Dubai, as one of the most dynamic and luxury-oriented places in the world, reflects this trend even in its road infrastructure and transport. From skyscrapers to highways, there’s nothing in the metropolis that doesn’t look ultramodern and ultra-advanced. If you are one of those who want to experience all the unique aspects of Dubai with your own four wheels, you need to know what documents are required to rent and drive a car. One of the key papers to keep in mind is an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Although people are always looking for a more straightforward solution when searching for the right company, “car hire near me” in Dubai, you should understand that being eligible to rent a car is not that easy. Most people need to have an International Driving Permit to drive legally in the United Arab Emirates, especially if they come from a country whose license is not in English or Arabic. Let’s take a closer look at the issue of renting a car with an IDP, including legality, documents, types of cars, and advice for driving in Dubai for foreigners.
What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
A Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country’s driving license into several languages. In more than 150 countries, an IDP is accepted as an equivalent to the original license. However, it is not the original license itself but a paper confirming that the holder has passed all necessary driving tests and meets the standard driving skills required to operate a car.
In the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, an IDP is a mandatory document that almost all tourists need to have when renting a car and driving it around the city. Notably, some nations have bilateral agreements with the UAE (Gulf Cooperation Council states, the UK, or the European Union countries), but in other cases, the holder of a foreign license needs to have an IDP.
Which Countries Need an IDP to Drive in Dubai?
Travelers from several countries are required to have an IDP when renting and driving a car in Dubai. The main reason is that these people need to show their license which is not in English or Arabic. Or, the United Arab Emirates does not recognize the license of these countries. It means that most tourists from the following countries need to have an IDP:
India
Pakistan
The Philippines
China
Russia
Countries from South America
Most countries from Africa
If you’re not sure if you need to have an IDP to rent a car in Dubai, please double-check the requirements with your local embassy or contact the UAE government directly to find out. Remember, it is always better to have more rather than to have nothing at all. What happens if you do not have an IDP and try to rent a car in Dubai? You will get nowhere.
Why Do I Need an IDP When Searching for “Car Hire Near Me”?
Let’s imagine you are in Dubai and have enough money to rent a car. Or, you find the best deal on a premium model of a luxury car with amazing options. Then, it turns out that a rental company requires you to show a few things before giving you the car key. One of the documents that you will need is an International Driving Permit.
Although you might think that even the most sought-after and ultra-luxurious cars are out of your reach, the most important question to ask yourself is if you will have a proper permit. What if you drive without it? Well, the car is going to be quite unsecure, which means that the agency might refuse to insure it. As a result, you will be legally responsible for any liability, from fines to damages. It is crucial for you to know about the IDP and why you need to rent a car in Dubai with it.
How to Get an IDP Before Coming to Dubai?
In most cases, the process of getting an IDP is straightforward and can be done in the following way:
Go to your home country’s automobile association website (it can be AAA in the US or RAC in the UK).
Send a passport-sized photo, a copy of your current driver’s license, and an application form.
Pay a few bucks (it usually costs $20 to $40).
Receive the IDP within a few days (sometimes even on the same day).
However, it is highly recommended to get an IDP before coming to the United Arab Emirates as the document cannot be issued after you arrive in the UAE.
Documents Required to Rent a Car in Dubai With an IDP
When searching for “car hire near me” in Dubai, you should know what documents you need to show to a rental company:
Your home country’s original driving license.
International Driving Permit (it is required if you need it).
Copy of your passport.
Your visa (if you have it, it should be stamped).
Credit card (for a deposit).
Some companies require a specific age (usually 21 or 25 years) and a minimum period since getting the license.
You should keep in mind that all documents should be in a good condition and should not be expired. Besides, some rental agencies might require you to have a minimum age (usually 21 or 25) and a period since the moment you got your license.
Which Car Should I Choose?
The variety of cars that you can rent in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is overwhelming. Whether you are on a budget or looking for the latest SUV, you will find it in the United Arab Emirates. So, when you search for “car hire near me” in Dubai, you might find a lot of companies with different cars. However, you should remember a few tips when choosing the right vehicle:
Look for the car you are comfortable with.
Drive on the right-hand side.
