Renting a Car for Dubai Expo or Trade Fair Events

May 10, 2025July 9, 2025

40 Views

Dubai is a melting pot of culture, innovation, and commerce. With world-class infrastructure and an optimal location, the emirate is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for large-scale trade fairs and exhibitions. From the World Expo 2020 to the annual editions of GITEX, Arab Health, and Dubai Airshow, many travellers come in to attend these events in droves. The event itself aside, it can be a challenge to navigate the traffic and make it on time for presentations, scheduled talks, and informal networking. Driving to the events can offer a welcome solution. In this blog post, we explore why you should rent a car for a trip to Dubai, especially if you’re attending an expo or trade fair.

Why Should You Rent a Car for an Event?

The bottom line: If you’re travelling to a large event in Dubai, you should rent a car because you can gain much more time than relying on taxis, crowded public transport, or shared transport services. Dubai can be one of the busiest places in the world during events such as the Expo. When you have a rental car, you’re in control of your schedule. With a car, you can zip to the event on your own schedule, not somebody else’s.

Another reason you should consider renting a car during your trip to Dubai is because there’s a chance you’ll find better accommodation than those near the event venue. Of course, some of the hotels near Dubai World Trade Centre or Expo City are the most expensive. But having your own vehicle will allow you to drive further away from the city center and find something more affordable and with fewer amenities, such as an apartment in a residential neighborhood.

What to Look for in a Car for an Event

Once you’ve decided to rent a car for an event in Dubai, it’s important to look for the right vehicle. What type of car you rent is largely based on your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

If you’re going to Dubai for a large-scale event such as the Expo, it is very likely you will travel with a team. Consider whether you need more space than what a sedan or hatchback can offer. If you do, then a midsize or even an SUV will work well. If you’re travelling solo, a hatchback or sedan is a suitable choice.
In addition to size, you’ll also want to consider fuel economy. Traffic can be a headache in Dubai. Make sure your car is fuel-efficient so you’re not wasting time or money during your event.
Another factor to consider is whether you’re going to have a lot of materials with you, including promotional materials, literature, event pamphlets, and so on. With a hatchback or sedan, you can save space with its trunk. If you have plenty of material to carry, consider an SUV.

How to Choose a Rental Car for an Event

To make the most of your trip to Dubai, consider the following:

Decide if you need more than one vehicle for your team. A rental service like Drive your rent car Dubai can help you find a car that fits your needs.
Consider your budget. There are plenty of cars to choose from, so you’ll want to consider which you can afford. Most of the time, you can rent an economical vehicle, but there are more luxurious options available as well. Calculate your budget, including gas, insurance, Salik, and parking fees.
Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. There is no sense in getting an expensive car that costs you more in gas. Find a rental that can get you through an entire week of travel, or even less.
Consider a car that is easy to park. Dubai is busy, especially during events such as the Expo. When you need to park, there’s no point wasting time trying to find a space. Make sure your car is easy to maneuver and park in the tight spaces.
Keep in mind Dubai’s traffic rules. While Dubai has become more lenient than many cities in the Middle East, it’s important to note that you must adhere to the traffic laws. You must wear a seat belt, drive within the speed limit, and avoid using your phone while driving. Handheld devices are not allowed in Dubai. Instead, rent a car with Bluetooth capabilities and headsets so you can talk while driving.
Note that there are tolls, called Salik, throughout Dubai. Rent a car that comes with a Salik tag, and know that you’ll be billed at the end of your rental for using it.
Make sure your navigation app works. Dubai’s roads are marked with English signage. Make sure you know how to navigate the city in case your GPS app or Google Maps doesn’t work. Rent a car with a working GPS to avoid being stuck.

