There’s a noticeable abundance of luxury cars in Dubai. Yes, it’s a thing, so much so that the Society section of Gulf News even had an article that tackled this very question: Why are there so many luxury cars in Dubai?

It’s a combination of factors, apparently, including Dubai’s “luxury” DNA. Luxe cars just fit in a city that offers a wide range of high-end experiences. You can’t feel out of place driving a Maserati when there are many others driving McLarens, Porsches, and Ferraris. You will even see Lamborghini Aventadors, Bugatti Veyrons, or Ferrari FFs being used as police cars in Dubai.

The well-maintained roads naturally help; no potholes to detract from the pleasure of driving a Lamborghini. The salaries in Dubai are tax-free, too. This increases disposable income, and many presumably choose to “dispose” of it to pay for a luxury car amortization or lease.

This is a self-reinforcing cycle. Dubai's roads are lined with a profusion of luxury vehicles, attracting many people who come to experience driving their dream cars.

Do you love cars and have always dreamt of driving a Porsche 911 Carrera or a  Ferrari F8 Tributo? It’s time to act on your dream, because if there’s one place in the world where using a BMW 7, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or a Rolls-Royce as a daily commuter can feel totally natural, that place is Dubai.

It’s easy to get your dream ride in Dubai, too. All you need to do is visit a premium car rental company (in person or online), browse their fleet of luxury vehicles, choose the car you like, and rent that for a day or several days. You can even rent by the week or month if you prefer.

Are You Eligible to Rent (and Drive) a Luxury Car in Dubai?

You must be eligible to drive in the United Arab Emirates before you can rent your dream car. What are the eligibility requirements?

●       You must be at least 21 years old.

●       You must have a valid driving license.

If you are a UAE resident, this is a valid UAE driver’s license. If you’re on a tourist visa, you are eligible to drive in the UAE if you have a valid driver’s license from a country whose driver’s license is recognized in the UAE. Otherwise, you should have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and a valid driver’s license issued by your country's government. Note that you apply for your IDP in your country of residence.

Is your driver’s license valid in the UAE?

The Ministry of Interior has a list of eligible countries, which includes:

●       France

●       Japan

●       Belgium

●       Spain

●       Sweden

●       Ireland

●       Singapore

●       Switzerland

●       United Kingdom

●       United States of America

If your driver’s license was issued by an eligible country, you can use it as a license to drive in the UAE.

There are many other countries in the list. You can check the Markhoos initiative page on the Ministry of Interior website for an updated, comprehensive list of countries whose driver’s license holders can drive in Dubai on a visit visa, based solely on their home country license (i.e., without requiring an IDP).

An alternative is to contact the Dubai car rental company you intend to use before traveling to Dubai. Ask if your home country license is valid and eligible in the UAE. If it’s not, at least you can obtain an international driving permit before you leave.

What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car in Dubai?

Prepare these documents to prove your eligibility to rent a car in Dubai; you will need to present them to the car rental company:

●       If you’re a UAE resident, you will need to show your Emirates ID and your UAE driver’s license.

●       If you’re a tourist in the UAE, you must show the rental company your passport and visit visa. You must also present your eligible driver’s license or your ineligible driver’s license plus IDP.

Take note that you must show the original documents when you pick up your rental. The rental company will not take them (it will just make copies for its records), but it won’t turn over the vehicle if you cannot present the required originals.

What Is Included in the Car Rental Price?

When renting a car in Dubai, you will pay a daily, weekly, or monthly charge. The rental price includes basic insurance. That should provide you with essential third-party liability coverage.

Third-party motor insurance is mandatory in the UAE, and rental companies are compelled to provide at least that (i.e., third-party liability coverage) with every rental vehicle. The car rental price, thus, already includes third-party liability motor insurance. Note, however, that third-party liability insurance does not provide coverage to you (the renter) or the vehicle you rented.

By its nature, third-party liability insurance protects you and the rental company from the cost of compensating third parties (i.e., other people) for the damages or injuries to their persons or property arising from a vehicular accident you caused. It does not cover the cost of damages and injuries caused by the same accident to the renter or the rental vehicle.

If you want more extensive (i.e., comprehensive) coverage, ask your rental company about optional insurance add-ons, such as:

●       Personal accident insurance, which covers medical and other expenses incurred by the renter and/or passengers in a car accident

●       Collision damage insurance that protects the renter from the cost of repairing or replacing a rental car damaged in an accident

●       Theft insurance, which provides coverage in case the car or car parts are stolen while in the renter’s care

The rental price also typically specifies a mileage allowance based on the standard usage expected. Exceeding your mileage allowance can result in additional charges.

Finally, the car rental price includes customer support. Ensure you rent your car from a company that offers 24/7 support. If you’re renting a premium vehicle, you want it to come with premium customer service, too. If you blow a tire on a Lamborghini Huracan EVO while on the highway, a prompt and responsive support team means you can get help as soon as possible.

What is usually excluded from the rental price?

Of course, you will pay for fuel out of pocket. Salik or toll fees, parking fees, valet charges, and insurance add-ons (as discussed above) are for your account. The 5% value-added tax is also levied on top of the rental price.

Drive Your Dream Ride

Drive a luxury vehicle in the UAE. Find a premium car rental company like Luxury In Motion Dubai and choose your dream car. Just make sure you’re eligible to drive in the UAE and have the original documents to prove it.