Abu-Dhab-Car-Renta-Guide

Abu Dhabi, the capital of The UAE, boasts nearly 200 islands and diverse landscapes balancing awe-inspiring beach and desert sceneries. An increasingly popular destination among tourists, Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer to tourists in terms of entertainment, luxury, views, and much more. While the city is connected by a network of public transport methods such as buses, taxis, ferries, metro, etc., renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to get around the city and its neighboring areas.

Whether visiting on a business trip or for holidays, booking a self-drive car rental will help you ensure a seamless time moving around the city. However, if you’re new to this whole car rental thing or it’s your first time renting a car in Abu Dhabi, you can use this guide to find answers to all your questions.

Why Rent a Car in Abu Dhabi?

Booking a car rental in Abu Dhabi comes with endless benefits, and you certainly wouldn’t want to be deprived of that, especially if you like your privacy and freedom. With a rental car comes the liberty to set your travel course the way you like and plan your itinerary as per your schedule without having to rush into exploring everything hurriedly. You are in command of your journey, and you will get to decide the how, when, and what of the Abu Dhabi expedition.

Additionally, if you’re an adventure enthusiast with a penchant for discovering offbeat destinations, a car rental will help you tick that off your bucket list. Furthermore, having a private vehicle will save you time, allowing you to make the most of your trip without having to be dependent on otherwise expensive and erratic public transport.

Best Car Rental Companies Offering Top-notch Services in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to an array of car rental suppliers, including global names and domestic companies, delivering a wide range of deals for different needs and budgets. The customer experience can be different for each company, and the best way to determine whom to rent with is by checking out the customer ratings, reviews, and prices. Also, note that the rental terms and conditions can be specific to the companies and vary based on the details you provide. Therefore, we suggest going through the supplier’s Rental Terms once before making the reservation.

Listed below is a compiled list of suppliers you can find in Abu Dhabi.

Car Rental Types that Can be Rented in Abu Dhabi

Considering the needs and budgets can be different for renters, car rental companies offer an extensive selection of vehicles in distinct sizes at the most attractive prices. From budget-friendly and solo travelers to group and luxury travelers, the suppliers cater to different sets of customers and bring them the best mobility solutions depending on their unique requirements.

  • economy
    EconomyPerfect for budget or solo travelers, this car segment goes easy on the pocket and, at the same time, offers decent space for small luggage.
  • Fullsize
    Full-sizeTraveling with a small group? Look no further than this range of cars to accommodate 4-5 passengers and some luggage easily.
  • SUV
    SUVSUV rentals are best suited for long trips and journeys encompassing mountainous routes. Additionally, 4×4 SUV rentals offer excellent legroom and headroom space, still leaving enough space for luggage.
  • van
    Van/MinivanThinking how to accommodate 7-15 passengers, luggage, and extra equipment in a single vehicle and yet keep the expenses low? A van/minivan is easily your best bet.
  • luxury
    Luxury/PremiumIf you wish to keep things high-end and want to add a dash of grandeur to your trip, consider renting a luxury car for an exotic experience.
  • Convertible
    ConvertibleRent a convertible car and cruise through the roads of Abu Dhabi in style. It is a good choice for solo travelers with no budget constraints.

The car rental providers in Abu Dhabi deliver clean and high-quality cars from top manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Chevrolet, etc. Additionally, you get to choose among petrol, diesel, electric, and hybrid cars based on your needs. 

How Much Does a Car Rental Cost in Abu Dhabi?

The car rental prices in Abu Dhabi are dependent on multiple factors, such as supplier, car type, rental duration, season, etc. The final quote gets calculated based on the details you provide. Additionally, if you opt to add Extras like a child seat, GPS, additional driver, etc., to your booking deal, the car rental price will be recalculated accordingly. Also, the payment of the add-on services shall be done during the pick-up only.

If you’re looking to secure the cheapest car rental deal in Abu Dhabi, follow these useful tips to unlock big savings.

  • Choose the Right Platform

    When it comes to scoring the best yet cheapest deal, it’s vital to look for car rentals on the right platform. UAE Rental Cars is a reputed car rental comparison website that brings top car hire brands under one roof, allowing customers to compare the deals. In addition to that, this platform is known to offer amazing deals at the most competitive prices. So keep on comparing the offers until you find the one that fits your budget requirements.

  • Book in Advance

    One of the best ways to save more when booking a car rental is to make a reservation well in advance of your trip. We would suggest making a booking a month in advance to find better options and cheaper prices, and if not a month, then aim to book at least a week in advance.

  • Rent an Economy Car

    In case you are traveling solo or with a small group with a restricted budget, consider renting an economy car. The cars belonging to the economy segment (mini, economy, compact) are a lot cheaper to rent. Since economy cars are fuel efficient and need not be refueled every few miles, they tend to cost cheaper.

  • Opt for Unlimited Mileage

    Does your itinerary involve too much traveling? If that’s the case, renting a car with unlimited mileage is easily the best idea. Deals that come with limited mileage will allow you to drive the car up to the set limit only, and in case you cross it, you will be additionally charged for the same. So it’s better to stick to a deal with unlimited mileage to avoid additional expenses.

  • Reserve for a Longer Duration

    Believe it or not, car rentals booked for a longer period tend to be comparatively cheaper. Such deals are called long-term/monthly car rentals. So if you are staying in the city for a month or more and looking to save big, consider booking a long-term car rental instead of reserving one daily.

