Rent a Car in Al Merkadh, Dubai - A Guide for Visitors and Locals

Renting a car rental in Al Merkadh, a new locality in Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) City, Dubai, is a great way to improve your mobility. If you decide to rent a car in Al Merkadh, this is a convenient way to explore the city centre and manage your trip planning with more flexibility.
Al Merkadh is adjacent to main roads such as Al Khail Road (E44) which allows access to prominent locations. For instance, Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall) is around 10 km away (approximately a 15 -minute drive), and also Business Bay is 8 km away.
The area also lacks developed public transport. The closest metro (Business Bay Station) is a 15-minute drive away, so a rental car definitely offers door-to-door service. In a community with a calm modern residential and a camel racecourse, driving is the most convenient option to get around in Al Merkadh.
In this guide, we will explore local driving conditions, rental car requirements for tourists and residents, insurance, Salik tolls, parking, pick-up and drop off options, and driving customs in Dubai. We will also cover the booking process, documents, deposit rules, and how to avoid hidden fees when you rent.

Why Consider Car Rental Services in Al Merkadh?

Al-Merkadh (part of MBR city), the newest extension of the Dubai downtown area, combines new residential communities along the Dubai downtown attractions. Here is how renting a car comes in handy for customers searching for fair deals, convenience, and good condition vehicles-

Flexibility and Ease of Access

Dubai is a city built for automobiles and offers un-parallel access to attractions and drive- through services. With a car, you have un-parallel access to shopping malls, and the business districts by driving from Al-Merkadh without waiting for taxis or buses. With a car rental or car hire, you can book online and complete the reservation quickly, depending on the rental company and booking process.

Sparse Public Transport

Dubai’s transport system is world class in almost every aspect with the exception of Al-Merkadh. Al-Merkadh is a new suburb in Dubai, and as a result public transport is less developed with few available metro stations. There is an RTA bus service ( for example, the SH1 feeder bus, which takes you to Dubai Mall Metro Station) that services Sobha Hartland, but in general the public transport is in a stage of development.
If you have a car, you can manage your day without worrying about the bus frequency or making multiple bus connections to get from one part of the city to another. Many visitors and tourists prefer car hire and car rental options to save time and money, especially when planning trips to the city centre.

Exploring MBR City and Beyond

Al Merkadh is surrounded by MBR City which has parks, lagoons, and plenty of attractions to explore. When you rent a car, visiting waterfronts like Azizi Riviera is so easy, and so is driving to leafy avenues like Sobha Hartland. You can also visit all the other districts of Dubai.
You don’t have to take a long drive because everything is so close. Jumeirah Beach is only 20 km away and Dubai Airport is only 17 km away (around 20-25 minutes) from Al Merkadh. These airport routes are easier with a rental car, and many drivers also plan road trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi using a vehicle hire option.

Comfort in All Weather

The weather in Dubai can be extremely hot, especially in the summer. Without a car, you have to walk to all the public transport stations and wait outside for the service to arrive.
When you rent a car, you have the freedom to bring all your family supplies, shopping bags, and beach gear without having to worry about where to leave your stuff. Overall, driving a car offers you the best comfort without the hassle of using public transport, and a car rental provides essential convenience for customers day and night.
With all that said, renting a car is Al Merkadh is a great option. You truly get the freedom of a resident because you’re able to explore the modern attractions in MBR City like a local and discover areas near Al Merkadh at your own pace.
You can choose economy cars, SUVs, sedans, or luxury vehicles depending on your budget, average price expectations, and trip details. The most popular car type rented in Al Merkadh is SUVs, with an average price of $40 per day.

Local Roads and Driving Conditions

The world-class road systems in Dubai are easily accessible from Al Merkadh. The community borders major express ways. Al Khail Road (E44), which offers quick access to Downtown and Sheikh Zayed Road, borders the community to the North. Ras Al Khor Road (aka Al Ain Road extension) connects the community with the older parts of Dubai and the Dubai-Al Ain highway (E66). These routes support business travel, city access, and road trips across the UAE.
The roads in Al Merkadh and MBR City (including the newly constructed boulevards in District One and Azizi Riviera) are wide, well paved, and landscaped. The road quality in Dubai was ranked 7th globally and you will experience that quality with smooth paved roads, good clear signage in both Arabic and English, and well constructed road ways. This makes a car rental and car hire a practical choice for visitors, tourists, and residents commuting to the city centre.

