If you're a Parisian, or traveling from anywhere in France, and taking a trip to Dubai, you're probably already fantasizing about skyscrapers, sun, and high-end.
But here's something that tends to get lost in the mix: how you'll actually move around once you arrive. Dubai's public transportation is good enough, but if you desire true freedom to go out and see everything, car rental is the way to go.
Dubai's designed for drivers, huge highways, immaculate roads, and everything spaced precisely far enough apart to make your rental car little travel secret.
All that said, car rental in Dubai is not exactly like picking one up at Orly or Charles de Gaulle. There are a couple of distinctions French tourists need to be aware of before getting started. So if you'd like your Dubai road trip to go off without a hitch, let's go through everything you need to be aware of.
First things first don't wait until the eleventh hour. Pre-booking a rental car saves you time and money. Rates increase closer to your arrival date, particularly around peak tourist seasons or large events such as Expo shows or Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi.
Booking early provides more auto options, from affordable compacts to sleek convertibles and SUVs (trust us, Lamborghinis and G-Wagons do exist here).
Plus, many rental agencies offer online-only discounts and perks like airport pickup or free drop-off at your hotel. After a long flight from Paris, trust me, you’ll be thankful someone’s waiting with your keys at the airport.
In Dubai, you’ve got a mix of big international names like Avis and Hertz, and a bunch of solid local rental companies. While the global brands might feel familiar and safe, don’t rule out the local players, they often have more competitive prices, newer cars, and fewer hoops to jump through when it comes to booking.
Do your research and check the reviews of other travelers. Watch how they charge for deposits, tolls, insurance, and customer service.
A good agency will be honest about all of the fees and won't give you the silent treatment if anything goes wrong. And if you don't read much English, it's also worth checking to see if they have French-language customer service support, it's rare, but it happens.
Now that's where some tourists get caught off guard. While your French driver's license is technically valid in the UAE, most rental agencies will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to it.
It's effectively just an official translation of your license and readily available in France, simply apply online or with your local prefecture before you depart.
Some rental agencies may be willing to let you get away without it, but others won't hand over the keys unless you produce the IDP. Don't take the risk, pack it along and spare yourself the embarrassment at the rental counter.
Driving in Dubai is generally straightforward, but it’s fast-paced. People drive quickly, change lanes often, and don’t always use indicators. It’s not chaotic, but if you’re used to the more rule-following roads of France, the driving style here can feel a little intense at first.
All that being said, traffic laws are enforced through cameras pretty much everywhere. Speeding, running red lights, and even tailgating will earn you an automatic fine.
And don't forget: drinking and driving is zero-tolerance. Even if you've just had a sip of alcohol in your blood, you could get into big legal trouble. Just don't take the chance,take a taxi or Careem if you do want to drink.
Parking in Dubai is generally easier than in Paris, but it still comes with its own challenges. In malls and hotels, you’ll usually find ample parking, sometimes even valet service for free or a small fee. But in busy neighborhoods like Marina or Deira, street parking can be tricky and often metered.
To pay, you will need a local SIM card in order to utilize the SMS system or apps such as RTA Dubai. If you park incorrectly or forget, you can expect a fine or even a wheel clamp. Always double-check signs and take notice of the curb colors, therefore.
When you rent a car, always take a minute to learn about the insurance coverage. Most have basic collision damage protection, but that may still leave you with a significant deductible. Then they'll typically try to sell you additional coverage, windshield protection, roadside assistance, tire damage, and so on.
Before you take all the add-ons, see if your French credit card includes rental car insurance overseas. Lots of premium cards do, but only if you pay for the car using the card and reject the rental company's insurance. Either way, don't forego insurance completely. Dubai roads are safe, but accidents do occur.
One nice surprise for most French drivers is that nearly all rental vehicles in Dubai are automatics. You won't be looking high and low for one, they're just the norm here.
It makes everything so much simpler, particularly if you are stuck in traffic or if you are not comfortable with driving on wide roads with multiple lanes and constant merges.
If you're leasing something fancier or sportier, just ensure you're comfortable with the size and features before you take off.
Dubai operates a cashless toll system, which is Salik. Your car is automatically billed when you go through a Salik gate. Rental agencies will subsequently charge you for the tolls.
The tolls themselves are smallish, about 4 AED per gate, but they do tend to accumulate if you're traversing the city several times daily.
It's one of those sneaky fees that you tend to forget about, so don't be shocked if you notice a small toll charge tacked on when you drop off the car.
If you're under 25, take extra notice. Although the minimum driving age in the UAE is 18, most rental firms insist that you be at least 21, and many will not allow you to rent sports or luxury cars unless you are 25 or older.
There may also be an additional surcharge if you're under 25, so it's something to consider if you're a young traveler.
Before you drive away, spend a couple of minutes reviewing the rental contract. Search for information on fuel policy (you will typically need to refuel the vehicle when you bring it back), mileage restrictions, late return penalties, and deposit level.
Most operators place a hold on your credit car, typically a couple of hundred euros, and it can take a week or longer to be refunded after you drop off the vehicle.
Also, take some photos of the vehicle when you pick it up and note any dents or scratches. It may seem like overkill, but it could keep you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage down the road.
So, do you rent a car in Dubai as a French visitor? If you desire flexibility, comfort, and the ability to venture beyond the usual tourist destinations, yes, absolutely.
With some prep time, it's simple and well worth it. Just reserve early, bring your IDP, read the rental agreement, and take a deep breath before plunging into Dubai's hectic traffic.
Once you master it, you'll be loving driving through the city, desert, or even making a last-minute detour to the mountains or Abu Dhabi.
Also Read: Renting a Car in Dubai from Sydney
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