Luxury, glamour, ultramodern architecture, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and rich history – these words perfectly describe Dubai. There is so much to see and do in this dazzling metropolis that having the freedom to move around in a rental car can elevate your journey to another level. As you might expect, renting a car in Dubai can be expensive, especially if you’re here for sightseeing. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to find a car rental for sightseeing in Dubai at a bargain. Let’s see how you can get the best cheap car rental for sightseeing in Dubai, how to save some money on your car rental in Dubai, and what kind of cars to choose based on your itinerary.
What Makes It a Good Idea to Rent a Car for Sightseeing in Dubai?
Dubai’s public transportation system is well-developed and comprehensive, with the metro lines, buses, and taxi ranks available all around the city. If you want to explore the city further than the most popular tourist spots and have the freedom to drive around at your own pace, renting a car is the best option in this case.
Why You Should Use a Rental Car for Sightseeing in Dubai?
- Flexibility. No need to stick to the timetable.
- Time-saver. You don’t have to wait for the next bus or metro to take you to the next destination.
- Access. Some places are less accessible by metro or bus, such as Al Qudra Lakes or Hatta.
- Comfort. Much more useful in the middle of summer.
Factors That Affect the Price of Car Rental in Dubai
There are several factors that influence the cost of renting a vehicle in Dubai. Before we dive into the cheapest cars for sightseeing in Dubai, let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind:
- Type of the car. Economy cars are cheaper to rent and consume less fuel. We recommend a compact hatchback, a sedan, or a small SUV for a budget-conscious traveler.
- Rental duration. You can get a better price for the car when you rent it for longer. If you book a car for a week or a month, you will get the cheapest price per day.
- Timing. Since Dubai is a favorite destination during winter months, booking a car during the high season may be more expensive. If you book a car in the low season or out of season, you can get a better price.
- Pick-up location. Picking up a car at the airport will usually cost you more than if you pick it up in a central part of the city or in a nearby neighborhood.
- Optional extras. Many people tend to purchase a GPS, child seats, and other optional extras that cost a lot of money. Unless you need them, think twice before you rent them. Otherwise, you can buy a phone holder for your phone and use your smartphone’s GPS navigation system.
What Are the Best Types of Cars for Sightseeing in Dubai?
Here are the best cars for sightseeing in Dubai:
- Economy hatchbacks. They are ideal for solo travelers or couples. They are easy to park, small, and economical in fuel consumption.
- Compact sedans. Perfect for small families or groups of up to four. More space in the trunk, yet budget-friendly.
- Compact SUVs. If you are planning to go for a ride in the desert or drive to the sights outside of the city, a compact SUV is the best choice. If you choose this option, it will cost you a bit more than the other two options, but the versatility is worth it.
What to See and Do with a Rental Car in Dubai?
When you already have a car, you can plan the most convenient way to visit the sights in the city. Here are some of the top sights and attractions you can see in Dubai with your car:
- Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Dubai’s most iconic skyscraper and business district. From here, you can see one of the world’s highest buildings – Burj Khalifa, visit Dubai Mall, see Dubai Fountain, or have a cup of coffee in Souk Al Bahar.
- Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab. Drive along Jumeirah Road to see the beaches and board a boat ride on the calm waters of the sea. You will usually find parking spots near Kite Beach or JBR Beach, where you can relax and have a picnic.
- Dubai Marina. Take a drive around this modern high-rise district. Shop in its shopping malls, dine in the restaurants, and take a cruise ride. In the evening, the atmosphere is beautiful and romantic.
- Al Fahidi Historical District. Al Fahidi is the old area of the city. This neighborhood contains the Al Fahidi Museum and traditional Emirati wind towers. Explore the heritage of this vibrant metropolis.
- Desert Safari and Al Qudra Lakes. This desert is not just a spot for sand dunes and dune bashing. You can rent a 4×4 to drive through the sand or stop for a picnic in Al Qudra Lakes or Love Lake.
- Dubai Creek and Deira. The historical part of town is packed with souks, such as Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk. Compact hatchbacks and sedans are the best choice to navigate through the narrow alleys.
