Can You Rent a Car in Dubai for a Desert Safari?

Wondering if you can rent a car in Dubai for desert safari? The short answer is no! While it might come as surprising, it is the ultimate truth about rental cars in Dubai. Rental companies have a strict policy against off-roading, racing, and desert driving. If you check any rental company’s terms and conditions, you’ll see these restrictions clearly outlined.

Some rental companies in Dubai falsely advertise desert safari rental cars as a marketing gimmick. Those are just misleading—nothing more. When you dig deeper, you’ll discover the truth: you can’t take a standard rental vehicle into the desert without violating the agreement.

However, driving a vehicle during a desert safari is possible—but not your rental. In this article, I'll explain how you can fulfill your desire to conquer the mighty dunes during a desert safari. But first, you should comprehend what a desert safari is and how it differs from driving a vehicle on the sandy hills.

The Reality of Dubai Desert Safari

A desert safari is much more than driving a 4X4 off-roader on the sand. It's a comprehensive fusion of enthralling dune bashing, cultural experience, food, music, dance, camel rides, and more. It's not the same as dune bashing, where you drive or ride in a vehicle in the desert.

However, adrenaline-fueled drives in the desert are the major component. But the reality of driving a car in a desert safari is more complex than you think. It requires special arrangements and legal compliance. It's not that anyone can drive during the desert safari.

Driving Your Own Car in a Desert Safari

Rental companies prohibit desert driving for safety reasons, potential damages, and insurance complications. It's wise to abide by the rental agreement and keep off deserts. You don't want hefty fines and legal issues, do you? So, you might wonder, what if you drove your private car for dune bashing?

But what if you own a private vehicle? Safari companies generally don’t allow personal cars during their packages, as dune bashing is one of their core services. However, you can explore desert terrains on your own in locations like:

• Al Qudra Desert
• Liwa Oasis
• Al Badayer (Big Red Dunes)
• Wadi Madha

These areas are popular for off-roading, and you don’t need a permit to drive there. But remember: you’re responsible for your safety, so come prepared with essentials like extra fuel, water, recovery gear, and a group of fellow off-roaders.

The Truth About Self-Drive Desert Safaris

So what about the self-drive desert safaris you see on the SERP pages? It's misleading terminology. Don't mistake it for driving a car in the desert. What it means is that you drive yourself to the predetermined meet point, where the actual desert safari begins. This can be misleading if you don't truly understand its intent.

There is nothing more to it. It's just a common terminology in the desert safari niche. Desert safari packages generally include pick-up and drop-off services. When someone doesn't want it, it's referred to as self-drive. In such cases, one can use a standard rental car to drive to the meeting point. Some rental companies define this as desert safari car rental, which is misleading as well.

How to Actually Drive During a Desert Safari

As I mentioned earlier, you can drive a car on desert safari. If you have a desert safari driving license, you are eligible to drive. Dubai allows you to obtain a desert driving license if you have a valid UAE driver's permit. Unfortunately, visitors cannot obtain one.

Tourists with a desert driving license from a recognized country might be able to drive in the deserts. However, this entirely depends on the safari company's policies. On the other hand, everyone can scour the mighty desert terrain on buggies and quad bikes. You don't need a license.

Some reputable desert safari companies, like Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures, offer exceptional experiences. They let you drive specialized 4X4 vehicles, like

• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Nissan Patrol
• Jeep Wrangler
• Ford Raptor
• Hummer

in controlled environments. You get the opportunity to experience it with a guide/professional. You'll require a private desert safari package..

It comes with significant risk factors, which can make the professional hesitate to let you drive. The professionals handle the intense dune bashing, while you can enjoy driving on even terrains. Discuss your desires for desert driving and requirements beforehand so they can make arrangements accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Desert safari car rental is just a hoax—don’t fall for it. I mean, don't believe that you can rent a car for desert safari in Dubai. The SERP may say otherwise, but believe me, you can find the truth in every rental company's terms and conditions and rental policy. You can drive a rental car on your way to a desert safari meet point but not further. Also, driving in the desert doesn't count as a desert safari.

While some desert terrains don't require a permit to drive, don't try taking your rental vehicle there. You will be responsible for damages and even 100% of the car cost, as outlined by your rental agreement. Why ruin your car rental experience?

If you want to experience the thrill of desert driving, get a desert safari driving license. You can get it within a few weeks to a month. With your license, you get a chance to drive during your desert safari, without restrictions. Most driving schools offer desert driving licenses in Dubai. Pick one and get started on fulfilling your desert dream.

FAQs:

Why can't I take my rental car into the desert?

The rental companies have a strict policy that restricts any off-road and desert driving. This is primarily in place to eliminate damage to rental cars. Driving in deserts can result in sand damage and other issues, affecting not only the renter but also the rental company over time. Their rental policies and agreements clearly state that any violation will lead to financial and even legal consequences. Despite the clear warnings, if you plan to take it to the desert, you must be ready to face the consequences.

If I rent a 4x4, can I just drive into the desert on my own?

No, you cannot just drive a rental 4x4 into the desert on your own. Technically, you can, but legally you cannot. As per the rental agreement, you cannot take your rental car in the desert. If you own a 4×4, then you can drive off to a desert without any restriction. No rental companies allow desert driving.

Are there any 4x4 rentals that allow for desert driving?

There are no rental companies in Dubai that allow desert driving. Some companies have misleading content on their blogs, but their rental policies say otherwise. Desert safari companies, however, will allow you to drive during your safari. You must be eligible for desert driving.

Are there any car rental companies that partner with desert safari operators?

Yes, several car rental companies partner with several safari operators in Dubai. They help you book your safaris with ease and at affordable rates. FriendsCarRental also partners with some of Dubai's top safari companies, like Dubai Safari Travel.