How old should you be to rent a car in Dubai?

Renting a car in Dubai is a great way to experience the city’s luxury, scenery and culture. But before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know the specific rules and regulations of car rentals in this city. One of the key ones is age, as there are different rules on how old you should be to hire a car in this metropolis.

Octane luxury car rental offers a guide that will help anyone who wants to rent a car in Dubai without violating a number of important rules.

Car rental requirements in Dubai
To hire a car in Dubai you need to meet several requirements. First and foremost the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old. But some rental companies may have a higher minimum age of 25 years for luxury cars.
To rent a car you will need:

1. Valid Driver’s License: Your valid driving license should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) if one is needed for tourists from their countries of origin while in Dubai. Always check this with your rental company beforehand.
2. Passport and Visa: A copy of your passport and visa is required for identification purposes.
3. Credit Card: Most companies will require a credit card for the deposit. Make sure your credit card has enough limit to cover the deposit which can range from AED 1,000 to AED 5,000 depending on the car.
4. Insurance: While companies provide basic insurance, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance for your peace of mind.

Please check with the company for their specific requirements as they can vary.

Restrictions
Renting a car in Dubai can be great but there are some restrictions you should be aware of:

1. Age limits: As mentioned above the minimum age to rent a car is 21 but for premium cars it could be 25. Drivers under 25 may be subject to young driver surcharge.
2. Driving history: Some companies may require drivers to have held their license for a minimum number of years, usually 2 years.
3. Traffic rules: Dubai has strict traffic laws. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules as violations can lead to heavy fines or even suspension of your rental privileges.
4. Geographical restrictions: Some rental agreements may not allow travel to certain areas especially if they are high risk or if the rental car is not designed for such terrain.

It is also important to understand Dubai traffic rules. The city has very strict traffic laws and you can be heavily fined for not obeying them. There are many speed cameras so watch your speed!

When caught speeding, fines will go directly to the hiring company who in turn will charge you for them. Drive safely at all times and always be aware of speed limits.

Driving etiquette
Driving in Dubai is a whole new experience with its own set of rules: it requires not only adherence to the laws but a clear understanding of the local driving practices and customs.

The following provides some recommendations to keep in mind while driving in Dubai:

1. Lane discipline: You ought to be aware that at an equal intersection, it is the left lane and not the right lane which has the right of way like in other countries. You will likely not experience this most of the time due to signs and lights, but it seems that I am reminded of it periodically.
2. Driving style: Virtually nobody indicates turning lanes when switching lanes. Nobody thanks anybody for any reason by activating the hazard light as a gesture of gratitude – the others will have no clue what you are thanking them for.
3. No speed limits: No matter the speed limit fines are enormous. Even in the city, when you are in the right lane, the cars drive up behind you and start flashing in the 60 km/h sign zone. On the highway do not be in the left lane – there is a good chance some car, of which there are many racing cars and sports cars – is driving into the left lane very quickly!
4. Intersections: The challenge of driving can often be attributed to the astonishingly high number of intersections. They are intricate, complicated and roads often split into two or three roads.
5. Roundabouts: The abundance of roundabouts is wonderful and safe but, yes, if a roundabout has 5 lanes you will be crossing paths with unrestrained driving by residents around this roundabout, which is usually also without following the lane structure that you learned about earlier.
6. Weather: Dubai’s climatic conditions can be severe, especially in the summer. Cars can burn up parked out in the sun and consider using some sunshades or simply try to park in shaded areas.
7. Crosswalks are sacred: Built-in road features that you give way to pedestrians and if they begin to meander into the road before your red light turns green your normal reflex is to stop.

How to find a perfect rental company?
Finding the right rental company in Dubai can make all the difference in your car rental experience. Here’s how:

1. Online research: Start by reading online reviews and ratings of different rental companies. Look for feedback on customer service, vehicle condition and pricing.
2. Compare prices: Use comparison websites to check prices across multiple rental companies. This way you can find the best rates and know the terms and conditions of each offer.
3. Luxury options: If you want something special, consider Octane luxury car rental. They have a wide range of high end vehicles and excellent service for those who want to live Dubai in style.
4. Policies: Read the rental policies carefully especially the insurance, mileage limits, fuel policies and cancellation terms. Knowing these details can prevent surprise charges.
5. Customer support: Choose a company with 24/7 customer support. Having someone to assist you in case of emergencies or queries during your rental period is crucial.
6. Location: Consider the rental company’s location and if they offer pickup and drop off services. Convenience can save you time and make your experience better.

Because Dubai has so many car rental companies, you’ll want to compare prices online before you decide. There are websites and apps available that can help aggregate offers from different providers, allowing you to quickly identify the best deals.

So there you have these important tips, now you know the requirements and restrictions of renting a car in Dubai. Happy driving!