Destination guide

Car hire in Dubai for crew on a break

Last reviewed August 2026 by the NonRevCars editorial team · about a 4-minute read

Dubai has a modern metro that covers the main tourist corridor well, but the city is genuinely large and spread along the coast — a car makes moving between districts, and reaching things like the desert or Abu Dhabi, dramatically easier than relying on taxis alone.

Why bother with a car here

The metro handles Downtown, Marina and a fair stretch in between reasonably well. Where a car helps most is flexibility — exploring beyond the metro line, an early desert excursion before the heat sets in, or a day trip to Abu Dhabi, about 90 minutes down a fast, well-maintained highway.

What to know about driving here

• Driving side: right-hand side.
• Salik toll gates operate automatically across the city — make sure your rental has a Salik tag fitted, since unregistered vehicles can be fined.
• Heat is a real factor — driving in summer midday sun for long stretches isn't pleasant; early morning or evening is far more comfortable.
• Speed limits are strictly enforced with automated cameras — stick close to the posted limit.

Good use of a day off

A desert safari with your own car (rather than a group tour) lets you set your own pace — though a guided 4x4 trip is safer if you're not experienced with dunes. For something calmer, the drive to Abu Dhabi to see the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an easy, well-signed highway trip.

Frequently asked questions