Dubai is unique in every sense of the word. We’re talking not only about its mind-blowing skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife but also about the population structure. Did you know that over 88% of the population are expats?
So, the answer to the main question is simple — yes, foreigners can rent cars in Dubai. However, we decided to discuss the peculiarities of the process using Trinity car rental, one of the top services in the local rental market. What are the rules that all foreigners must follow? Is their experience any different from that of locals?
You’ll find all the answers to these and many more questions in this in-depth guide.
Choosing a Car Rental Service: The Key to an Outstanding Experience
Nearly every car rental service in Dubai works with foreigners. Otherwise, they just wouldn’t stand out from the competition and have enough clients. Still, the fact that you can rent a car from any specialized service doesn’t mean that every car rental company is decent.
There are certain things to focus on when choosing a rental company, and we list and explain the most crucial ones using the example of Trinity service below:
- Deposit amount or the opportunity to rent a vehicle without a deposit. Many companies in this market segment require clients to make a deposit. The amount may be impressive—the deposit may range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. However, some services don’t follow that common rule, improving the service for a client. For example, Trinity allows you to rent a car in Dubai without a deposit or any extra fees.
- The variety of options available. The choice shouldn’t be limited. If you choose a car rental, you should be 100% sure you’ll find a car that meets your expectations. For instance, Trinity has over 80 cars available, all divided into multiple categories like Most Popular, Exclusive, Premium, and New. There are the newest 2024 cars like the Ferrari 296 GTS, Rolls-Royce Spectre, and many more.
- Pricing policy & hidden costs. Another essential thing to consider is what’s included in the price. In the case of Trinity, it’s 300 miles daily, full insurance, VAT, and even toll roads. Ensure that the cost you see is the final one.
- Additional services that meet your needs. What are your plans in Dubai? Would you appreciate driving an elite car yourself? Or perhaps you would prefer to fully relax and hire a pro to take you to any location? In the first case, you’ll need a rental company with professional drivers — searching for outsourcing pros may be exhausting. Both types of services are available at Trinity.
- Bonuses for clients. These are hardly the main quality criteria for a Dubai luxury car rental. Still, bonuses show the dedication and desire to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction. For example, Trinity’s customers get a full tank as a gift for a rental instead of paying for an extra full tank when returning the vehicle.
- Payment flexibility. Foreigners in Dubai feel quite comfortable making payments. However, the more options, the better. Many services accept cards and cash, but only a few companies, like Trinity, accept crypto payments.
- Quality of customer service and support. In the car rental segment, personalized service is more important than automatization. Every Trinity customer gets a personal manager who assists them at every stage, from answering questions about cars and payments before making an order to the day when the vehicle is returned.
- Vehicle delivery. Let’s say you’ll need the car at a Dubai airport. If you don’t want the choice to be limited and the price too high, you should place an order in advance to ride your dream car right after arrival. That’s absolutely possible. However, you should find a service like Trinity offering free delivery. Again, it’s all about extra costs.
These are the primary things to consider. Do some research before you come to Dubai. Foreigners experience no difficulty with rentals, but it’s important to find a company that meets all your expectations and specific needs.
What Else to Consider: Local Rules & Requirements Explained
Let’s say you already know the perfect place to rent a luxury car in Dubai. What else should you consider to avoid mistakes and disappointments while traveling to the city of glamour, power, and prestige? Here are some local peculiarities you should be aware of before planning your business trip or vacation:
- Age restrictions. Car rental services commonly allow customers to rent vehicles if they are 25 or older. Some companies, like Trinity, have more flexible requirements and allow rentals for people aged 21. The 25-year-old limit is set only for renting sports cars.
- Traffic laws. They are quite strict in Dubai. It’s a city with heavy traffic, especially on main roads. There are different speed limits for urban roads, main roads, and highways, a lot of speed cameras, strict prohibition of using a mobile phone while driving, lane discipline routes, and serious fines for tailgating. Nothing extraordinary is required from drivers, but there’s still zero tolerance for any violations. So, do some research, and if you don’t feel confident, choose the service with professional drivers. By the way, in this case, Trinity covers fines if any are imposed.
- Toll roads. There’s the local electronic toll system — Salik. Once you pass the toll gate, you’ll be charged a certain amount of money. Fees aren’t that high (the fixed entrance cost is around $1.5), but these are still extra fees. Again, Trinity includes them in the cost of rental.
So, if you’re 21 and older, have a driving license, at least one year of experience, and aren’t going to violate the rules, you won’t face any difficulty. Again, consider your plans and preferences. For example, when you know you’re going to drink a glass of champagne at one of the top restaurants, renting a car with a driver may make sense.
The Final Steps: The Best Algorithm for Renting a VIP Car in Dubai as a Foreigner
Let’s sum it up and focus on the specific steps that a foreigner should take when renting luxury cars in Dubai:
- Set your priorities. Imagine your perfect trip to the city and see what specific requirements a car rental service should meet.
- Research to find a company that meets all your expectations. Do it in advance, and consider the policies (we already described the most critical terms using the example of Trinity car rental).
- Choose the location where you need your car — airport, hotel, etc.
- Book your car in advance and share all the necessary documents — passport and driver’s license.
Basically, that’s all. Come to the city and enjoy sights, shopping, food, anything — you definitely won’t experience any difficulty going from point A to point B, as well as C or D in your prestigious car.
Seamless Rides for Foreigners in Dubai: The Conclusion
Now you know how a top car rental service works on the example of Trinity Rental. A good service is one that works for foreigners, has multiple exotic and popular premium cars, offers bonuses instead of hidden costs and extra charges, and provides a personalized service.
You don’t have to worry about other things. Once you find the right company, you can request consultation and support anytime, get your car delivered to any location in Dubai and nearby, and forget about all the difficulties and barriers. A rental company will get you covered.