Best Car Rental Deals and Tips - Dubai

Driving in Dubai could be a challenge and may initially be intimidating. Dubai is home to approximately 180 different nationalities, most of whom include their particular driving abilities and habits. Those arriving from Western countries could find the roads chaotic, while those from Asian nations or Arab states will find the driving organized. With some experience behind the wheel in Dubai, along with basic familiarity with local driving regulations, experts should soon feel comfortable taking to the roads.

One must have a residency visa in order to acquire a local driving license. Many individuals get to Dubai on a visit visa and thus will rent a car for the first month or so until their residency visa is completed. In order to rent an automobile you will require an International Driving Permit and a driving license from your home country. Many well-known car rental agencies exist in Dubai including Avis, Budget Rent a car dubai , Hertz and Thrifty Car Rentals. Alternatively, you might opt to acquire a Temporary Driving License should you desire to drive a personal car. A temporary license is valid for six months and is issued at the Dubai Traffic Police Station.

Once you've Dubai residency you need to obtain a local driving license - you can't use a temporary or international permit. Certain nationalities, including those from many European countries, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea will get a local license by simply showing their own driving license and doing some paperwork. Others will have to take driving lessons (available at licensed centers including Belhasa Driving Center, Dubai Driving Center, Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Motor Driving Center, and Al Ahli Driving School) and afterwards pass a test. The driving school can arrange an appointment for the driving test with the Dubai Traffic Department.

Once an expat includes a residency visa they are able to purchase a car. Most major car makes are available at dealers in the UAE, with 4x4s and Japanese models being especially popular. Used cars are available at 4x4 Motors, Al Futtaim AutoMall, Western Auto and SunCity Motors among others. Searching the classifieds for used cars available in Dubai also can yield good results.

Once you have an automobile, understanding the neighborhood rules of the road is paramount to having an optimistic experience. It is often necessary to operate a vehicle defensively and be vigilant behind the wheel. Cars in Dubai are left-hand drive, with traffic on the right. Slower drivers should stick to the furthest right lane. In the event that you travel in the left-most lane at a slower speed you will in all probability find another vehicle alarmingly near your rear bumper honking its horn and flashing its high beams. It's common for drivers to improve lanes abruptly without signaling, to slowly coast through stop signs in place of visiting a full stop, and to honk their horns loudly the instant the light turns green at a traffic signal. Pedestrians in many cases are darting across the road and need to be watched for. Recently an automated toll system (known as Salik) was installed on selected major roadways in order to try and reduce traffic congestion.

You can find mobile radar cameras set-up across the emirate to catch those driving on the speed limit or managing a red light. Zero tolerance exists for drinking and driving. Something as seemingly minor as a rude hand gesture, used in a minute of frustration at another driver, can land you in court as well as jail. If you do incur an excellent you won't be given a notice in the mail, rather you are able to check on the Dubai Police Traffic website or call them directly. Fines for a whole year could be paid when renewing your annual car registration. If you receive into a minor accident it is advised to park your automobile whilst never to obstruct traffic, get the other party's details, and then immediately go to the nearest police station to file a report. If the police are called to the scene they'll often write a report on the spot. These papers are necessary for the insurance company and it is almost impossible to have repairs done without them.