Practical tips for visitors and residents planning a road trip between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates, from mileage allowances to tolls, fuel and pick-up points.
The UAE is easy to explore by car. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates are linked by wide highways, and a rental gives you the freedom to work around your own schedule rather than a timetable. Car rental in Dubai is a common starting point for these trips, and the road network makes it simple to reach other emirates from there. A few decisions made before you collect the keys will save time and money on the road. Confirm current allowances and charges in your written quotation before booking. Published terms can change, and vehicle-specific conditions may apply.
Match the rental length to your route
Rental plans come with kilometre allowances, and your itinerary decides which plan makes sense. At Quick Lease, economy, standard and SUV cars come with 200 km a day or 1,400 km a week. Premium and luxury cars have their own schedule. A single day trip may fit a daily plan. A multi-day trip that links several emirates may suit a weekly plan, which carries its own 1,400 km allowance, so add up your planned distances before you choose. Look at weekly rent a car options if your trip runs longer than a few days.
Stay inside the UAE
Quick Lease cars are meant to stay in the UAE unless there is written authorisation. If your route could take you near a border crossing, ask about that authorisation before you book, and do not assume it will be granted on the day.
Plan for Salik and tolls
Salik gates are charged to the renter. Quick Lease adds an administration fee to Salik and other tolls, so the final amount is a little above the gate fees. If your route goes through Dubai more than once, count the gates in advance and keep the total in mind.
Fuel and returns
The terms ask for the car to come back at roughly the fuel level it left with. Fill up before you head for the drop-off point, not on the way, so that traffic does not push you late. A short grace period exists for late returns, up to 60 minutes without a late charge and subject to approval, but a plan that relies on it has no margin.
Pick a car that fits the trip
Economy cars are a sensible choice for solo travellers and couples covering long stretches of highway, and an SUV gives more space for luggage, families and longer seat time. Whichever you choose, check which mileage schedule applies to that class, because premium and luxury cars are on a different one from economy, standard and SUV cars. Think about luggage, passengers and how many hours you will spend driving each day.
Pick-up points that suit your route
Where you start affects your whole day. Quick Lease has branches at Al Barsha 1, Abu Hail and Al Quoz in Dubai, and at Shop G23, Energy Building, Musaffah M20 in Abu Dhabi. Delivery and collection are also available and are charged separately, with coverage depending on the address. Collections in Dubai need 4 hours’ notice, and collections in other emirates need 24 hours, so arrange the timing early if your trip is tied to a flight time or a hotel check-out.
If your trip starts or ends in the capital, ask about the Abu Dhabi branch when you book, so that the pick-up and drop-off points match your route.
Before you set off
- Check the minimum age. It is 21, with approval and a surcharge for drivers aged 21 to under 25.
- Carry a UAE-recognised driving licence.
- Ask whether a deposit is required and when it is returned.
- Tell the company about any second driver, since an additional driver fee applies.
- Take photos of the car at pick-up so any existing marks are on record.
- Estimate your total kilometres and compare them with the allowance.
Parking and everyday driving
City stops add up on a road trip. Check whether your hotel or destination has parking before you arrive, keep some change or a payment app ready for paid parking, and give yourself extra time in busy areas around malls and attractions. Keep a note of your fuel level before long stretches, so you are never forced to stop at a station that is far from your route.
Build a realistic day
A long road trip is more comfortable when the day has some slack in it. Plan fuel and rest stops, keep your return time clear of peak traffic where you can, and agree the drop-off time with the rental company before you leave. If the plan changes mid-trip, call the company rather than waiting to see what happens at return.
A relaxed way to see more
Road trips in the UAE work best when the logistics are settled before you leave. Know your mileage limit, know where the car can and cannot go, and agree the pick-up and drop-off times in advance. After that, the route is the easy part. If you have a question about a particular booking, call Quick Lease on 800 78425.
