All about Renting a Car in Abu Dhabi
- Requirements for renting cars in Abu Dhabi
- Important considerations
- Car rental companies in Abu Dhabi
- FAQs
For one reason or another, renting a car in Abu Dhabi is fairly common. Some don’t want to put extra miles on their personal vehicles, while some rent cars to avoid public transport options, others rent exotic cars to get a feel of their dream vehicle. However, there is a lot to know about the process and policies for renting vehicles in the capital. This guide will cover all those important aspects.
Requirements for Renting Cars in Abu Dhabi
Here are the general requirements for renting a car in Abu Dhabi.
- You must be at least 21 years of age.
- You must have a copy of your Emirates ID, passport or visa.
- You must have a valid UAE driving license or a license from any of the approved countries.
- Visitors from neighbouring countries must have a valid GCC country-issued drivers license and a valid tourist visa.
- If you do not belong to any of the approved countries, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- You must have the original international driving license and a copy of it.
- Just to avoid disappointments, ask the renting company if your home country’s license is valid in the UAE.
Important Considerations For Renting a Vehicle in Abu Dhabi
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, please keep the following points in mind:
- Always read the reviews for the renting company before choosing.
- Ask the renting company about their policies regarding refund, deposit and insurance.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to drive the rented car carefully, adhering to all traffic rules and regulations.
- Ask the auto renting company, if the vehicle is fit for off-roading activities. Not all companies allow such activities on their cars.
- Go through the legal documents of the rental company before signing the car rental contract.
- Receive the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.
- Make sure the interior and exterior of the rented vehicle are in perfect condition.
- If you caused any damage to the car, let the company know right away.
How To Choose a rent a car company in Abu Dhabi
The most important step in identifying a good car rental is by going through its reviews online. Good car rentals will always have great reviews on Google. Moreover, the following steps might help:
- Ensure the car renting company is registered legally.
- Inspect their paperwork and documentation thoroughly.
- Go through all the paperwork given to you by the car renting company.
- After selecting a vehicle of your choice, check its service history.
- Check if the vehicle is insured. Good car companies always keep their vehicles insured.
- Check if the vehicle has any fines. Naturally, if a car company is offering a car with fines on it they are being dishonest. Well-reputed car rental companies in Ajman will never do this.
- Check if the car rental company offers unlimited kilometres or charges by the kilometre. Going for a car rental company with unlimited miles will make sense for car renters willing to travel longer distances
- Check the fuel tank policy of the company. Normally rent a car companies in Ajman give you a full tank and expect a full tank by the renter when they return the car.
- Check if the company charges more for a driver.
- Check the company’s deposit policy.
These steps will help you decide if the car rental company is worthy of your trust or not. Moreover, to be on the safe side always make sure you go through the car renting companies reputation online, you must also understand their policies pertaining to refund and additional charges.
Car Rental Companies in Abu Dhabi
Now if you’re all set to rent a car, the following popular rental car companies in Abu Dhabi offer a myriad of car makes at different prices.
Avis Car Rental
- Location: Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Zone 1E2, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-621-8400
Belhasa Car Rental
- Location: Office # 4, Ground Floor, ICAD Residential City Area M – 44 16th Street, Near Sharjah Bank, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-552-8008
Dollar Rent a Car Abu Dhabi
- Location: Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan Hotel, Corner of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street & Rabdan Street, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-4-3365065
Fast Rent a Car Abu Dhabi
- Location: Corner Building, Mussafah Industrial 2 (M2), Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-815-2700
Thrifty Car Rental
- Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (Old Airport Road), Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-02-4455011
- Location: Salam Street Intersection of 8th Street (Al Salam Street) & 5th Street (Hamdan Street), Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-02-6767649
- Location: Khalidiya Mall Basement (next to travelators leading to Lulu Hypermarket), Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-02-6582795
- Location: Al Wahda Mall 1st Floor, Opposite to Parking Entrance, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-02-4452466
- Location: Musaffah Counter, Sanaiya area 16th street, M-37
- Contact: +971-02-6589222
Indigo Rent a Car
- Location: R-119 Ocean Escape, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-56-7448008
Car Rental Services at Abu Dhabi Airport
Many car rental companies operate at the Abu Dhabi Airport to facilitate visitors. Therefore, people find it easier to travel in a rented car with the freedom to make stops as and when needed.
Abu Dhabi Airport car rental companies include:
Budget Rent a Car
- Location: Abu Dhabi Airport, Terminal 3, Sky Park Plaza
- Contact: +971-2-599-8968
Thrifty Car Rental
- Location: Abu Dhabi Airport SkyPark Plaza (opposite to Airport Terminal 3) – 24 Hours Open
- Contact: +971-02-5998989
Europcar Car Rental – Abu Dhabi Airport
- Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sky Plaza, Level 4 parking, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-56-515-3534
FAQs About Renting Cars in Abu Dhabi
What happens if a rental car gets into an accident?
If a car you rented gets in an accident because of your fault, inform the police and then let the company know. The liability amount for such scenarios is generally mentioned in the rental contract.
What if a rented car got in an accident but the driver was not at fault?
If the rented car got into an accident and it wasn’t the driver’s fault, they are still supposed to pay the deductibles to the rental company directly. The rental company is liable to get the car fixed as soon as possible. The insurance company can go after the responsible party and reimburse the driver later.
Can I travel from one Emirate to another in a rented car?
This depends on the mileage allowed by the renting company and the terms of the contract. Some companies offer unlimited mileage, it is always better to clarify this with the car renting company.
That’s it from our end, now you know all the requirements and the companies renting cars in Abu Dhabi. If you rent cars for trips because you don’t want to spend money on brand-new ones, here is a list of used cars in Abu Dhabi available at reasonable price ranges.
Whether your rent a car or decide on buying a personal vehicle, you will need to have a valid driving licence in both scenarios. This list of driving schools in Abu Dhabi will help you get a driving licence in the emirate.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s best auto blog for more information and updates on Abu Dhabi car rentals, modes of transport, traffic and transport regulations and much more.