Where to hire a car in Abu Dhabi?

Can tourists rent a car in Abu Dhabi?

Renting a car in Abu Dhabi is not a complicated procedure. Yes, tourists can rent a car in Abu Dhabi. It is a quick and pleasant process, without unnecessary formalities and stress, as in some European countries. You just need to remember to meet a few conditions and have the necessary documents with you. What documents do you need to rent a car in Abu Dhabi? The basic documents and requirements for renting a car include having the appropriate papers – an international driver's license or a national driver's license. Rental companies often accept national driving licenses, e.g., English or French, and this is sufficient to rent a car on vacation, but it is better to also have an international version of the document with you. Another important aspect is the age of the renter – the standard minimum age is 18, but some rental companies raise this limit to 25. Financial issues usually involve the need to have a credit card, although rental companies often accept alternative forms of payment, such as debit cards.

Are you flying to the UAE on vacation and want to rent a car in Abu Dhabi or Dubai? Read also about how to rent a car in Dubai. Now let's move on to the next steps on how to rent a car in Abu Dhabi for a tourist.

Where to rent a car in Abu Dhabi?

What is car hire Abu Dhabi like and where can you rent a car in Abu Dhabi? As in most cities and countries around the world visited by tourists, car rental in the UAE, for example in Abu Dhabi, is carried out through licensed rental companies at: airports, at rental company offices in the city or outside the city, or you can have a car delivered to a location of your choice (e.g., your hotel) if the rental company you choose offers this option. In Abu Dhabi, you can choose from many international car rental companies as well as local car rental companies. No matter where you decide to rent and which attractions in Abu Dhabi you will need to drive to, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the traffic rules in the UAE, using Dubai as an example, before you leave. Important: keep in mind that there are many more speed cameras in Abu Dhabi, and even a slight speeding violation will result in a fine, which distinguishes the UAE capital from Dubai.

Can you rent a car at Abu Dhabi airport?

Yes, you can easily rent a car for your vacation at Abu Dhabi airport (Zayed International Airport). Abu Dhabi airport car rentals – this is where you will find most of the internationally known car rental companies. You can rent a car both upon arrival at a special stand and before departure, even well in advance. Renting before arriving in Abu Dhabi is usually cheaper and allows you to avoid queuing at the rental company and streamlines the process of choosing a car, as you do it before you arrive on vacation. And getting around the capital of the United Arab Emirates will definitely be easier with a map of Abu Dhabi.

Car rental Abu Dhabi prices

Abu Dhabi is a city full of reputable car rental companies, both local and international, offering a variety of options tailored to customer needs. Renting an SUV or an economy car in Abu Dhabi is easy and should take no more than a few minutes. Here are some popular companies to consider and their prices:

• Hertz: a globally recognized brand, known for its wide range of vehicles and convenient rental locations, including at the airport.
• Sixt: specializes in luxury cars, ideal for those who value comfort and elegance.
• Dollar Rent a Car: a popular company offering attractive prices, including no-deposit rental options, which is particularly beneficial for tourists.
• Modena Car Rental: offers a diverse selection of vehicles, from economy models to luxury premium cars, making it an excellent choice for both tourists and business travelers. It is the cheapest car rental option in Abu Dhabi with reliable quality and efficient customer service, as it is not a corporation, so the customer service is exemplary.
• Local rental companies: such as Luxury Car Rental or VIP Rent a Car, which focus on exclusive vehicle models, often tailored to the needs of demanding customers.

Car rental prices in Abu Dhabi vary widely, from around AED 60-100+ per day for economy cars (such as Nissan Sunny/Hyundai Elantra) to much higher prices for luxury vehicles, with monthly rates offering savings. Prices depend on the type of car, rental duration, provider (Hertz, Dollar, Europcar, Modena Car Rental), and seasonality, with online booking often providing better deals.

What to look for when renting a car in Abu Dhabi (insurance, deposit)?

When choosing a car rental company in Abu Dhabi, it is worth checking other customers' reviews to ensure the quality of service and learn more about the rental details. When reviewing the offer, be sure to pay attention to the scope of insurance coverage to avoid unexpected costs. It is better to take out more expensive, additional insurance, because traffic in Abu Dhabi is more chaotic than what you are used to on your roads. Additional amenities, such as an additional driver, child seats, or the option of having the car delivered to your hotel, can significantly improve your travel comfort. Also, remember not to drive your rental car on sand! 99% of insurance companies will not cover damage resulting from careless driving in the desert. If you are going on vacation to Dubai, visit the Two Continents website, where you will find offers for accommodation in Dubai and trips to Dubai, as well as practical guides before your trip, such as the Guide to Dubai and sightseeing plan.

Can a rental car be returned in another emirate?

The answer to this question depends on the rental company and its terms and conditions. Some car rental companies require the car to be returned to the same location + for a possible surcharge in another location where the company has another office. In some cases, for a small or larger additional fee, you can return the car to another emirate, covering the cost of returning the car to its original location. It is best to arrange the details directly with the rental company.

Is it worth it: car rental vs. taxi/public transport in Abu Dhabi?

Finally, it is worth asking a fundamental question. Which is more cost-effective: renting a car or traveling by public transport and taxis? The answer to this question depends on your preferences. Traffic and roads in Abu Dhabi are a difficult topic: the roads are in excellent condition, but there are many speed cameras and you have to watch your speed. Drivers drive more chaotically than in Europe, so less experienced drivers may risk a lot of stress. However, if you love driving, you will have a great time. Parking and fees in Abu Dhabi are not high, but they are often comparable to the cost of public transport, and you also have to add the cost of renting a car.

The advantage of renting a car is that the distances between attractions in Abu Dhabi are long, and the bus network is not as developed as in Dubai. However, finding parking spaces and paying for them can be a nuisance. In summary, if you want to travel a lot and possibly go outside Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I recommend renting a car. If you prefer to relax with optional sightseeing at most once a day, I recommend public transport + taxi. You will also find a guide to public transport in Abu Dhabi useful.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• How much does it cost to rent a car in Abu Dhabi per day/week?

Car rental in Abu Dhabi can cost from around AED 50-90 per day for an economy model, with rates decreasing for longer rentals, e.g., weekly. Prices depend on the class of vehicle, season, and rental company, with the cheapest options costing around AED 200-400 per week and the most expensive up to AED 1,000 per week. Insurance costs must be added to the price.

• Are there cheap car rentals in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, you can find cheap car rentals in Abu Dhabi, especially when using comparison websites and booking in advance, which is a cost-effective option for sightseeing, especially with very cheap fuel. However, be aware of potential additional fees and carefully check the terms and conditions, such as mileage limits and vehicle condition, to avoid surprises.

• What documents are required to rent a car in Abu Dhabi?

For most car rental options in Abu Dhabi, the necessary documents to sign a rental agreement will be your ID/passport, driver's license, contact phone number, and hotel/apartment address in the United Arab Emirates.