United Arab Emirates Car Rental

The United Arab Emirates offers a wide range of experiences for both domestic and international visitors. Whether you're interested in festivals, sporting events, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.

Things to see and do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai's iconic buildings and landmarks include the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Palm Jumeirah. The Global Village in Dubai is also a must-see attraction when you visit the Emirates. Here, visitors can experience 90 different cultures, all in one place. From downtown Dubai, you'll reach the Global Village in just under an hour drive.

Abu Dhabi is home to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. To reach this location, visitors can take Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street and follow signs to the mosque. Other places to visit in Abu Dhabi include the Emirates Palace and the Ferrari World amusement park. For those interested in history and culture, the Dubai Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi are must-sees.

For those looking for fun things to do in the United Arab Emirates, don't forget to explore the vast desert landscapes that are easily accessible from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Some of the best road trips in UAE include the Dubai-Hatta Road and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road.

Events in Dubai

Dubai is known for its extravagant festivals and events. Some of the most popular Dubai festivals include the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Dubai Food Festival, and the Dubai Summer Surprises.

If you're interested in fashion and design, be sure to check out Dubai Design Week and Arab Fashion Week. And for business travellers, events like the Dubai World Trade Centre and Gulf Information Technology Exhibition are must-attend conferences.

Shopping in the UAE

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both known for their high-end shopping experiences. The Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates are two of the largest shopping centres in the world, while Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall offers a mix of international and local retailers. You'll find various options for all budgets, from luxury brands to local souks.

What to eat and drink in the UAE

The UAE is a melting pot of different cultures, so be sure to try a variety of different cuisines when you visit the UAE. But no trip to the UAE would be complete without trying traditional Emirati dishes like machboos, a spiced basmati rice dish served with chicken and preserved lemons; and lugaimat, which translates to “little bites” a popular Middle Eastern sweet dish made of dough and date syrup.

For international cuisines, dine at one of the many Indian or Lebanese restaurants. If you're looking for a unique experience, opt for a rooftop restaurant with breath-taking views over the city skyline.

Family-friendly activities in the UAE

The UAE offers plenty of activities for families with kids. Dubai's IMG Worlds of Adventure and Abu Dhabi's Yas Waterworld are popular theme parks, while the Dubai Miracle Garden and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offer unique experiences for all ages.

For a day trip outside the city, consider exploring the beautiful beaches of UAE. From Dubai, Ajman beach is about a 50-minute drive away and offers scenic views and sandy shores. If you're in Abu Dhabi, you can visit Al-Mirfa beach, just under a 2-hour drive away.

When driving in the UAE, it's essential to be aware of the various road systems and regulations in place. There are several main access and exit arteries, such as the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road in Abu Dhabi, that connect to ring roads and allow for easy navigation around the cities.

However, pedestrian areas and city gates restrict vehicle access during certain times of the day or week. For example, in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a pedestrian-only area, while the Dhow Wharfage area is accessible by car only during certain hours. In Abu Dhabi, the Qasr Al Hosn area has restricted vehicle access.

Speed limits in the UAE vary depending on the location and type of road. In general, Dubai speed limits range from 60 to 100 km/h in urban areas and up to 120 km/h on highways. It's important to adhere to these limits and always drive safely.

If you're planning to drive in the UAE, you'll need to have a valid driving license. Driving in Dubai with a license is allowed for up to six months as a non-resident.

To avoid heavy traffic, it's recommended to plan your route and avoid peak hours. It's also important to be mindful of holiday days and other events that may cause increased traffic in certain areas.

If you do need to park and proceed on foot, there are numerous parking options available throughout the cities, including multi-storey car parks and valet parking services.

Ready for an exciting adventure through UAE's stunning roads? Browse our car rental options and start planning your trip today!

When driving in the UAE, it's essential to be aware of the various road systems and regulations in place. There are several main access and exit arteries, such as the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road in Abu Dhabi, that connect to ring roads and allow for easy navigation around the cities.

However, pedestrian areas and city gates restrict vehicle access during certain times of the day or week. For example, in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a pedestrian-only area, while the Dhow Wharfage area is accessible by car only during certain hours. In Abu Dhabi, the Qasr Al Hosn area has restricted vehicle access.

Speed limits in the UAE vary depending on the location and type of road. In general, Dubai speed limits range from 60 to 100 km/h in urban areas and up to 120 km/h on highways. It's important to adhere to these limits and always drive safely.

If you're planning to drive in the UAE, you'll need to have a valid driving license. Driving in Dubai with a license is allowed for up to six months as a non-resident.

To avoid heavy traffic, it's recommended to plan your route and avoid peak hours. It's also important to be mindful of holiday days and other events that may cause increased traffic in certain areas.

If you do need to park and proceed on foot, there are numerous parking options available throughout the cities, including multi-storey car parks and valet parking services.

Ready for an exciting adventure through UAE's stunning roads? Browse our car rental options and start planning your trip today!