So, you're coming from Auckland to Dubai, and have to deal with long-haul flight, huge time zone change, and major differences in weather and culture. Of course, one of the brightest ideas you can have as soon as you get there is to rent a car. Dubai was pretty much constructed with drivers in mind. Brooming highways, wide roads, and expansive attractions throughout the city equate to a rental car providing serious convenience. But, similar to hotels or flights, timing your car rental can have a huge impact, not only in price, but also comfort, availability, and general convenience.
Here are the best times to rent a car in Dubai, along with some specific tips for travelers arriving from Auckland.
If you go to Dubai in May through September, you are going in what’s considered the off-season for tourists. The reason for this is primarily because it is extremely hot. It is not unusual for the temperature to exceed up to 40°C during the day, and the humidity can be extremely high too. But whereas the heat will keep some people away, it is actually a good time to book a car rental if you can tolerate it.
One of the best things about traveling off-season is that there are fewer tourists on the road. That means that car rental prices usually go down, sometimes hugely. If you want to rent a luxury car, SUV, or just more variety than the usual economy models, you will have more to choose from and lower prices during these months. Rental companies have more cars available that are not rented, so they give you higher offers.
There's also the benefit of greater ease of access. If you're a type of traveler who doesn't enjoy making arrangements months ahead of time, off-season allows you the flexibility to make reservations nearer the time of arrival without worrying about whether your ideal car will still be available.
Of course, all the while do bear in mind that the heat isn't to be trifled with. You'll want to reserve cars with superb air conditioning, and you'll likely end up organizing your itinerary around keeping out of the midday sun. Consider early morning strolls on the beach or nighttime fountain performances, with afternoons of indoor mall visiting. But if you're okay with the heat, the fewer traffic streets and lower rates are completely worth it.
Now, if you’re aiming to travel when the weather is more forgiving, which, let’s face it, most tourists are, then you’re looking at the high season between October and April. This is when Dubai comes alive. Outdoor events, alfresco dining, beach days, and desert adventures are in full swing. The city feels more vibrant, and the climate is ideal for all-day exploring.
However, this also means more people, higher prices, and limited availability when it comes to rental cars. Booking early becomes non-negotiable. Demand spikes, especially around December and early January when people from all over the world flock to Dubai for New Year’s celebrations and holiday escapes.
If you’re traveling from Auckland during your summer holidays, say, around December or January, you’re arriving during Dubai’s busiest and most expensive window. Prices to rent can increase steeply, particularly for more in-demand vehicle types such as luxury cars, large SUVs, and anything with a dash of flair. Reserving your rental at least a month in advance can end up saving you money and trouble. Leave it too late, and you may find yourself paying too much or being stuck with a car that doesn't suit your agenda.
On the plus side, driving in peak season is pure bliss. The weather is ideal for driving—whether you're driving to Abu Dhabi for the day or going out to the dunes in a 4x4. Just be sure to book your rental early.
Another perspective to consider is matching your rental with large UAE events and holidays. Dubai boasts bountiful promotional seasons, and sometimes rental firms rush in with their own deals.
Ramadan, for instance, shifts dates annually but tends to include slower daytime activity and can experience a downturn in tourism, particularly the initial days. Certain rental firms reduce their rates marginally during this period, particularly for extended bookings. Just be aware that throughout Ramadan, numerous businesses (including rental agencies) have reduced working hours, and there are certain public decorum expectations, so a little cultural sensitivity goes a long way.
UAE National Day on the 2nd of December is a massive holiday and usually goes with retail and hospitality promotions. Though car demand can increase through local travel, you may even find flash deals on rental sites. Watch local promotions if you're booking by then.
Expo periods, shopping festivals, and holiday weekends also have a way of triggering promo codes and special limited-time deals. If your timing is flexible, it can be worth scheduling your rental during one of these discount periods.
It's a tiny difference, but actually quite significant, renting an automobile in Dubai tends to cost less if you collect it and drop it back on weekdays over weekends. In the UAE's weekend, that is Saturday and Sunday (as of January 2022), and rental demand can surge as locals seek breaks away. Hence, prices do tend to inflate slightly from Friday to Sunday.
If your trip to and from Dubai coincides with midweek, you may be able to get lower prices or take advantage of wider windows of availability. Certain rental firms also have more favorable daily or weekly rates if your reservation begins on a Monday or Tuesday. It's a sneaky travel tip, but it pays off, particularly on longer trips.
Now that we've discussed some general planning tips, let's discuss some of the special considerations Aucklanders need to bear in mind. First of all, the flight. You're taking a long-haul flight with at least one stopover. So you'll get to Dubai exhausted, and quite possibly at a strange hour. Ensure that your car rental organization has 24/7 pickup or adjustable airport delivery. You don't need to end an exhausting 17+ hour trip to discover that the rental agency is closed, or situated far from your position.
It's also worth accounting for jet lag. If you're coming in late at night, rather than book your car for the day you arrive, book it for the following morning. That way, you can rest up and deal with the pickup when you're alert, and less prone to overlooking vital details in the handover process.
Another piece of advice is to remember your driving style. You drive on the left in New Zealand. Dubai, like everywhere else in the world, drives on the right. It takes only a little while to get used to, but the initial 24 hours of driving will be a bit unusual. Opt for an automatic vehicle and a good set of driver assist features such as parking sensors or lane-keeping assistance, these ease the transition and lower stress levels.
Lastly, consider the timing of school holidays and long weekends back home. A lot of Auckland families choose to visit Dubai during the December break, which overlaps with Dubai’s busiest tourist period. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s even more important to book well in advance and ensure your vehicle has the space and features you’ll need for a comfortable ride.
Car rental in Dubai is like opening a box of possibilities. From downtown skyscraper-hopping to desert outings and beach retreats, owning your own transportation provides complete autonomy. But how you rent, particularly as an overseas visitor all the way from Auckland, can be the deciding factor in cost, availability, and ease of use.
If you're tough enough to take the heat, traveling during May and September can get you fantastic bargains and hassle-free rentals. If climate and comfort are your concerns, the peak season between October and April is a dream come true, but you'll have to book early to avoid the rush. Be on the lookout for holiday specials, take advantage of the weekday factor, and factor in your travel exhaustion when scheduling pickup times.
With a little bit of timing planning, your Dubai escapade can begin on an even keel, straight from the rental yard.
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