Renting a car in Dubai as a Canadian: licence, insurance and roads

Your licence

The Government of Canada says an International Driving Permit is needed in most emirates, but Dubai accepts a Canadian licence. Hertz UAE's terms ask visit-visa holders for an International Driving Permit, so get one from CAA before you go and carry your passport.

Hertz UAE rents to drivers aged 21 and up, and the driving licence must be valid for at least 6 months. You need a credit card for the security deposit, and the hold can take up to 29 days to be released. Young-driver fees were not listed in the pages we checked.

Only CAA issues International Driving Permits in Canada. It costs $32 including tax, lasts one year, and is only valid with your Canadian licence.

Insurance: what to check

• Hertz UAE offers CDW, Super CDW and Personal Accident Insurance. Tyre and window damage is not covered, and you need a valid police report for any claim or the cover is void.
• Basic third-party cover is compulsory with UAE rentals. Collision, theft and personal accident cover are extras.
• Hertz UAE does not allow off-road driving or driving under the influence, and breaking these rules can void your cover. Do not take a rental on desert dunes.

Roads, tolls and parking

• Dubai's Salik toll costs AED 4 per crossing at eight free-flow gates. You do not stop or slow down, and the toll is taken automatically from a prepaid tag.
• Hertz UAE lists Salik at AED 5–7 per crossing in its terms as a charge to the renter.
• Drivers can be reckless, often tailgate and drive at excessive speeds. Drive defensively and keep your distance.

Staying safe on the road

• The legal blood alcohol limit is zero. Penalties include heavy fines, a lengthy jail sentence, vehicle confiscation and licence suspension.
• Speeding fines run from Dh300 (up to 20 km/h over) to Dh3,000 (more than 80 km/h over), and the worst cases add black points and vehicle confiscation.
• Hertz UAE pays traffic fines for you and bills you later, with a 12% admin fee on top. Bills can arrive weeks after the rental.
• After an accident, stay at the scene and call the police. Leaving may be treated as an admission of guilt. Current Government of Canada advisory level for the UAE: Exercise a high degree of caution, due to ongoing tensions in the region and the threat of terrorism.