Welcome to RENTKONIM! We’re thrilled to assist you with your car rental needs in Dubai. In this guide, we’ll cover essential information, including parking regulations, driving tips, and the specifics of the ‘Salik’ toll system. This comprehensive overview aims to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience in Dubai.
Table of Contents
How To Book Your Rental Car
You should visit RENTKONIM or SAADATRENT, for hiring a car in Dubai with just some clicks. You will need a copy of your passport, an IDP, Copy of your flight ticket (it is just for renters opting for an airport car rental service) and, paying the deposit. In what follows, we will delve into some information and tips that may come handy during your journey in Dubai, specially if you rented a car for your trip.
Parking and Parking Fees in Dubai
Where should you park, and what are Dubai’s parking regulations?
Imagine you’ve rented a car in Dubai from RENTKONIM. Finding parking can be challenging, especially since many streets lack parked cars. This might be confusing for new drivers in Dubai.
Dubai’s Parking Zones
Dubai’s parking areas are divided into several zones:
- Zone A: Major business districts, tourist spots, and densely populated residential areas. Fees: AED 4 per hour, AED 2 for half an hour.
- Other Zones (B to K): Include commercial, non-commercial, and special areas with varying fees and regulations.
Free Parking Areas
Many malls, like The Dubai Mall, offer free parking. Metro stations also commonly provide free parking.
Residential and Touristic Areas
Zones C and D cover residential, road, and touristic areas, typically operational from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Special Parking Zones
Zones E, F, G, H, I, J, and K are in specific areas like coastal and historical regions, each with unique regulations and fees.
| Zone | Location | Type | Rate (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Commercial Areas | Short-term | 4 per hour |
| B | Non-Commercial Areas | Long-term | 2 per hour |
| C | Residential Areas | Standard | 1.5 per hour |
| D | Peripheral Areas | Standard | 1 per hour |
| E | Special Areas | Special | Variable |
| F | Special Areas | Special | Variable |
| G | Special Areas | Special | Variable |
Parking at Dubai Airport
Parking Options at Terminal 1
Economy and Premium Parking: Terminal 1 offers both options, with designated areas for passengers with disabilities available in short-term and long-term parking.
Parking Fees:
Car Park A – Premium:
- 5 mins: AED 5
- 15 mins: AED 15
- 30 mins: AED 30
- Up to 2 hours: AED 40
- 3 hours: AED 55
- 4 hours: AED 65
- Full day: AED 125
Car Park B – Economy:
- 1 hour: AED 25
- 2 hours: AED 30
- 3 hours: AED 35
- 4 hours: AED 45
- Full day: AED 85
- Long-Term Parking: Available at Terminals 1 and 3 for travelers parking over a day. Regular shuttle services connect the lots to the terminals.
- Valet Parking: Available at Terminals 1 and 3, offering a luxurious experience where cars are parked by professional valet attendants and ready for pickup upon return.
- Premium Parking: Located near terminal entrances for quick access to check-in counters and departure gates, available at Terminals 1 and 3.
For specific guidelines on returning rental cars and any associated fines, please check directly with RENTKONIM or Dubai Airport authorities.
How to Pay for Parking in Dubai
Payment via Mobile SIM Card:
Dubai’s main mobile operators, DU and ETISALAT, support parking fee payments via SMS.
- Send an SMS to 7275 with your license plate number, parking zone code, and parking duration (e.g., B12345 123A1 for one hour at parking zone 123A).
- Receive a confirmation SMS and the parking fee will be deducted from your prepaid balance.
- An SMS reminder will be sent 15 minutes before expiry, allowing extension if needed.
- A 5% VAT is applied to the parking fee.
Payment with Coins:
Some parking areas accept coins.
- Use coin-operated machines (usually blue or orange).
- Enter your license plate number, parking zone code, and duration.
- Insert coins (1 or 2 Dirham).
Free Parking:
Parking is generally free on Sundays and from 10 PM to 8 AM in many areas. Verify specific rules for each area.
Mall Parking:
Many malls offer 2-3 hours of free parking, but VIP areas are not free.
Penalties:
- Failure to pay can result in a fine of 150 Dirhams.
- Parking in spaces for people with disabilities without a valid permit can incur a 5000 Dirham fine.
Other Payment Methods:
- RTA Dubai App: Pay for parking via the mobile app.
- NOL Card: Use this card at specified machines.
- Seasonal Parking Cards: Avoid individual payments with these cards.
- Apple Pay and Samsung Pay: Available for parking payments, especially in multistorey carparks.
- Bank Cards with RFID and NFC: For quick, secure transactions, especially in multistorey carparks.
- SMS Payment: Use the mParking Service by sending an SMS in a specific format.
These methods provide convenient options for both residents and visitors, ensuring a streamlined parking payment experience.
Salik System in Dubai
Salik Toll Cost: Each Salik toll gate costs AED 4, automatically deducted from a prepaid Salik account linked to the vehicle.
Salik Tag Requirement: Vehicles need a Salik tag on the windshield to pass through toll gates, enabling automatic fee deduction.
