Travel in the UAE With Comfort: Which Rental Car to Choose

November 7, 2024 Koen 0 Comments

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fascinating country that succeeds in effortlessly blending the modern with the traditional.

It’s a country celebrated for its cutting-edge 21st-century technology, architectural innovation, and many diverse tourist attractions. From the dazzling city skyline of Dubai (which boasts the tallest building in the world) to serene desert landscapes straight out of Lawrence of Arabia, and the glittering azure coastline where the Arabian Gulf laps at a myriad of sun-drenched beaches. The United Arab Emirates is a country that not only thrives in the present and reaches out to the future, but also proudly celebrates its past.

To explore the truly diverse locations and attractions in the UAE and visit those hidden, off-the-beaten-track sites, having a rental car at your disposal can make all the difference. And as every foreign tourist knows, relying on public transport is not always a great option if you want to get the most out of your time and have full flexibility. That’s why renting a car in the UAE is so popular with tourists. And as may be imagined in a country as diverse and modern as this one, the choice of vehicles for rent is as diverse as the country itself. From luxury vehicles to supercars, off-road SUVs, G Wagon rental Dubai and economy hatchbacks, the choice is almost limitless.

In this article, we take a closer look at which car to choose on your next UAE adventure.

burj khalifa dubai — *The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest structure at a height of 829.8 metres (2,722 ft). ©Pexels/Zaib Azhar*

Why renting a car in the UAE is a great idea

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, create your own itinerary, and stop whenever and wherever you like.

The UAE’s well-maintained roads and clear signage make driving a pleasure, whether you’re cruising along the coast, city-hopping, or heading into the desert. But which vehicle should you choose?

luxury cars dubai rent car uae — *Luxury cars in Dubai. ©Paliparan*

Factors to consider when choosing a car

Before deciding on the type of car to hire, we first need to look at some of the basics, for example:

Group Size: The number of people who will be travelling with you will determine the size of the vehicle you need. A compact car might suffice for a solo traveller, or a couple on a romantic adventure, while a larger SUV or minivan would naturally be better suited for families or groups.

Comfort: If nothing else, the UAE is known for its sheer luxury and opulence. So, if you want your car to reflect that, there are plenty of high-end options available. Alternatively, if you’re more focused on practicality and budget, there are many economical vehicles for hire as well.

Terrain: Think about what areas you’ll be driving to. While the majority of roads in the UAE are well-maintained, you may want a more rugged vehicle if you’re planning to venture into the desert or some of the more mountainous regions.

Budget: As with any foreign holiday, budget also plays critical role when it comes to choosing a rental car in the UAE. In other words, how much do you want to (or can you afford to) spend on your car rental? In the UAE you can hire anything from affordable hatchbacks to expensive ultra-luxurious vehicles.

dubai sunset burj al arab — *Sunset at the beach in Dubai. ©Paliparan*

Types of cars to choose from

Let’s dive into the details of the car rental options available in the UAE:

1. Compact/Economy Cars

Best for: Solo travellers, couples, or those on a tight budget.
Advantages: Fuel-efficient, easy to drive, and perfect for navigating city traffic and parking. Ideal if you’re planning to stay within urban areas of Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

2. Sedans

Best for: Businesspeople, small families, and anyone looking for a nice compromise between comfort and cost. Advantages: More space and comfort than compact cars, suitable for longer drives and smaller groups.

3. High-End Luxury Cars (think Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, etc.)

Best for: Business executives as well as those who want to travel in style, with a touch of luxury thrown in for good measure.
Advantages: Comfort and luxury, cutting-edge technology and GPS systems, on-board entertainment, and a touch of prestige.

4. SUVs and Crossovers

Best for: Families, adventure seekers, and those planning to explore a variety of rough terrains such as mountain roads and desert landscapes.
Advantages: Ample space, ideal for families or groups, great for off-road adventures.

5. Minivans and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs)

Best for: Large families, groups, and those needing extra space for luggage.
Advantages: Suitable for large groups, plenty of space to transport your luggage or any goods, generally good comfort, practical and versatile.

6. Sports Cars (think Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti Veyron, etc.)

Best For: Petrolheads, thrill-seekers – and those who have a fat wallet!
Advantages: High-octane driving thrills, as he UAE’s open roads are perfect for high-performance vehicles, and arguably a once-in-a-lifetime experience!