  • Choose the Same Location for Pick-up and Drop-off

    If you are comfortable returning the rental car to the same location you picked it up from, you should opt for a round-trip deal only. This will save you from one-way rental charges that can add to the expenses.

Car Rental Age & Documentation Requirements in Abu Dhabi

It’s crucial to meet certain requirements in terms of age and documents when renting a car in Abu Dhabi. The guidelines regarding the same may vary for each supplier, and hence, we recommend perusing the supplier Rental Terms for clarity.

  • Age Requirement

    Most suppliers require the renter to be at least 21 years old for booking a car rental in Abu Dhabi. The car rental age requirement can also be different for certain vehicle groups, so make sure to provide the right age when looking for a car rental in order to get access to only those deals you’re eligible to book.

    Additionally, some suppliers impose a Young/Senior Driver surcharge, in case the driver is below or above a certain age.

  • Documentation Requirement

    At the time of pick-up, the renter will be required to produce the items listed below, and hence, it’s suggested to keep them handy.

    • Driver’s License: The driver must be in possession of a full & valid driver’s license.
    • ID Proof: An identity proof, preferably a passport, is a must to carry when receiving the rental vehicle.
    • IDP: Foreign renters are advised to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is just a translation of the domestic driver’s license that allows driving motor vehicles internationally. The IDP should be accompanied by a national driver’s license.
    • Credit Card: The credit card presented at the rental desk should be in the same name as the one with which the booking has been made. No other credit card besides the one with the main driver’s name would be accepted at the desk.

Different Car Rental Deal Types in Abu Dhabi

Based on the renters’ needs, the deals are differentiated into the following types:

  • One-way Car Rental

    Many one-way trips can be planned from Abu Dhabi, and if you have one in mind, book a one-way car rental deal to drive to your favorite location in UAE. Opting for this deal would allow you to return the rental vehicle at a different location. You will just need to specify this in the booking form and select a drop-off location of your choice from the options available with the supplier. Dubai is one of the most sought-after locations when it comes to planning a one-way trip from Abu Dhabi.

  • Short-term Car Rental

    Short-term deals include one-day/24-hour/daily, weekend, and weekly car rentals. Whether for personal or professional reasons, you can book a rental car for a short duration which can be for as short as a day or as long as two weeks. It should be noted that even though car rentals can be rented on an hourly basis, the renter is still charged for the whole day, considering the minimum rental duration is 24 hours.

  • Long-term Car Rental

    Cars rented for a duration of over three weeks or more are counted under long-term/monthly deals. Surprisingly long-term car rentals prove to be much more affordable, and they are available to be rented for a month, two months, three months, six months, or more. Some suppliers also offer yearly car rentals in Abu Dhabi. So based on your needs, you can book accordingly.

  • Last-minute Car Rental

    Was it a sudden plan to rent a car in Abu Dhabi? Not an issue! Multiple car rental suppliers offer affordable last-minute rental deals. Whether you’ve got impromptu vacation plans or have to fulfill a professional commitment, you can do it all in a last-minute car rental.

  • Cross-border Car Rental

    Some of the car rental companies in Abu Dhabi allow cross-border travel, meaning they permit the renters to drive the rented car across the border to another country. There may be certain limitations associated with cross-border rentals, which is why, it’s advised to check with the supplier of your choice for a better understanding of their terms and conditions. Oman is among the countries you can drive your Abu Dhabi car rental to.

Popular Car Rental Locations in Abu Dhabi

The car rental suppliers are dotted over the most convenient locations in Abu Dhabi. While there are several options to choose from, some locations in the city are most preferred among the renters, and we’ve compiled a list for you to check out.

Ingenious Tips to Rent a Car in Abu Dhabi

  • A majority of suppliers provide customers with a choice to add optional Extras like child car seats, infant seats, toddler seats, GPS, and other equipment to the booking deal. These add-on services are offered at low prices, but their availability is confirmed by the associate at the rental desk when you arrive to pick up the vehicle.
  • If you’re renting a car as a foreigner in Abu Dhabi, you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your domestic driver’s license. Read through your Rental Confirmation Voucher carefully to check if you’re required to carry any other additional documents besides the DL and ID card.
  • Instead of booking a car rental after arriving in the city, aim to book it online in advance. This will help you eliminate last-minute hassle and, at the same time, will ensure you secure a cheap and better deal.
  • Most suppliers only accept a credit card in the main driver’s name to collect a security deposit or as a payment method at the rental counter. The security deposit amount collected during the rental pick-up is refunded soon after the vehicle is returned. Hence, make sure you’re carrying a credit card and not just relying on cash or debit cards to ensure a successful car rental pick-up in Abu Dhabi.

How to Rent a Car in Abu Dhabi?

The foremost and most important thing to do is to find a credible car rental booking platform, and we have got you covered in that aspect. UAE Rental Cars is a trusted website that enables renters to compare top deals offered by the best car hire suppliers in Abu Dhabi. On top of that, this platform offers all its deals at discounted prices while ensuring a top-notch experience, allowing customers to save big and have a splendid time renting a car with the supplier of their choice.

You don’t have to wait until the last day to make a reservation, you can make an advanced car rental booking online on this platform right from the comfort of your home.

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