Many believe that getting around Dubai without a car can be quite a challenge. To some degree, there is a bit of truth in that, considering how big the city is and certain areas aren’t entirely reachable by metro. However, that being said, buying a car isn’t necessarily the first thing you should do, as there are more convenient and affordable options. One such alternative is a rental service called Udrive, which isn’t a classic rent-a-car business. What exactly is it, how does it work, and many other questions will be answered in this comprehensive guide on Udrive Dubai.
What is Udrive Car-Sharing?
Udrive is a car-sharing service that allows users to rent cars by minute, hour, or day. Unlike traditional car rental services, Udrive offers a pay-as-you-go model, providing more flexibility and convenience. Users can easily locate, book, and unlock cars through a mobile app, making it an ideal choice for last-minute travel plans, quick city rides, or short-term rentals.
How Does Udrive Work?
Udrive service is quite easy to use. The main requirement is to download the app on your phone, which is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Once downloaded, you will be asked to register as a new user, provide your driver’s license for verification, and connect a credit card to your account. After successfully completing the registration process, you will be able to start using the app.
In order to then use Udrive in Dubai, simply open the map in the app which will show you the icons of Udrive cars available in your area. Locate the Udrive vehicle and reserve it through the app. A reservation period of 15 minutes will be allocated for you to reach the vehicle and unlock it using your smartphone. Drive the car to your destination, but make sure to always park at dedicated parking spaces to avoid being fined.
Does Udrive Require Deposit?
Udrive doesn’t charge any deposit, reservation fees, or membership fees. You will only be required to pay for the duration of usage of their vehicle and (if any) fines or tickets accumulated during your trip. You are, however, required to connect a credit card to your account, which will be used to cover the rental cost.
Can a Tourist Use Udrive in Dubai?
Absolutely! Udrive is available for both residents and tourists as long as the user meets the following criteria:
- At least 21 years old
- Minimum 6 months driving experience
There is a list of accepted driving licenses and countries that either require or don’t require an international driving permit, which can be found on their official website.
Is Parking Free for Udrive in Dubai?
An amazing benefit to using Udrive service is the free RTA parking around the city. Parking is free of charge in designated RTA parking areas, including A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, and L zones. Parking in malls, private areas, and valet parking is not included in the service; hence, those will need to be paid for from your pocket.
It is important to note that the free parking option will depend on where the car was rented from. If you have rented a car in Dubai, then the free parking is valid only in that emirate, and the same is valid for either Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
Is Salik Free on Udrive?
When driving your rented vehicle around the city, all the Salik fees generated will be charged to your account. Keep in mind that Udrive also reserves a 1.50 AED admin fee per Salik, so plan your trips wisely when going on longer trips that include several Salik toll gates.
Is Fuel Free in Udrive?
Depending on the selected options, fuel will either be covered or charged at the end of each trip. Udrive Basics option does not cover the cost of fuel and the same will be calculated at the end of the day or a trip, depending on the rental length. In such cases, you may opt to refuel the vehicle at approved petrol stations, and the bill will go directly to Udrive. You will then be charged the total fuel consumption once your Udrive car rental is over.
On the other hand, choosing the Udrive Premium option will cover the cost of the fuel and you will not be charged any additional fuel charges at the end of your trip.
Can I take Udrive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
While there are no restrictions on driving Udrive from one emirate to another, the requirement is to return the vehicle and end the trip in the city where you started your rental.
It is strictly forbidden to drive outside of the UAE.
How much does Udrive cost?
Now, the big question is: Is it worth it? The good news is that you will be paying for the car only for as long as you are using it. Udrive has a range of readily available vehicles that start from as low as 1 AED/minute or 99 AED/day. You will have the option to choose the vehicle type and the duration of rental as well as the packages to suit your needs.
Let’s explore some of the popular options and give you a brief overview of the Udrive pricing scheme:
- In a pay-per-minute Udrive fleet, you can find a Toyota Yaris for only 1 AED/min or 139 AED/day.
- In a Basic fleet for Udrive daily rental, you can choose between a Kia Pegas for only 136 AED/day or, for those who prefer a bigger car, a Suzuki Jimny for 199 AED/day.
- Daily and Basic fleet provide a wide range of vehicles, with the lowest price of 99 AED/day for JAC JS3, Mitsubishi Pajero for 157 AED/day, or even a Dodge Charger for as low as 299 AED/day.
- Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Udrive rent-a-car options include only daily rentals, with vehicles such as Mitsubishi Attrage or Nissan Sunny starting from 83 AED/day.
- Maximum mileage coverage for Udrive vehicles on a daily rental basis is 100km, so any additional kilometers will be charged at 2 AED/km.
- For the Udrive flexible fleet, mileage coverage is extended up to 200km, and any additional kilometers beyond will also be charged 2 AED.
- A Trip fee starting from 6 AED for all Udrive cars is charged for every trip.
What is An Excess Charge on Udrive?
Just like insurance on every vehicle, Udrive has an excess charge that applies to their fleet in case of an accident. This includes any additional charges you are required to pay.
According to the Udrive official website, the following fees and penalties may be accumulated in case of an accident:
- Excess Amount in case of Accident (Please note that Udrive reserves the right to charge damage according to its own judgment) up to AED 4,000
- If the driver is under the age of 25, we will charge AED 4,000 + 20% of the total claim
- Additional Excess Amount in case of Accidents (Total Loss) AED 4,500
Udrive vs Ekar
With the growing popularity of both of these pay-per-minute car rentals in the UAE, and especially in Dubai, both Udrive and Ekar have earned great reputations as user-friendly and affordable rental services. The preference for either one will ultimately depend on the type of experience the user has had, including car availability, cleanliness, and efficiency, as well as customer support and clarity of charges.
When compared to the regular process of renting a vehicle, these companies certainly provide many benefits, such as effortlessness, affordability, and ease of use. With only a few simple taps on your smartphone, you can unlock a variety of options and get from one part of the city to the other in a matter of minutes. With some initial troubleshooting issues resolved, Udrive has now become a synonym for convenience and flexibility in transport. They have grown tremendously over the last few years and with the growing tourism and migration numbers, we can only expect to see even more vehicles and an even better service.
