EuropCar

Tourist Guide: Renting a Car for First Visit to Dubai

December 12, 2025

Dubai is one of the world’s most visited destinations, welcoming millions of travellers each year. With breathtaking skyscrapers, beaches, desert landscapes, theme parks, luxury shopping, and cultural districts spread across a wide area, exploring the city comfortably requires reliable transportation. For first-time visitors, choosing Dubai car hire for tourists ensures flexibility to experience the city at your own pace.

Public transport is efficient, but stations do not cover all destinations, and taxis can accumulate higher costs over longer stays. That’s why many travellers choose tourist self-drive Dubai rentals for greater control over their itinerary. This comprehensive Europcar Dubai tourist guide helps first-time visitors understand everything needed to rent a vehicle.

 

Why Leasing a Car is the Best Option for Tourists

For those planning sightseeing, desert adventures, or inter-emirate trips, leasing a car delivers unmatched convenience. It offers:

  • Freedom to travel without waiting for transport
  • Privacy and comfort for families
  • Cost-effective mobility over long trips
  • Easy access to remote desert and mountain locations
  • Faster airport transfers
  • Convenient travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

To browse vehicle options suitable for family travel, solo drives or business mobility:
Explore Europcar Dubai Fleet

Whether choosing compact cars, SUVs or premium sedans, first-time visitors can find the perfect match for budget and driving preferences.

 

Requirements to Rent a Car for the First Time in Dubai

To rent a car first visit Dubai, the process is smooth and well-structured. Tourists simply need:

 

Required Document

Explanation

Passport

Identification

Tourist visa / Entry stamp

Required for rental approval

Home-country driving license

Must be valid

International Driving Permit (if needed)

Required for certain nationalities

Credit card

For deposit and payment convenience

 

Booking early ensures availability during peak seasons. Travelers arriving through DXB or DWC airports can also schedule rentals for immediate pick-up.

 

Driving Tips for Tourists in Dubai

Dubai offers one of the most advanced road systems in the world. To ensure a safe experience:

Navigation

Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time routing. Major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road connect to major attractions efficiently.

Salik Toll System

Automatic toll deduction applies when passing gates. Toll charges appear automatically on your final invoice.

Parking

Use RTA public parking, smart meters, mall parking, or paid valet zones. Parking apps provide convenient SMS billing options.

Fuel

Fuel is affordable and available conveniently.

Weather & Road Adjustments

Visibility may be affected during sandstorms; maintain safe speed and headlights.

These guidelines ensure an easy tourist self-drive Dubai experience for first-time visitors.

 

Recommended Tourist Driving Routes

Driving offers beautiful scenery and ease of travel for different sightseeing experiences. Popular road routes include:

Destination

Approx Distance

Approx Duration

Experience

Dubai Marina → Downtown

22 km

~25 minutes

Shopping + Dining + Views

Dubai → Abu Dhabi

140 km

1 hr 25m

Louvre + Yas Island + Theme Parks

Dubai → Hatta

130 km

1 hr 40m

Mountains + Kayaking + Heritage Village

Dubai → Fujairah Coast

170 km

 1 hr 50m

Beaches + Historic Sites

These trips make Dubai car hire for tourists especially valuable.

NOTE: Distances and travel times are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the route taken, time of day, traffic conditions, construction diversions, weather, and individual driving pace.

 

Choosing Europcar Dubai for Tourist Rentals

For first-time visitors prioritizing reliability and comfort, Europcar Dubai offers:

  • Large selection of modern cars, SUVs & premium ranges
  • Transparent rental terms
  • Fast booking and airport pick-up options
  • 24/7 roadside support
  • Flexible daily, weekly, and monthly plans
  • Friendly multilingual customer service

This makes Europcar a trusted choice for travellers seeking stress-free mobility.

Explore options and pricing:
View Vehicle Categories

 

Why Choose Europcar Dubai

Dubai is best explored on your schedule whether you’re visiting attractions, traveling across emirates, or planning scenic road adventures. Choosing to rent a car first visit Dubai enables convenience. With a wide fleet, smooth digital booking transparent pricing, and supportive guidance, Europcar Dubai makes driving effortless for tourists.

Experience seamless travel and discover the UAE confidently with a trusted rental partner.

Book Your Rental Today with Europcar Dubai