Car Rental & Self-Driving
The UAE is an excellent car rental country: perfect roads, clear signage (Arabic + English), cheap gasoline, and a modern highway network connecting all emirates.
When is a rental car worthwhile?
- Yes: Day trips to Abu Dhabi, Hatta, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah. Exploring the desert (only with 4WD!). Flexible emirate hopping.
- No: Pure Dubai city stay (Metro + taxi is easier). Parking search in Downtown and Marina is stressful.
Practical Info
- Driver's License: German/Austrian/Swiss driver's license is accepted. International driver's license recommended but rarely required.
- Prices: From 80–120 AED/day (20–30 EUR) for a small car. SUV/4WD from 200 AED/day (50 EUR). Full insurance recommended.
- Gasoline: Extremely cheap — about 3.2 AED/liter (0.80 EUR). Fill up for under 100 AED (25 EUR).
- Car Rental Companies: All international (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) plus affordable local providers (Al Muftah, Thrifty UAE). Book at the airport or online.
- Salik: Dubai's electronic toll system (automatic via radio). Charged through the car rental bill. About 4 AED (1 EUR) per toll station.
Traffic Rules
- Speed Limit: City 60–80 km/h, highway 100–120 km/h, residential 40 km/h. Speed cameras everywhere!
- Alcohol: Zero-tolerance policy! 0.0 per mille. No exceptions.
- Mobile Phone Use: Only with hands-free device. Fine: 800 AED + 4 points.
- Driving Style: Caution on Sheikh Zayed Road — despite speed limits, many drive significantly faster. SUVs flashing headlights are unfortunately common.
Achtung
NEVER drive drunk in the UAE! With 0.0 per mille, there is no tolerance. The penalty: prison, deportation, license revocation. Even a glass of wine is enough for a conviction.