What to Do Before the Event

When you’ve decided on a car, it’s time to get ready for the event. There are some things to do before attending the event. This includes:

Booking the car. Don’t wait until the last minute to rent a car. If you want to be able to choose the car you want, then make sure you book well in advance. Renting a car will cost more in the days leading up to an event, as availability will be limited.
Selecting pick-up and drop-off options. Some car rental services pick up and drop-off at the airport. Be sure to select this option when you book your rental to save time.
Knowing your insurance options. Before driving off, read your insurance agreement carefully. You may be held responsible for damages beyond those covered by the basic policy. If you’re not comfortable with the risk, consider purchasing full insurance to protect yourself.
Gathering your phone numbers. Keep the local police and fire department numbers on hand, along with your country’s consulate. In case of an emergency, you should have a trusted number. Also, make sure your phone works in the UAE. Alternatively, buy a local SIM card.

Where to Stay During the Event

In addition to booking your rental car, you should consider where to stay. While it’s true that having a car can open up a wider range of accommodation options, it is still important to consider the locations of the venues where you’ll be spending the most time. If you’ve chosen to rent a car for an event in Dubai, you can stay at any of the following locations:

Business Bay, near Dubai World Trade Centre and a major intersection
Al Barsha, a more affordable area close to the city center
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), close to the event center and Expo City
Dubai Marina, where you can blend business with pleasure
Another advantage of having a rental car is that you can go beyond the city center. Here are a few additional suggestions:
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Jumeirah Beach
Dubai Marina

These are all destinations you can access by major roadways and freeways.

Other Things to Do While in Dubai

Once you’ve found a rental car, it’s important to take advantage of the beautiful city and take a break from work. Here are some things you can do:

Visit Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world.
See the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa.
Go on a Dubai Safari in the desert.
Drive to other Emirates, such as Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.

Of course, the latter is possible with a rental car.

Sustainable Travel: Renting an Electric Car

There’s a push for sustainability in the UAE, and in other parts of the world. Since many events in Dubai are dedicated to innovation and sustainability, you can align yourself with these values by renting an electric car. An electric car will fit right in with a sustainable expo. You’ll have an easier time refueling, and won’t have to spend extra time searching for gas stations.

Dos and Don’ts at the Event

There are some things to keep in mind when you rent a car for an event in Dubai:

Dress appropriately. Dubai is relatively liberal in comparison to other Middle Eastern countries, but it’s important to know that when you’re out in public or attending an event, you should dress conservatively. While business casual is acceptable, try to dress formally for business and industry events. Keep in mind, too, that business and events can be large, so you’ll likely want to keep your outfit in neutral colors to stand out less.
Time is valuable. When attending an event, you’ll likely have plenty of time-sensitive events, such as speaking engagements, networking opportunities, and so on. Time will be valuable to you. If you rent a car for an event in Dubai, you won’t have to waste it waiting in line for a taxi, struggling to catch the metro, or waiting for a ride-sharing app.
Remember Ramadan. During the Muslim holy month, if you’re travelling to Dubai, you’ll need to know what you can and cannot do. When attending a business or industry event, keep in mind that you should not eat or drink in public during the day. You’ll want to avoid the hassle of dealing with food while in your car, so make sure your car has a sunshade or tint to block out the sun.
During an event, there will be traffic updates, particularly on roads around the event. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, you should always monitor the Dubai Media Office traffic alerts. For example, there may be roads blocked off for parking for the event.
Some car rental companies will charge you for gas, while others will require you to return the car full. Be sure to understand the terms and conditions for gas before picking up the car. You should also make sure you have sufficient fuel for the entire event.
Don’t forget to check for signage and street rules. There may be areas where you have to get a permit to park. Make sure you know the signs for no parking.

What to Do When You’re Finished

Once you’re done with the event, you’ll want to return the rental car in good condition. You should return it on time as well. Many rental car companies have options for returning the car at the airport. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Don’t forget to top off the gas tank.
Remove all of your personal belongings.
Take a picture of the vehicle’s condition.

You’ll want to keep this photo for your records.

What to Do After the Event

Once you’ve rented a car for an event in Dubai, you can look forward to a stress-free experience. You’ll be able to drive wherever you want, have a smooth return, and plan for the next event in Dubai.