The UAE offers many unique and fascinating sites, both modern and historical, that you can easily visit with a rental car. Fuel is relatively inexpensive, and the road infrastructure connecting the main sites in the UAE is of very high quality, making driving with a rental car in the UAE comfortable and easy. Additionally, driving in the UAE is on the right side of the road, as is customary in Israel and most countries worldwide.

Using a Navigation App: Be aware that street names may change on both sides of an intersection, so it’s advisable to use an up-to-date map app or navigation device, especially for your first few trips.
 

◾ Travel Safety

Although the driving infrastructure is excellent, the UAE has one of the highest road accident fatality rates in the world. Local drivers often exceed speed limits, and drifting sand can sometimes cover parts of the road, making driving with rental car in UAE more dangerous. It’s important to adhere to speed limits and drive cautiously with your rental car. Avoid traveling on desert roads without local guides who have the necessary expertise. Speeding can result in fines up to $600 and even immediate suspension of your license.

◾Driving Culture

Driving with a rental car in the UAE etiquette is very important - using foul language or rude hand gestures while driving can lead to imprisonment or even deportation. Traffic laws can vary between the different emirates, but the most important regulations are consistent across the country. The local enforcement system is strict, and most fines must be paid immediately.
 

◾ International Driver’s License

If you want to rent a car in the UAE, it requires an international driver’s license in addition to a valid Israeli license (in plastic form). A minimum of one year’s driving experience is required to rent a car in the UAE.
 

◾ Children in the Car

If you want to rent a car in the UAE, it requires an international driver’s license in addition to a valid Israeli license (in plastic form). A minimum of one year’s driving experience is required to rent a car in the UAE. For more information on obtaining an international driver’s license, click here.

◾ Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Due to religious restrictions, any blood alcohol level is strictly prohibited in the UAE, with a zero-tolerance policy. Driving under the influence of alcohol should be completely avoided. Any trace of alcohol in the blood can result in heavy fines, license revocation, or even imprisonment.

◾Lights

Be sure to use headlights during the day when there is fog, poor visibility, or during nighttime hours if the road is not well-lit, regardless of the season.

◾ Traffic Congestion

Rush hours typically occur between 7:00-9:00 AM, 1:00-2:00 PM, and 6:00-8:00 PM.

◾Parking

Parking areas in the UAE are categorized as “commercial,” “non-commercial,” and “special.” Parking prices vary depending on the area type, time of day, and duration, and also differ between emirates. In cities, it’s recommended to use underground parking lots to park your rented car, as street parking is rare. If you find street parking, payment can be made at a meter or via a parking app, which will remind you when your time is about to expire. 

Do not park within 15 meters before and after a public transport station. On most days, especially in the summer, avoid parking in outdoor lots due to high temperatures. If you must park outside, use sunshades and cover the steering wheel of the rented car with a cloth to prevent it from becoming too hot.

◾ Driving Outside the Cities

Exercise caution on roads outside the cities, as herds of camels or other grazing animals may occasionally cross the road.

For more important tips regarding rent a car abroad, click here.
 

Booking a car rental in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – UAE, with Ofran allows you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in this vibrant and fascinating country, offering independent access to all the sites and attractions that interest you at your own pace. You can also choose from a wide variety of car types at affordable prices, ensuring a comfortable and convenient vacation.
 

Ofran wishes you a safe and enjoyable trip with your rental car in the United Arab Emirates.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The tallest building in the world, standing 828 meters high, is located in downtown Dubai and is a symbol of the city. At its base, you’ll find the Dubai Fountain, a replica of the famous fountain at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. While the exterior is impressive, it’s highly recommended to visit the interior and ascend to the 124th floor for a breathtaking view of the entire city. If you plan to arrive with your rental car, parking is available in The Dubai Mall.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

The most spectacular museum in the Middle East showcases a diverse collection of works spanning ancient Egypt, classical Europe, and modern times. The museum's design, with all its exhibits housed under a massive silver dome, is a reason in itself to visit.

Palm Jumeirah and World Islands, Dubai

The Palm Islands, including Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali, are artificial islands shaped like enormous palm trees. These islands are home to luxury residences, a variety of attractions, hotels, and more. The World Islands are an artificial archipelago of 300 islands that, together, form the outline of a world map. Some islands are private and cater to the world’s elite, while others offer vacations for a broader audience or are dedicated to commerce and restaurants.

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai

 This iconic Dubai hotel, one of the most luxurious in the world, is located on an artificial island in the sea. It is one of the tallest hotels globally and is shaped like a sail. Even if you’re not staying there, visiting the area is an attraction in itself.

UAE with Children

As you may have realized by now, the UAE strives to make everything the best or the biggest in the world, and its family attractions are no exception. There is a wide variety of activities for the whole family, with Dubai being particularly family-friendly.

Aquadventure Atlantis Dubai Water Park

This park is a symbol of Dubai, attracting many families for a day of fun. It is ranked as one of the best water parks in the world, featuring innovative slides, unique facilities, and thrilling attractions. In Dubai, you can also find theme parks like Legoland, Bollywood Parks, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and Dubai Garden Glow, where colorfully illuminated displays create a magical atmosphere. The Dubai Mall also offers many family activities, including a large aquarium and an ice-skating rink.

  Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

The world’s first Ferrari-themed amusement park offers an adrenaline-filled experience for all ages. The park features fun rides, racing simulators, live shows, karting tracks, and the opportunity to purchase original Ferrari merchandise. Located on Yas Island, the park is housed in the world’s largest indoor amusement park, which also includes the world’s largest Ferrari store.

Additional Family Attractions in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a variety of activities for children beyond the many museums and attractions in the city’s shopping complexes. Notable attractions include Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World with one of the fastest roller coasters in the world, Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure, and Yas Waterworld.

Shopping in the UAE

The UAE offers an extensive range of shopping options, from huge malls with hundreds of shops and attractions to traditional outdoor markets with authentic local products.

Dubai Mall

Covering a massive area of 1.1 million square meters, the Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. In addition to shopping at over 1,300 stores, visitors can enjoy a huge aquarium, an ice-skating rink, museums, an opera house, an amusement park, numerous restaurants, beauty salons and more.

Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Another famous mall in Dubai, the Mall of the Emirates, is known for its luxury shops and for housing the world’s largest indoor ski rink.

Abu Dhabi Mall

In Abu Dhabi, you can find the "Abu Dhabi Mall", located on the seafront with over 200 stores, and the "Yas Marina" mall with 400 stores, an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, a cinema complex, roller coasters, and musical fountains.

Al Kabir market Dubai

If you want a more authentic experience, you can visit the markets of the cities - in Dubai, you can visit the large market "Souq Al Kabir" in the old city called "Bur Dubai".

Central Market Abu Dhabi

The market in Abu Dhabi is a huge three-story complex, but despite being large and modern, it is still designed like a traditional Arab market, with contemporary touches. Between the floors you can go through the stalls and shops and buy local produce, fabrics and decorated clothing, perfumes and jewelry, local delicacies and special souvenirs. On the roof of the market, you can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee, in the shade created by the surrounding buildings.