Salik Gate Locations:
- Al Barsha
- Al Garhoud Bridge
- Al Maktoum Bridge
- Al Mamzar South
- Al Mamzar North
- Al Safa
- Airport Tunnel
- Jebel Ali
Passing through Al Mamzar South and North gates within an hour in the same direction is charged only once. Toll fees are exempt on Sundays and from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Rental Car and Salik Charges: For RENTKONIM customers, Salik charges are deducted from the security deposit. The deposit is refunded after rental, minus Salik charges and fines.
Other Considerations: The Salik system operates 24/7 with certain exemptions as mentioned.
RENTKONIM’s Fuel Policy and Petrol Price in Dubai
Fuel Policy: Cars are rented with the fuel tank either half-full or more.
Return the car with the same fuel level as at the time of rental. If not, customers are charged for the fuel difference.
Available Fuel Types: Special 95, Super 98, and E-Plus 91.
Fuel Prices:
- Generally range from 2 to 3 Dirhams per liter.
- Prices may vary, so check current rates during travel.
SIM Cards in Dubai
Etisalat Tourist SIM Options: Various plans ranging from AED 49 to AED 319, with different data and calling options.
DU Tourist SIM Options: Plans from free (1GB for 24 hours) to AED 299 (200 mins and unlimited data for 14 days).
SIM cards are available at airports and offer different options to suit tourists’ needs. For current prices and packages, visit Etisalat and DU’s official websites.
Driving Regulations in Dubai
Driving Side: Drive on the right side of the road.
Child Safety Regulations:
- Children under 13 cannot sit in the front seat.
- Children aged 4-8 must use a child safety seat.
- Front seat passengers must be at least 145 cm tall and older than 10 years.
Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers. Non-compliance results in a fine of AED 400 and four black points.
Mobile Phone Use: Only hands-free systems allowed. Violations incur a fine of AED 400 and four black points.
Speed Limits:
- City areas: 40-80 km/h.
- Highways: 110-130 km/h. Exceeding by 80 km/h results in AED 3,000 fine, 23 black points, and 60-day vehicle impoundment.
Driving Under the Influence: Results in a one-year license suspension, with court-decided fines or jail terms.
Traffic Signal Compliance: Ignoring signals results in AED 1,000 fine, 12 points, and one-month vehicle seizure.
Other Violations: Includes reckless driving, blocking traffic, sudden swerving, driving without a number plate, using expired tires, etc.
Cleanliness of Vehicles: Excessively dirty vehicles may be fined.
These regulations are part of the UAE’s traffic law aimed at enhancing road safety.
Driving Penalties in Dubai
- Dangerous Driving: AED 1,000 fine.
- Evading a Police Officer: AED 800 fine.
- Causing Death or Damage: Determined by the judge.
- Parking in a No Parking Area: AED 1,000 fine.
- Driving Without a Fastened Seatbelt: AED 400 fine.
- Child Safety (Under 10 Years Old in Front Seat): AED 400 fine.
- Failure to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles: AED 500 fine.
- Jumping a Red Light: AED 1,000 fine.
- Failure to Follow Traffic Signs: AED 500 fine.
- Driving with a License Issued by a Foreign Country: AED 400 fine.
- Illegal Parking on Road Shoulder (Non-Emergency): AED 200 fine.
- Broken Signal Lights: AED 200 fine.
- No License Plates: AED 1,000 fine.
Driving under the influence incurs severe penalties, determined by the court.
RENTKONIM Smoking Policy
- Smoking Fee: AED 150 for a comprehensive car wash.
- Additional Fees: AED 200 to 400 if not notified in advance.
Car Insurance and Accident Procedures for Rental Cars from RENTKONIM in Dubai
Insurance: All vehicles are covered under comprehensive insurance policies.
Accident Procedure
- Contact RENTKONIM representative.
- Use the Dubai Police app to report the accident with the vehicle’s license plate number and accident location.
- Submit relevant photos through the app.
- RENTKONIM handles the administrative steps and expenses with the insurance company.
Return of Security Deposit
Refund Policy: The security deposit is refunded after car return, but a portion is held for one month to cover potential traffic fines.
Car Delivery and Return Locations
You can select your preferred delivery and return locations when reserving the car.
Additional Costs
- Car Wash and Fuel: AED 25 for car wash if not returned clean; fuel difference deducted if not returned at the same level.
- Delivery/Return Charges: Free at JVC branch; transfer fee may apply for other locations.
- Excess Kilometer Charges: 250 km/day limit, extra charges apply if exceeded.
- Rental Extension: Possible by contacting Saadat Rent, subject to availability.
Contract Document
Importance: Carry the contract document during the rental period; it is required for police if needed.
FAQs
Where can I park in Dubai?
Dubai has various parking zones (A to K), each with specific fees and regulations. Malls and metro stations often offer free parking.
How do I pay for parking in Dubai?
Payment can be made via mobile SMS, coin-operated machines, the RTA Dubai app, NOL card, and other digital payment methods.
What is the Salik toll system?
Salik toll gates charge AED 4 per pass, deducted automatically from a prepaid Salik account linked to your vehicle.
What should I do in case of an accident?
Contact SaadatRent for guidance, and use the Dubai Police app to report the accident from the scene.