Check the app for the traffic and look for signs.
Be ready for salik fees (it is an electronic toll system that you will need to pay when crossing a toll).
No tolerance for DUI (driving under the influence).
Speed limits are high (radar cameras are everywhere).
Parking tips in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
There are many public parking lots in the country, where you need to use parking meters or an SMS to park your car.
Some hotels and malls have valet and free parking.
Gas stations are almost everywhere in the UAE, and petrol is cheap.
Make sure to look for parking signs as the local police has a lot of automatic devices to catch you in the case of breaking the law.
What is Included in the Insurance Package?
Usually, most car rental companies in Dubai and the UAE provide you with basic insurance coverage, so you are safe from the financial responsibility in case of an accident. However, you should remember that you can upgrade your insurance to a comprehensive package for your peace of mind. Keep in mind that when you search for “car hire near me” in Dubai, you should know what insurance the agency offers you:
What is included.
What is not.
How much is the deductible amount.
If your tires and glasses are covered or not.
If you can drive off-road or not.
If you have an IDP when you rent a car in Dubai, your insurance will be valid. However, if you do not have an IDP and you are from the list of countries that need it, then any insurance claim will be denied. Not only that, but you will have a problem with fines and the police. It means that you will be liable for damages caused to third parties.
What Happens If I Drive Without an IDP?
As it was mentioned earlier, driving in Dubai without an IDP when you need it will be associated with the following problems:
High fines.
Penalties.
Car impoundment.
No insurance coverage.
Also, when you are involved in an accident, you will have to pay for all the damages by yourself. Notably, you will have to compensate for third parties’ losses. Sometimes, you can even be banned from renting a car in the UAE.
What Can I See With My Car?
Dubai is a city in the middle of the desert, so if you want to see something besides the skyscrapers and fancy malls, then you should take a few hours to drive away from the city. One of the best places to see around Dubai is to drive toward the UAE east coast and see Fujairah. There are many attractions, ranging from historical sites to mountains, on the way from Dubai to Fujairah.
There are a few more places you should see around the UAE. They are popular with tourists from all over the world:
See Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and drive to the fastest roller coaster in the world.
Check the art and history museums and a great view of Sharjah Skyline.
Take a mountain ride or visit east coast beaches.
See the mountain and stop on the way to visit a historic site and Jebel Hafeet.
All the emirates have different speed limits and different regulations, so you should be aware of the road and be a safe driver.
What Should I Do When Returning a Car?
When your trip ends, you should return the car on time and in good condition:
Fill the tank and leave the car with full gas.
Keep all the receipts from the gas stations.
Meet with the agency’s employee and show the condition of the car.
In case you get a dispute with the agency later, keep the IDP, the rental contract, and photos of the car condition with you.
Tips on the Road
While driving in Dubai, you can feel the real luxury. The roads are modern, smooth, and have a great road system. However, when you decide to drive on your own, make sure to keep in mind a few things:
Drive on the right-hand side.
Use the GPS app or Waze.
Drive according to speed limits (there are many radar cameras).
Take care of salik fees (it is an electronic toll system that is going to add money to your rent).
Drive sober (there is no tolerance for DUI).
Always drive carefully and obey the signs (you will get a ticket and fine for making a mistake).
Tips on Parking
When you are in Dubai, you will see a lot of public parking lots around the city, which means that you can park your car and leave it. However, when you search for “car hire near me” in Dubai, keep in mind that you should use the following tips when parking your car:
Park on the left side of the road.
Find the right zone for parking (there are different zones for different cars).
Use parking meters or an SMS system to pay for parking.
The good thing is that you can leave your car overnight in the hotel parking lots or in the malls for free.
Drive Away!
Having your own car in Dubai gives you the ability to see and experience the country as no other means of transport can. You will see the city and the dunes, which makes you a driver, not just a passenger. The car gives you the freedom to go where you want and feel the luxury of having your own vehicle.
With an IDP in your hands, you can search for “car hire near me” in Dubai without worrying about whether you can rent a car or not. The UAE is one of the countries where you can see what you want. From the towers of Dubai to the mountains and historic sites of the UAE, everything is available for you. Have a safe trip!
