Travel Guides

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates car rentals

Quite possibly the most-loved and safest Middle Eastern destination for American visitors, the United Arab Emirates continues to fuse tradition and Islam with the ways of the West, making for a unique getaway that offers everything from beaches, shopping and very Western nightlife to fascinating mosques and morning calls to prayer.

Travelers’ favorites

The UAE’s ever-impressive international hotspot of Dubai continues to thrive as the most popular destination in the country and throughout the region. Here, immense marvels of infrastructure tower over chic beach resorts, big business, high-end shopping and by far the most authentic nightlife scene in the Middle East.

But the UAE has more to offer than just Dubai, the city of Sharjah offers a better glimpse into the culture of most of the country’s people alongside fascinating heritage landmarks. Heading further into the country via car hire, many visitors opt to watch the ever-changing shapes of the desert in Liwa, where the winds and sand sculpt the Earth’s surface on a daily basis.

Best time to visit

The United Arab Emirates is best visited in February and March or mid October to November; during these periods both the heat and humidity are reduced to tolerable levels. Many opt for December and January as well, though conditions can sometimes be grey and even rainy. Moreover, this is peak season, so compare car hire and hotel rates to the shoulders to find better deals. From May to September, the heat is simply unbearable for most.

Driving in the United Arab Emirates

Driving takes place in the right lane in the UAE, however some of the vehicles are made for left-hand drive, which can be particularly confusing for Americans. Additionally, accidents are a major problem, so car rental customers need to remain alert at all times.