The short answer is “yes,” you can rent a car in Dubai with an Indian license. However, there are specific requirements that you must first fulfill.
Can I Rent a Car in Dubai with an Indian License?
Dubai is the top destination for tourists, businessmen and everyone who wants to experience the true Emirati culture while also enjoying world-class modern amenities at the same time. However, navigating the city with the metro or public transportation can make the experience somewhat less exciting.
You can rent a car in Dubai to explore this great city at your own pace. If you are an Indian looking to spend some time in Dubai for business or recreation, you might be wondering whether you can rent a car with your Indian license here or not.
The short answer is “yes,” you can rent a car in Dubai with an Indian license. However, there are specific requirements that you must first fulfill. This blog covers some key insights that will help you rent a car in Dubai and have a smooth and risk-free travelling experience, so stay with us till the end.
Validity of the Indian License in Dubai
How to Rent a Car in Dubai with an Indian License?
Gather Required Documents
Obtain an IDP
Age Requirements
Find a Reputable Car Rental Company
Security Deposit and Insurance
Read the Rental Agreement Carefully
Dubai Traffic Rules and Best Practices
Validity of the Indian License in Dubai
Before you go ahead and apply for a car for rent in Dubai, first, you need to know whether your Indian license is valid in this region or not. Knowing the rules concerning the validity of your license can prevent you from committing common traffic violations and their fines.
The following are some key points to keep in mind.
Indian drivers’ licenses are valid in Dubai if they are in English and contain a recent photograph of the person applying for rental cars.
The Indian driver's license is only valid for tourists and short-term visitors and not for Dubai residents with Indian origins.
For Indians who are also Dubai citizens, they must obtain a UAE driving license before renting a car.
How to Rent a Car in Dubai with an Indian License?
Dubai traffic laws are very strict and anyone who wants to rent a car and drive around the city must follow the recommended protocols to avoid fines and penalties.
If you wish to rent a car in Dubai with an Indian license, you need to follow the few simple guidelines mentioned below.
Gather Required Documents
Here are a few things you need when applying for cars for rent as an Indian in Dubai:
A valid Indian license in English that has been held by the driver for at least one year.
An international credit card to pay for the rental car.
A copy of your tourist visa and passport
An International Driving Permit or IDP
Obtain an IDP
You can obtain your IDP from the Indian Automobile Association. Your IDP indicates your eligibility for driving on international roads. Having an IDP simplifies the rental procedure and it also serves as your identification in Dubai.
Age Requirements
The age limit for renting a car in Dubai varies based on the rental company you choose. In most cases, you can rent a car in Dubai if you are at least 21 years old. Some companies increase this age limit to 23 or even 25 based on their preference.
Find a Reputable Car Rental Company
Once you meet the above-mentioned requirements, you can start looking for companies that offer cars for rent in Dubai. It is always a good thing to research top car rentals in your area carefully.
Make sure to take a closer look at their fleet and read online customer reviews and ratings. Pick a company that has several years of experience renting cars in Dubai to foreign tourists.
After selecting the company, you can either visit them or book the car online by presenting them with the documents they require.
Security Deposit and Insurance
After that, the rental company demands security deposits, the amount of which may vary based on the service provider and the vehicle you choose. If you return the car in one piece, this security deposit is returned to you.
You also need to obtain proper insurance coverage when renting a car in Dubai. Purchasing comprehensive insurance can reduce the financial burden on you in case the vehicle suffers damage.
Read the Rental Agreement Carefully
Finally, the car rental company will draw up a rental agreement. Make sure to read this document carefully to identify things like fuel policies, additional charges, mileage caps etc.
This way, you can avoid potential scams and hidden costs, which will lead to a much better experience.
Dubai Traffic Rules and Best Practices
To further make your driving experience better, you must keep in mind the key road rules for driving in Dubai. This next section lists some basic things you must consider while driving a rental car in Dubai as an Indian.
Always wear seatbelts and follow the speed limits no matter what.
Using a cellphone while driving in Dubai is a serious offense and you need to avoid it at all costs.
Always use designated areas to park your rental cars.
Unlike India, driving in Dubai is on the right side of the road with the steering wheel on the left.
Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. You might face imprisonment for this serious offense.
Do not tailgate or pass an emergency vehicle.
Maintain a safe distance or a 5-second gap between you and the next car.
Conclusion
Indian tourists and travelers in Dubai can easily rent a car provided that they possess the right documents. You only need your passport, tourist visa, credit card, IDP or a valid Indian driver's license to rent a car in Dubai.
When renting a car, make sure to pick an experienced service that gives you competitive pricing, good customer service and a larger vehicle fleet to choose from.
You also need to familiarize yourself with the common Dubai traffic rules, violations and fines. This can help you avoid major mistakes, which will ensure you are able to explore this great city without any worry.
You can visit us at Premium Car Rentals if you are looking for well-maintained, latest and high-quality rental cars to have the best time in Dubai alone or with your loved ones.