Traffic Conditions and Peak Hours

There is little to no congestion in Al Merkadh, which is why traffic flows easily. Al Khail Road can experience congestion during the week and certain hours -
Morning 7-30- 9-00
Evening 5-00 PM - 7-00 PM
Driving during these hours should be avoided to help experience less delay and reduce cost on your trip.

Driving Style and Navigation Tips

Driving in Dubai can be described as fast and coordinated. Stay to the right unless you are passing, and be sure to adhere to the speed limits. You can use Waze or Google Maps for live traffic monitoring and toll payment alerts.
This is essential for drivers visiting Dubai and Al Merkadh. Local laws in Dubai enforce strict traffic regulations, including speed limits, hands-free use of mobile phones, and a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.

Renting a Car in Al Merkadh - Requirements for Tourists and Residents

In Dubai, car rental processes are the same for every customer, However the requirements may differ for residents and tourists. A reliable rental company will explain the booking process, required documents, reservation details, and deposit rules clearly, which helps avoid hidden fees. All drivers must have a valid full driving license to rent a car in Al Merkadh.
Requirements for Tourists
There are few requirements for tourists when renting a car in Al Merkadh. Tourists should check the rental company requirements before they book. Proof of return travel and accommodation information may also be required when renting a car in Al Merkadh.

• You should possess a valid passport.
• You should possess a valid visit visa.
• You should possess a driving license from your home country.
• You should possess an IDP if it’s required by your home country.
• You should have a credit card for a deposit.
• You should be at least 21 years old.
  If you are from the US, UK, Canada, EU, or a few other countries, you can operate the car with just your home country license and no IDP. Always keep proof, documents, and your License details ready during your trip in the United Arab Emirates.
  Requirements for UAE Residents
  Requirements for residents of the UAE differ slightly. Residents should confirm details with the rental company and keep their documents ready.
• You should possess a valid driving license for the UAE.
• You should possess an Emirates ID.
• You should be at least 21 years old.
• You should have a credit card for a deposit.
  Most car rental companies will say that you have to possess a UAE license that is at least 1 year old. This helps confirm drivers have enough experience and reduces risk and insurance cost for the company.

Insurance Coverage for Rental Vehicles

Rental vehicles in Dubai include a basic level of insurance coverage that will provide you a peace of mind to help you make a more informed insurance decision.
Insurance Coverage Explained
When renting a car in Dubai, it is required that rental agencies cover you for basic third-party insurance. This coverage is basic, and will help cover any damages you do to other vehicles, including property that is not owned by you. But, be sure to remember that you are responsible for any damages that you cause to the rental vehicle.
Additional Coverage Offered
Added insurance is available because renters do appreciate the options of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as well as Full and Zero-deductible insurance. So, you can create peace of mind to be more optimal by eliminating the risk of paying a greater amount due to damages to the vehicle. This is important for customers who want fair protection and better budget planning.
Rental Agreement Exclusions
Off-roading is not included in the insurance coverage, nor is desert driving. Damage caused by driving recklessly or driving while intoxicated is uninsured, and leading the vehicle to unauthorized drivers will also lead coverage to be void, so be sure that the rental agreement is read very closely. To avoid hidden fees, confirm your reservation message, fuel policy, and drop off details before you rent.

Salik Tolls in Dubai

As you drive in Dubai you will also come across Salik, more commonly known as tolls. When driving with a rental vehicle it is very important to understand how these tolls work and how they will be charged in order to avoid incurring surprise charges on your rental agreement.What Is Salik and How is Salik Charged on Rental Cars
There is a full electronic toll gate system in Dubai called Salik (translated from Arabic to English as ‘open’ or ‘clear’). When you drive through a Salik toll gate on the highway, a toll fee is charged to your Salik account through an RFID tag that is charged to your account via a prepayment. Salik is Dubai’s electronic toll collection system.
There are no cash booths – the system is completely automated. Currently, Dubai has ten Salik toll gates in strategic locations, including Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, and Al Khail (Business Bay Crossing).
In 2025, Salik’s prices became variable. During peak hours, the pants are AED 6, and during off peak hours, the lanes are AED 4. Some gates charge no toll at night between 11 PM and 6 AM. Sunday (the work week in the UAE).

