Hertz in Abu Dhabi
Hertz makes car rental in Abu Dhabi easy with branches conveniently located in and around the city. There is so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi that renting a car is essential if you want to get round everything without relying on taxis or buses. The temperatures in the emirate are scorching so a car can also give you some much-needed air conditioning and shade.
Abu Dhabi has boomed as a tourist destination in recent years and is continuing to do so, with the developments on Yas Island – the existing F1 circuit and a Ferrari theme park to come — making it an amazing destination for car lovers. This is accentuated by Abu Dhabi’s excellent roads and traffic light system that make it stand out against other emirates.
Driving and Parking in Abu Dhabi
You will need a full driving licence and must be over 21 to rent a car in Abu Dhabi. If you are from outside the United Arab Emirates you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). For more information about driving regulations in Abu Dhabi, take a look at our page about renting a car in the UAE .
Despite the excellent roads, driving in Abu Dhabi needs a good level of focus and attention. Ensure that you follow the local speed limit and never drink-drive, which can result in a prison sentence. Cameras at intersections monitor drivers who run red lights and there is a fine of up to AED500.
If you rent a car in Abu Dhabi, you will find there are several pay-to-park car parks as well as parking within hotels and resorts. If you choose on-street parking, you will use the Mawaqif system, which is in force from 08.00 until midnight Saturday to Thursday, excluding public holidays. Parking meters set limits for use of the spaces and you will pay between AED2 and AED3 per hour or AED15 per day, making it very reasonable.
Driving in and around Abu Dhabi
Key Routes
Many motorways run through Abu Dhabi, making it quick and easy to get around within the emirate. The E10 and E12 connect the islands to the mainland, while the E22 runs out to the oasis city of Al Ain.
These motorways connect to local city streets to help you get to just the right part of Abu Dhabi and make it fairly easy to navigate.
Major Highways
If you want to get out to explore more of the UAE when you rent a car in Abu Dhabi, the E11 is the main route you will need. It connects all of the emirates along the Persian Gulf, giving you easy access to Dubai, Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah. The route lets you see some of the dazzling sights of the UAE as you drive through, as well as tantalising glimpses of the ocean.
Speed limits can be changeable on the motorway so you should check for local signs to advise you of the caps. They are usually somewhere between 140km/h and 100km/h (between 85 and 60mph) depending on the particular stretch of road and whether or not it is running through a built-up area.