A resolution passed by Shaikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, allows for hourly car rentals in Dubai. The news is being welcomed by commuters, who now have the benefit of being able to rent cars for short durations at lower costs.
At present, car rentals work on a daily fare basis – passengers have to rent a car for minimum one day. As per the new resolution, rental cars can only be driven within Dubai and the maximum duration of rental is 6 hours per day.
Moreover, rental companies require a permit from RTA’s Licensing Agency prior to provision of services anywhere in the Emirates. The vehicles used by the rental companies must also be licensed specifically for that purpose, must display the name of the company and have to use specially designated parking spots. Advertisements are not permitted on the vehicle without the written approval of RTA’s licensing department.
Furthermore, the vehicles must be equipped with GPS systems, and the rental firms are to be integrated into RTA’s online information system for car rentals.
The resolution is in line with RTA’s goal to increase the use of public transportation. Studies have shown that the hourly car rental systems cause significant reduction in road traffic, as people stop buying/using private cars.