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Terminal and pickup information

Dubai International has three terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Emirates operates from Terminal 3; most other international carriers use Terminal 1. Car hire desks are located in the arrivals area of each terminal. Some suppliers operate from an off-airport location with a short shuttle transfer.

Tips for hiring at Dubai International Airport (DXB)

An International Driving Permit may be required: Non-GCC visitors should carry an IDP alongside their home country licence. Some suppliers and police checkpoints require it.
Salik toll system: Dubai uses an electronic toll system called Salik. Your hire car will have a Salik tag — charges are added to your rental bill. Ask your supplier about the daily cap on charges.
Petrol is very cheap: Fuel in the UAE is significantly cheaper than Europe or Australia. Fill up without stress.
Speed cameras everywhere: Dubai has extensive speed camera coverage. Fines are serious and rental companies will charge you plus an admin fee. Stick to the limits.

Best drives from Dubai

  • Abu Dhabi (1 hr 30 min) — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Formula 1 circuit on Yas Island.
  • Al Ain Oasis (1 hr 30 min) — A UNESCO World Heritage oasis — a complete contrast to Dubai's glass towers.
  • Hatta (1 hr 30 min) — Mountain pools, heritage village and one of the UAE's most scenic drives through the Hajar Mountains.
  • Fujairah and the East Coast (1 hr 30 min) — The UAE's Indian Ocean coastline — mountains, wadis and the oldest mosque in the UAE.

Tourist traps to avoid

  • Ignoring Salik toll charges — they add up and your rental company will charge an admin fee on top
  • Speeding — cameras are everywhere and fines are significant
  • Not checking dress/behaviour rules — driving standards and road behaviour are strictly enforced
  • Booking without checking insurance — standard CDW terms in the UAE can differ from European expectations
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