Tips for Finding the Best Cheap Car Rental in Dubai
Book in advance. There is a limited number of vehicles in Dubai, and many tourists book their car rentals weeks or even months in advance. So, book in advance and get the best price and a larger choice.
Compare the prices on different platforms. You can easily use price comparison websites or aggregator platforms to find the best deal. You can use them to find the best cheap car rental in Dubai by choosing the vehicle type, rental period, and the price.
Do not rent unnecessary extras. There are some features in car rentals that might be included in the price. However, you can buy some optional extras, such as insurance coverage, a GPS system, or mobile Wi-Fi. Make sure you don’t need these extras and check whether your credit card covers the rental. Some credit cards include insurance coverage.
Inspect the car before you leave. Make sure you inspect the car for any dents, scratches, or damaged interior before you leave. Take pictures of the car to prove that there were no damages before you rented it.
Use credit cards that include car rental coverage. If your credit card includes coverage, you can waive the extra insurance and save money. Before your journey, check with your credit card company to see if you can get this option.
Rent only basic cars. Some car rentals have optional extras, such as convertibles or sports cars. Unless you need it, you don’t need these features. Stick to basic compact hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.
What to Do and See When You’re in Dubai
Dubai is a city that is friendly for drivers. It has a good road network and the places are well-connected, which means you don’t have to stay in one place all day long. It is easier to drive in the city than you might think. However, it is essential to know some rules and tips before you drive on the streets of Dubai. If you follow these tips, you will enjoy driving in Dubai, even as a first-time visitor:
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Bring your valid driving license, passport, and rental documents.
- Tourists from most countries can drive using their license or an International Driving License.
- Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers.
- There are speed cameras all over the city and traffic radars that control the speed limits. Speeding is strictly forbidden and fined.
- You can’t drink and drive in Dubai. It is illegal and punishable by fines.
How to Park in Dubai
If you’re planning to park in Dubai, make sure you know the rules and the different types of parking. If you don’t park in the right spot, you can get a fine. Parking in the paid zones or in some neighborhoods will cost you money. Here are the most common types of parking spots in Dubai:
- Paid parking zones. These are usually found in residential and business areas. They usually have digital signs that display the current price and payment options.
- Parking in malls and attractions. In most cases, parking in malls and other attractions is free. However, if you park for a longer period, you might be asked to validate the ticket.
- Parking in residential neighborhoods. You can park in residential neighborhoods only if you are a resident. Otherwise, you will get a fine.
- Download the RTA Smart Parking app. With this app, you can easily find a parking spot in the city and pay for it directly on your phone. There is no need to find the nearest machine or cash machine.
When to Book the Car for the Best Price
- During the off-peak months. The best time to book a car in Dubai is from June to August. It is the least busy period in the city, and you can get the best cheap car rental for sightseeing in Dubai.
- During Ramadan. There are less tourists in Dubai during Ramadan, which means there are fewer car rentals in the city. It’s a good idea to rent a car during Ramadan if you are visiting during this time.
- After global events. You can usually see a higher demand for rentals after large global events in Dubai. Try to book a car two to three weeks before your trip to ensure you get the best price.
Getting the Most Out of Your Rental Car Dubai Experience
You don’t need to think that having a rental car in Dubai means you are buying an expensive vehicle. You can have a budget-friendly rental car in Dubai, especially if you do things right. With your rental car, you can see and do a lot of things in Dubai. You can drive around the skyscrapers and see the views from the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. You can visit Dubai Mall, go to the Souk Al Bahar, and take a walk on the busy roads. You can go to the Jumeirah Beach, park near Kite Beach, and have a relaxing picnic with your family. You can take a ride in the Dubai Marina and take a picture of the high-rises. You can see the desert and drive a 4×4 car through the sand dunes. Or, if you are not into sand and sun, you can see Al Qudra Lakes or Love Lake in the desert. If you want to get the most out of your Dubai trip, having a rental car will make it possible. If you follow some tips and choose the right car, you can rent a car for sightseeing in Dubai for the best price. There are not many situations when renting a car in Dubai is an unwise idea. By taking care of your car rental in Dubai, you can drive around this metropolis and see and do the most out of your Dubai trip.