How Salik is Charged on Rental Cars

All rental cars come with Salik tags and are therefore charged every time they use the toll gates. You will see a sticker on the windshield that marks the tag.
At the moment, just keep going, and don't pay anything. The rental company will review the toll records and charge you later.
When you return the rental car, toll fees are usually added to the ending invoice, or will be subtracted from your deposit. For example, if you go through 5 toll gates during off-peak hours, AED 20 will be deducted from your deposit or charged to your card. Salik fees are listed separately in the receipt for most companies.
Salik Routes Near Al Merkadh
While driving to Dubai from Al Merkadh through Al Khail Road, early in the drive, there will be a new Business Bay Crossing toll gate. In addition, driving towards Deira, Old Dubai, or even Maktoum will incur tolls. More tolls will be encountered in Sheikh Zayed Road past Safa, Mall of the Emirates, Al Safa, and Al Barsha.
When driving to Abu Dhabi, there will be no Salik past Jebel Ali, but there will be new tolls (Darb) at the city entrance (which are free during the weekends). When driving around MBR City, there will be no tolls within the community until the driving onto the main highways.

Parking Tips and Rules in Al Merkadh and Dubai

Parking in Dubai can be quite challenging in busy districts. Here’s what you need to know in Al Merkadh and in the rest of Dubai, including city centre parking and free parking options -
Parking in Al Merkadh
Parking can be plentiful in some areas of Dubai, while in others, it can be quite challenging depending on location, business hours, and certain hours.
Parking Restrictions in Dubai
In busy areas like Downtown Dubai, you will need to pay for parking. You can pay for parking in the following ways -

• RTA parking meters
• SMS parking
• RTA mobile applications
  Make sure to examine parking zone signs to avoid any fines and unexpected cost.
  Parking in Malls and Hotels
  Parking in mall and hotel structures is usually free, or you can get validation for parking to avoid a fee. At high-end malls and hotels, they offer valet parking, which is a luxury, and some locations offer free parking for customers.

Car Rental Delivery and Pickup in Al Merkadh

Car rental services in Dubai offer delivery services to your location which is quite flexible. We offer delivery of the rental car to your doorstep in Al Merkadh or you can select a convenient pickup option. This is an added benefit for tourists and even for busy residents, and it supports better booking process convenience and service quality.

Pickup Options

When it comes to collecting your rental vehicle, we can meet you in Business Bay or Downtown Dubai. Some customers select the airport collection and drive straight to Al Merkadh, which is convenient when arriving through airports in the UAE.

Car Delivery to Al Merkadh

As rental providers, we do door-to-door service in Al Merkadh, Azizi Riviera, and Sobha Hartland. Delivery is usually free if you rent for several days or book for a week, depending on the company deals.

Vehicle Inspection and Handover Tips

Before taking possession of the car, make sure to -

• Look for any scratches or dents.
• Take pictures or a short video as photo proof. Inspect the vehicle for existing damage and document it with photos or videos before leaving the rental lot.
• Verify the fuel level and mileage.
• Check that documents are in the car.
  This protects you for return time and drop off.

Driving Etiquette and Safety in Al Merkadh

Driving in Al Merkadh can be a pleasure, but it is necessary to keep in mind some local driving etiquette and safety. Dubai’s roads are a mix of people from different regions of the world, and being aware of the driving culture will help you drive comfortably and courteously.
Speed Limits and Lane Discipline
The speed limits are enforced through the cameras, so make sure you adhere to them. Keep to the right lane unless you are overtaking someone and avoid sudden lane changes.
Fines and Traffic Rules
Every passenger must wear a seat belt. You cannot use your phone while driving unless it’s a hands-free device. You can get a large fine for running a red light or speeding.
New Driver Safety Tips
Driving aggressively or losing your temper is not advised. Try to drive as if you are doing so defensively. If you get into a collision, you must call the Dubai police and the car rental company.

Why Choose 24baba to Rent a Car in Al Merkadh?

When renting a car in Al Merkadh with 24baba, you are getting the knowledge and experience of a local. We appreciate clarity and comfort, as well as honest services. We drive in Al Merkadh, Azizi Riviera, and Sobha Hartland. We serve the entire MBR City area. This means you can communicate in your native language and get assistance when you need it.
We have economy cars, SUVs, premium vehicles, and sedans. All of our vehicles are able to be driven safely in Dubai and are clean and inspected, supporting good condition standards and customer convenience. We can also support shift car rental requests depending on availability and booking details.

Book Your Car at Al Merkadh Now!

Well-maintained cars are delivered to you in MBR City. You can book a car in minutes by choosing and contacting 24baba through our website or WhatsApp, and you can also book online to confirm your reservation details and contact support.
Thanks to the information provided in this guide, you’ll be ready to rent your first car in Al Merkadh, allowing you the freedom to explore Dubai as you please. Have a great trip!