Job Discussion Forums

[lynnknows]

Does anyone know if you can rent a car in UAE and drive it to other contries? I will be in UAE later this month, but I have interviews in Oman and Qatar. I was wondering if it would be possible to drive instead of taking a plane.


Thanks in advance,

[younggeorge]

Drivig to Oman is no problem as long as you make it clear to the rental company and they provide the necessary insurance. Driving to Qatar needs a transit visa for Saudi, which is not easy to come by, and presumably you wouldn't be allowed to drive yourself because women can't drive in KSA.

[Iamherebecause]

Don't forget your International Driving Licence! A friend recently tried to do just what you want to do but couldn't hire a car on a UK licence.

[younggeorge]

That isn't usually a problem on a visit visa. Maybe it depends on which rental company you're trying - there are hundreds of them, and the small ones often make rules up as they go along. I suppose the cross-border part might be a problem, but I think a UK licence is valid in Oman on a visit visa: can anyone confirm that?

[Iamherebecause]

Last month, i.e. April 2006, a friend in the UAE on a visit visa was unable to hire a car at all without an International Driving Licence - tried at least 3 places including Hertz and got the same answer everywhere. So used buses instead.

[younggeorge]

Well, thanks for the update. There's another thing I'll have to remember to tell family and friends when they visit - it was no problem last Christmas.

[lynnknows]

A few friends of mine have rented cars in the UAE with Budget Rentals. The only have an American Drivers Licences. Maybe it depends ont he company.

[turtlepi1]

It goes without saying but remember to bring your license from home as well as your international license.