Dubai is a driving city. Whether you are on its broad highways, or in escapes to the desert or on the flashy night ventures, having the right car at your disposal makes everything. There are taxis and ride-hailing applications, yet nothing is more freedom than renting a car of your own. Before you rent a car in Dubai, this is what you need to know, especially when you are new to the city or you are planning to visit the city.
Choosing the Right Car for Dubai
The type of car you buy has to fit your plans as well as your budget. The roads in Dubai are tarmac, traffic is controlled and alternatives abound- small hatchbacks and even fancy sports cars.
Group Size Matters
Sedans and compact cars tend to be the most affordable in case of one person or a couple traveling alone or with another person. Such models as the Nissan Sunny or Toyota Corolla are simple to operate, fuel economical, and ideal in driving in the city.
SUVs make much more sense to families. They have space, a carry-on, and are the best when you are going on a day trip to Abu Dhabi or desert areas. The Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol are good options among bigger groups; as they are comfortable and powerful at the same time.
City Driving or Desert Driving?
You have to consider your destination. In urban streets, you will be fine in sedans and small SUVS. However, when you are thinking of dune-bashing, desert picnics or mountain tours, a robust 4x4 with high ground clearance is necessary. In Dubai, one can be on the Sheikh Zayed road in the morning and in the desert in the afternoon, so be very careful.
What About Fuel Costs?
The reason is that petrol prices in Dubai are comparatively low relative to finished goods in Europe or North America, thus, one of the benefits of renting. Nevertheless, economy is important particularly when travelling long distances. Compact cars and middle-range sedans are highly economical in terms of mileage, and SUV and luxury cars will naturally burn more. Hybrids are also appearing in the market offering a compromise between performance and savings.
Features to Look Out For
Car rentals within Dubai are offered in all the trims and options, yet certain features might help your experience to be smoother:
Automatic Transmission - almost all the rental cars in Dubai are automatic and they are easy to drive by both the tourists and the locals.
Navigation & Multimedia - Inbuilt GPS or Apple carplay/Android auto enables cars to economize time lost in the huge road network of Dubai.
Safety - Blind-spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control and even parking sensors may literally be a saving grace, especially during rush hours.
Cargo Space - SUVs or hatchbacks with an extra trunk size should be considered when you are traveling with your family or going shopping.
Final Word
Car rental in Dubai is not a complicated task but they need planning. Get the car that fits your lifestyle, get your insurance in order and see the city as it should be seen and on four wheels and with all the freedom you can have.
