Dubai is a city of wonders. With its skyscrapers, opulent lifestyle, and smooth roads, the metropolis never fails to amaze the globe. It is also an integral part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). can you drive a rental car from Dubai to another country?
Dubai is the capital of the UAE and is one of the most well-known cities in the Gulf region. The country has various beaches, cultures, cuisines, and national parks. Dubai is the center of attention in the Gulf region, with business travelers and tourists preferring it over other neighboring countries. If you are visiting Dubai, Oman is a perfect place to start your road trip.
Travelers are increasingly fascinated by the different landscapes, coastal roads, national parks, waterfalls, and sandy dunes. You can’t go wrong with a Dubai rental car. It provides you with more flexibility in terms of time and road, plus, it is easier to reach many off-the-beaten-path locations in a personal vehicle than by public transport or guided tours.
Can you drive a Dubai rental car to another country? Let’s explore the road ahead.
Dubai Rental Cars: An Introduction
Let’s begin with a brief overview of Dubai car rental. You can easily hire a rental car for as long as you are in the country. You can even book a monthly rental car and pay in advance for the duration. Since Dubai has one of the world’s most developed infrastructures, renting a car makes sense. With a few clicks, you can have a beautiful sedan or a high-end SUV at your disposal.
Now that you know what a rental car in Dubai is let’s look at some of the most popular car models:
It is the ultimate vehicle for a casual drive, offering good power, fuel economy, and excellent mileage.
One of the best-selling cars in the UAE, this large sedan offers luxurious driving experiences and high comfort.
Although the Camaro is a little pricier, it has the latest and most modern features.
You can also hire an SUV, pickup, or any other car for a family road trip, business, or special events.
How to Take a Dubai Rental Car Across the Border?
If you are already planning a rental car for an extended stay in Dubai, it might be tempting to consider driving it to another country, particularly to Oman. The UAE is in the Arabian Peninsula, and you have an opportunity to drive a Dubai rental car to other nearby countries.
Most travelers consider Oman a logical destination from the UAE. It has beautiful coastlines, picturesque national parks, mountains, valleys, and natural forests. A Dubai rental car offers you the liberty to go anywhere you want.
Let’s get into the practical side of driving a Dubai rental car to Oman. Is it even legal to drive a Dubai rental car across the border? What documents and processes do you need to cross the border?
The short answer is that yes, you can take a Dubai rental car to other countries in the UAE. However, there are some terms and conditions you need to follow. In the other country, you can drive a Dubai rental car is Oman. The neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc., are not feasible because of diplomatic, insurance, and other issues.
To make it clear and to make the process easier, you need to know that you need to have the following before taking a Dubai rental car to Oman:
The rental company should have no objection to the vehicle being taken to another country.
All the required documents and insurance for Oman.
Inform your rental company at the time of booking.
You will get denied at the border if you do not have the above.
Documents Required for Cross-Border Driving
Crossing a border is a multi-step process, starting with a small process and ending with a rental car across the border. Below are some of the important documents and processes you need to know:
Rental companies will give you an NOC (No Objection Certificate) stating that they are allowing you to take the car to Oman. The NOC is an important document, and you will need it at the UAE-Oman border.
Your Dubai car insurance may cover you for driving in the UAE but not in Oman. You need to buy Oman third-party insurance, which can be bought from your rental company or at the border.
Make sure you have a valid passport for at least six months and have the right visa for entering Oman. Most countries can get the visa at the airport. Still, it’s better to confirm before traveling, especially if you are driving with a rental car.
You can find it in the glove compartment. The Mulkiya is the proof of ownership and must be with you at all times. You will need it to check at the border and by the police.
Documents and Process: How Much to Insure?
One of the most important parts of a road trip with a Dubai rental car is to insure the vehicle and the trip. You need to insure your Dubai car to take it across the border, and you should know what to do to make sure you have the right policy:
The most important thing to do is to upgrade your Dubai car insurance to cover the following:
Third-party liability in Oman
Collision damage waiver (if you have an option)
Roadside assistance in case of an accident in Oman
Keep in mind that a regular policy on a monthly car rental in Dubai does not cover you internationally. You need to check the rental company and make sure you have the policy and written consent to do so.
Driving Routes and Border Points to Cross the Border to Oman
The UAE has various points to cross the border with neighboring countries. You can use different roads and cross different border points to reach Oman. Oman is not as connected to other countries as Dubai, and you need to plan well before crossing the border. Some of the routes and border points to cross the border are:
It is located in the east of Dubai and is one of the most used border points to reach Muscat and go to the Al Hajar mountains. The roads are good, and there is less traffic.
If you are in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain and are going to Oman, this is a popular border point to cross. You will have access to the desert and other cities in northern Oman. It is one of the preferred points for business travelers.
Musandam is one of the popular weekend getaways in Oman. There are some strict rules about accessing the region. Only certain nationalities and people with special permission can cross the border. However, if you have a visa and want to see the country, you can take a Dubai rental car.
Check the following things before going to Oman with a rental car:
The opening and closing hours of the border post
The required documents before leaving
Customs rules (e.g., banned goods and food items)
Road and Driving Conditions in Oman
Oman and UAE have almost the same rules when it comes to driving. They drive on the right side of the road and have a modern road infrastructure. The main difference is in the driving conditions. There are some important things you need to know:
Speed limits in Oman are lower than in the UAE, and there are speed cameras everywhere.
You might find many mountainous and remote areas on your way to Oman, and you need to be careful.
You might see some goats and camels on the road in some remote areas. Keep an eye on them.
Stay on the main highways and avoid dirt and sand roads. Use a GPS system or Google Maps.
Pros and Cons of Driving a Dubai Rental Car to Another Country
Pros of taking a Dubai rental car to Oman:
The freedom to plan your own itinerary
It’s cheaper if you already have a monthly car rental in Dubai. You don’t need to spend more on transport.
It’s more comfortable for families or small groups.
Cons of taking a Dubai rental car to Oman:
The documentation process might take some time to get the NOC and Oman insurance.
You cannot take a rental car to other countries except Oman.
You might be penalized if you don’t follow the rental company’s terms and conditions.
Alternatives to Driving a Dubai Rental Car to Another Country
If you are not allowed to take a Dubai rental car to another country, you have some other options. Below are some of the alternatives to drive a rental car across the border:
The major cities in Oman are near Dubai and can be reached in an hour or two. It is quicker and cost-effective for individuals and families.
You can drive to the border, leave your rental car, and rent a car in Oman. You will not have to worry about insurance and the road. You need to coordinate with the rental company and check your hotel and stay in advance.
Oman has many off-the-beaten-path locations that can be explored on a short trip. You can take a tour of the region and cover a few places in a day. Most of the tours also include food, transfers, and permits.
What to Do Before Driving to Another Country
Before driving to another country with a rental car, you need to do the following things:
Make sure you inspect the car before you leave. Make sure you have enough gas and all the required things. Check the tires and have spare tools with you.
If you don’t have a good connection, download the map and the map in offline mode. Internet might not work in remote areas.
Make sure you have some cash with you. Some gas stations and restaurants might not take cards.
Make sure you have a contact in the UAE and Oman. Make sure you have a number to call in case of a problem.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to another country in the Gulf region, taking a Dubai rental car is a good idea. However, if you have a long-term rental, it might be an excellent opportunity. You can have more flexibility in your travel plan and cover some of the amazing locations in the country.
Keep in mind that you need to plan well and prepare before going. The Dubai rental car has various benefits, but only if you have a well-thought-out plan.