Self-Drive UAE: Routes, Toll Roads, and Where to Book a Rental Car
If you have decided to accept a challenge, at first glance, but one of the most exciting experiences you can have in the UAE, this article is for you. The decision to drive by yourself may be one of the brightest experiences during the trip to the UAE. Every city is connected by highways, so choosing to hire a vehicle instead of relying on city taxi or bus tours is a smart decision.
Before You Start Driving
Car rental in the UAE is readily affordable in many commercial and public centers like airports, hotels, or local offices within the city. The final prices depend mostly on the type of car, insurance services, and hiring duration.
Many visitors prefer online booking in advance, before arrival; it is the way to save time. One amenity option that definitely would be useful for you is Renty Luxury Car Hire, where cars are delivered directly to hotels and the pricing is transparent.
Routes That Are Worth Trying
Dubai – Abu Dhabi
Probably the most used route in the country. The Sheikh Zayed Road connects the two main cities with a wide six-lane highway. Everything works fine: from fuel stations to small food points. The view changes slowly from desert to modern city skyline as you get closer to Abu Dhabi.
This is a highway for those who want to stay close to the nature of the desert. The itinerary lasts about 90 minutes; the sand turns to boulders and pebbles, somewhere to the mountains and rocks, and you start seeing the Hajar Mountains in the distance. The Hatta Dam is a quiet place, delightful for photos.
Ras Al Khaimah – Fujairah
Not the most popular highway among tourists, but surely one of the richest in impressive scenery. The itinerary goes through several tunnels and valleys, from the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. You pass small villages and open mountain views. Cafes are not common there—having some drinks and snacks is a good idea.
Toll Systems
In Dubai, toll gates called Salik charge AED 4 automatically each time you pass. There is no barrier or stop — the system scans the car plate. The rental company later adds the total to your bill. In Abu Dhabi, a similar system called Darb works in the same way. Usually, it’s already managed by the rental agency, but we advise you to ask at pickup.
What You May Notice on the Road
During afternoon hours, sunlight becomes very strong, and using sunglasses is not just about comfort but about real visibility. If at any point you are unsure about the route, gas station workers are mostly polite and ready to show the right direction. They meet a lot of tourists daily, so they understand the situation very well.
Why Driving by Yourself Makes Sense
Choosing to drive by yourself in the UAE gives a different kind of freedom. You are not limited by tour schedules or waiting for public transport. The decision to rent a car becomes one of the most practical and pleasant parts of the visit.
Final Advice
Besides the travel essentials, it is important to take into account every point that has already been read. With a rental car, you won’t have issues with the maintenance of your vehicle. The only thing that you have to care about is following road rules. After a few days behind the wheel, the majority of visitors admitted that exploring the Emirates by themselves was much easier and more memorable than they expected.
