May 15, 2019
Both foreigners and residents of Dubai take advantage of car rental services in the city. Moreover, there are rules one needs to follow. Some limitations and restrictions have to be implemented to avoid having issues with the government. Some rules have to do with driving license, age limits, security deposit, insurance, and Salik charges. These rules determine who can rent a car and who cannot rent a car in Dubai. Failure to comply with these strict rules will make both the individual and the car rental company run afoul of the law. These rules are discussed below.
Driving License
An individual is required to have a driving license before driving in Dubai. However, when it comes to car rental, the driving license must be valid for up to six months. Therefore, it is not good enough to just possess a valid driving license; it has to be valid for at least six months.
Age Limits
An eighteen years old person is considered an adult in Dubai. Hence, you are allowed to drive a car once you are eighteen years and above. However, when it comes to car rental, being eighteen years old is not enough. The government demands that a person is at least twenty-two years old before he or she can rent a car.
Security Deposit
Car rental companies in Dubai often block the deposit amount on their client’s credit card. This is because fines incurred when a car is leased is not usually deducted until a few days later. Hence, car rental companies block the deposit amount as security. Cash can be used to settle any fine on time instead of using your credit card.
Valid Insurance
Most car rental companies in Dubai offer insurance inclusive of the price of the car rental. However, only very few car rental companies provide full coverage. Hence, to be on the safe side, you should ask the staff of the company concerning their insurance policy. This is important especially when the car you got is lesser than the market value.
Salik Charges
When you hire a car in Dubai, you will be required to pay the Salik charges anytime you cross a Salik(toll). The rental company will charge you AED 5 for every toll you cross. This money will be required from you when you pass one such as Sheikh Zayed Road.