Not so many countries will be accommodating for tourists to drive themselves. Some countries have strict rules on these issues, and it will be wise if you educated yourself on the same. Dubai is a great country to tour, and as a tourist, driving yourself to all the exciting destination sites will considerably save you time and money.
If you are looking to tour Dubai, then brace yourself for some of the most impressive features you've ever laid your eyes on. We are talking about skyscrapers, mega malls, an impressive skyline, and fountain displays that will blow your mind. But to get into all these great and majestic locations, you'll need to find a convenient means of transportation. Now, not so many countries will allow tourists to drive themselves. Here is that one million dollar question; can a tourist drive a car in Dubai?
You need a car to drive in Dubai
Before we get to all the nitty gritties, you need a car to know if you can drive yourself in Dubai. Among the ways this can be made possible is by hiring a rented car or having a chauffeur drive you around. There are so many car renting companies in Dubai that, and with the right documentation, and money, of course, will agree to rent you a car of your choosing. This guide from the Dubai car rental specialists will help you in not only choosing a car you can cruise the streets of Dubai with, but they'll also throw in some additional tips on how to have hassle-free trips. Below are factors to consider when choosing a car rental company in Dubai:
- Cost – Most companies have different rates when it comes to renting a vehicle. Some companies will charge per hour while others might charge you per the mileage readings. Consider companies that are willing to negotiate their prices and throw in some discounts.
- Capacity – It could be that you have a family, and need a car that will accommodate everyone including your luggage. Consider car rental companies with a wide variety of vehicles to choose from.
- Duration of your stay – Renting a car in Dubai will be dependent on how long you intend to stay. Additionally, you'll also need to factor in the distance you need to cover when touring the city, as this can have an impact on the car rental charges.
- Support – Consider car rental companies that have roadside support services. As you might be aware, anything can happen on the road and the last thing you want is have to postpone your other plans because the car you rented broke down.
Do you have the paperwork?
If you are not a UAE resident, then you will be required to have all the right paperwork. Dubai is among the countries with strict traffic laws, and driving without some kind of permission can land you into some trouble with the law. The first thing that you'll want to do is obtain an international driving permit. This means that you need to have your international driving license before you think of driving a car in Dubai. Other documents you'll need to have with you when driving a car in Dubai include:
- Original visa
- Original passport
- The international driving permit
- Your original home driving license
Let's talk about insurance
As with most countries, driving a car requires some form of insurance. This will help to take care of any damages caused in case of an accident. Now, Dubai is no exception when it comes to motor insurance as there are always potential road problems, some that can be fatal. Not to worry though, the car rental company should have the insurance issues sorted out. This means choosing car rental companies that are insured. Do not drive a car in Dubai without first asking whether the car is insured!
Additional tips when driving a car in Dubai
It can not be reiterated enough that Dubai is a country with strict traffic laws. You do not want to be on the wrong side of the law with the boys in blue as this will cost you time and valuable resources. Whether you are visiting Dubai for business or leisure, you need the following tips to drive safely in such a big city. They include:
- Do not drink and drive
- Stick to the speed limits
- Keep distance
- Consider installing a navigator app on your phone
- Learn the Dubai road signs and traffic rules
- Dial 999 or 998 if there's a road emergency to report
Not so many countries will be accommodating for tourists to drive themselves. Some countries have strict rules on these issues, and it will be wise if you educated yourself on the same. Dubai is a great country to tour, and as a tourist, driving yourself to all the exciting destination sites will considerably save you time and money.
Main image by 5ILI DUCATI from Pixabay
