rent a car in Dubai, visitors need documents like a driving license or IDP, a valid passport, and a credit card in the renter’s name. Besides, the prerequisites do vary in certain conditions, like whether resident or tourist/visitor, and more.
Yet what feels surreal is the pleasure of driving your dream luxury car in the royal futuristic city of Dubai with modern infrastructure.
Even the fun of driving an SUV in the desert is no less than an adventure. Many enjoy driving in a Porsche Macan GTS through the Jebel Jais beaches and feel the gush of wind hitting their face, making them fall in love with every bit of life.
So, while you are excited and think it might be difficult or not feasible, it is easy, and let’s check the details.
Renting a car in Dubai is a straightforward process, as the agencies need complete documents to avoid a hassle later on.
Below is a list of the documents required:
Just like any other country, you need to have a valid driving license for car rental in Dubai. Generally, Dubai accepts driving licenses from over 50 countries, and hence, there are higher chances that your home country’s license will be accepted.
Even if your home country’s license is not valid in Dubai, an IDP would suffice for your needs. Yet, it is always good to cross-check others to opt for chauffeur services.
While some luxury car rental providers approve a person with a minimum age to drive exotic cars. Hence, verify in advance. But whether it is an IDP or a valid driving license, carrying the original instead of a copy is mandatory.
If multiple people, like some of your co-passengers, would also drive during the rental period, then ensure to have their licenses as well. Additionally, the license validity criteria are applicable to them, too.
Plus, check their minimum age requirements for the car category and with the agency.
Other countries have different driving norms; hence, their driving licenses aren’t allowed in the UAE.
If you are a tourist and not a native, then a passport is necessary for identification while renting a car in the UAE. In such cases, your home country’s identification card won’t be valid.
Plus, the passport should be valid during the tenure of your stay in the UAE. With such nominal and basic requirements, you could fulfill your dream of exploring Dubai the royal way and driving through its futuristic landscape in luxury cars. Whether it’s your spouse, a solo trip, family, friends, or even a corporate one, make every moment worth it instead of regretting it later.
Do ensure to have a UAE entry stamp or a valid tourist/visitor visa if applicable in your case. Thus, your legal status is determined in the country; otherwise, you can be considered an illegal immigrant if not a UAE native/resident.
But in case you need to rent a car like Bentley Continental GTC Speed or similar for special occasions like a destination wedding, then ensure the people driving it are on a valid visa or legal residents.
The majority of the car rental companies ask you to pay a security deposit. Even if not then many don’t support multiple payment options and hence demand a credit card for rental payment as well. So, ensure to carry one if you have not decided and checked with the rental agency.
Further, do carry a credit card with sufficient credit cover so it covers the security deposit and rental charges. After you return the car safely, the deposit is refunded to you.
While most of you would find it tedious, just imagine you are cruising through the speedy Sheikh Zayed road in full vogue with a luxury sports car like a Lamborghini or a convertible like the Porsche?
Well, I used to think of skipping the hassle, but trust me, it’s worth giving up for! That once-in-a-lifetime experience will forever remain etched in your memories. Besides, Phantom Rent A Car helps you ease the process with smoother onboarding.
Different rental companies have different minimum age criteria for providing premium cars on rental. Plus, it even depends on the car category.
The minimum age with certain agencies is 25, while with others it is 23; it varies by agency. Further, accordingly, the car categories like SUV, sedans, sports, and convertibles do make a difference, and the minimum age can range between 21-25 years.
But before booking, do ensure that you comply with those requirements, else you will have to opt for chauffeur services.
You can enquire with lesser-known agencies that give age relief for luxury. But that can create a legal issue if anyone on the road checks your age and hence will land you in legal trouble.
Not all car rental companies provide insurance coverage; hence, always check it in the rental agreement. This is because for many people, their credit card or own insurance policy already includes rental cars.
So, if you are one such individual, you do carry the proof of Insurance coverage while renting the car. Even if the agency has provided insurance coverage, do check if it’s comprehensive and do take sufficient documents for the purpose.
This will even help keep your family or group of friends safe and sound in case of any damage that might occur during the journey.
It feels legit fun when travelling in a luxury SUV like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga S for maximum safety and even ample space. Whether it’s visiting Abu Dhabi for adventures at Yas Island or even exploring parts of Dubai, every penny and effort taken will be worth it.
UAE residents should also have their Emirates ID when renting a car in Dubai or any part of the UAE. Any other documents for UAE residents may not be sufficient proof. Hence, both a driving license, Emirates ID, and other mentioned Documents are required.
Yes, IDP can be used in Dubai. Any country whose license is not permitted in the above list, and yet their natives are on a tourist/visitor visa, can use an International Driving Permit in the UAE. But those living in the country as legal migrants should have a driving license in the UAE.
To get an IDP in your preferred country, contact the local authorities, enquire at the Road Transport Authority or similar bodies, who would solve your queries. But suppose you are a UAE resident and have a UAE license. In that case, you can get it quickly by contacting the authorities with documents like: a copy of a valid UAE driving license, a copy of a passport (valid residence visa for expatriates), and two passport-sized photographs.
Yes, you can travel with a rental car from the UAE to Oman, but you have to discuss it with the car rental agency beforehand. Generally, it is restricted to travel outside the UAE with a rental car unless you have completed the entire process. It includes getting explicit prior approval, NOC from the rental agency, cross-border insurance, and an IDP or your home country’s driving license if Oman accepts it. Know the legal and political constraints beforehand by consulting the rental agency.
Renting a car in Dubai isn’t about commuting but fulfilling a dream that every Gen Z or millennial grows up with from their Windows wallpaper featuring a Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, or similar.
While I do understand your excitement and how in that flow you might forget any of these documents while renting, do ensure to prepare them beforehand.
Additionally, my personal tip is that while renting with any agency to ensure to record videos before pickup and after delivery of the interior and exterior to avoid any hassle.
While reputed agencies do not create a dispute even if something goes wrong yet for the safe side or in miscellaneous cases, it would be handy. It will also help with insurance coverage.
For the safest side, you can always rent with us to make your journey smooth and have only memories during your drive!
Phantom Rent a Car are experts in high-quality luxury cars combined with expert service. We help turn your dreams into a reality by providing you with the largest fleet of luxury hire cars to choose from. Our luxury cars allow you to explore everything that Dubai has to offer in style, immersing yourself in the culture, elegance and sophistication of the region.
