Car Rental

Upon arrival, whist you are on a visit visa, you  need an International Licence to rent car   BRING ONE IT MAKES LIFE A LOT EASIER.

Many people choose to do this for the first month or so.  Once you become a resident you can then convert your licence to a Dubai licence. Due to this, many couples, have the spouse ( rather than the HCT employee) hire the car as they will stay on the visit visa until the employee first becomes a resident and then sponsors the spouse. This process takes a few weeks. Getting your Licence will probably be your first experience of the UAE bureaucracy.

In August 2007 you could hire a Manual/Standard Toyota Tercel/Echo, Nissan Sunny, Mitsubishi Lancer or Honda Civic for about Dhs 1500 for a month including insurance.  Small automatics are about Dhs 1600. A strong suggestion from new arrivals is that you take out a collision damage waver to cover any scratches or minor dints that the rental companies here love to charge you for at the end of the rental period. 

"Autolease"( Ph 2826565) (Fax 2825656), "Cars"( Ph 2692694) (Fax 2623813), "Diamond Lease" (Ph 3313172) (Fax 3317183), "Rent A Wreck" (Ph 2623111) (Fax 2692090) and "United" (Ph 2666286) (Fax 2692001) "Thrifty"  (Ph 3349799) (Fax 3345364) "Arab Link" (Ph 2689555) (Fax 2689559) and  "Fast Rent a Car" (Ph 3328988) (Fax 3328747) who also have a web site http://www.fastuae.com/ and an email rentacar@emirates.net.ae.  These are all companies that staff have used.  All  firms usually will bring the car to you.

Check with  FAD also, as the college hires vehicles all year and they may be able to help you obtain the best deal.

Leasing Cars ( Long Term) 

Budget have a leasing plan that has been used by staff. Here is a link with some basic information and phone contact  Budget Dubai Self Drive Vehicles 

NOTE: Dubai drives on the right hand side of the road. The same as in the USA, Europe or Canada opposite to the UK, Australia, Sth Africa and NZ.

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This page was last updated by Leigh Butler on September 04, 2007