Can I Drive to Abu Dhabi or Oman with My Dubai Rental Car?

Dubai is the perfect launchpad for a road trip. But when you look at a map, you realize the adventure doesn’t stop at the city limits. The vast dunes of Liwa in Abu Dhabi and the stunning fjords of Musandam in Oman are calling.

However, crossing borders—whether national or emirate—comes with red tape. Can you just drive off? Or will you be stopped?

Here is your essential 2025 guide to inter-emirate travel, obtaining an NOC for Oman, and understanding the insurance coverage outside Dubai that keeps you protected.

1. Driving to Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

First, the good news: Inter-emirate travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is seamless. There is no physical Abu Dhabi border crossing checkpoint where you show passports. You simply drive down Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) until the palm trees change shape.

However, just because there is no Abu Dhabi border crossing police stop doesn’t mean it’s free. Abu Dhabi uses a separate toll system called “DARB.” Unlike Dubai’s Salik, DARB charges you only during peak hours. When you plan your inter-emirate travel, remember that your rental car is registered in Dubai, but we will still receive the DARB bills.

We recommend checking your mileage limits before heading to the capital. A round trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is roughly 280km. If your contract has strict mileage limits (e.g., 200km/day), you will pay extra fees. Always upgrade your mileage limits if you plan a full day of inter-emirate travel to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain.

2. The Golden Rule for Oman: You Need an NOC

Driving to Oman is different. You are leaving the country. You absolutely cannot drive to the border without a NOC for Oman (No Objection Certificate). The NOC for Oman is a legal document issued by us (the rental company) authorizing you to take the vehicle across international lines.

How to get an NOC for Oman:

1. Request Early: We need 48-72 hours to process a NOC for Oman because it often requires notarization.
2. Pay the Fee: The NOC for Oman is not free. It involves administrative costs and insurance adjustments.
3. Vehicle Restrictions: Not all cars qualify. We rarely issue an NOC for Oman for luxury supercars due to high risk. It is usually reserved for SUVs and family sedans.

If you arrive at the Hatta border without a hard copy of the NOC for Oman, the border police will turn you around. No exceptions.

3. Insurance Coverage Outside Dubai: The “Orange Card”

Your standard rental insurance is valid only within the UAE. As soon as you cross into Oman, your insurance coverage outside Dubai becomes void unless you have the “Orange Card.”

The Orange Card is a mandatory third-party liability insurance for driving in Arab countries. When you purchase the NOC for Oman package from us, we typically include this Orange Card to ensure you have legal insurance coverage outside Dubai.

For inter-emirate travel (e.g., Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah), your standard Dubai insurance works perfectly. You do not need special insurance coverage outside Dubai borders for trips within the UAE. However, be careful: standard insurance coverage outside Dubai (and inside) never covers off-road driving. If you take your rental car dune bashing in Oman, you are on your own.

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4. Mileage Limits: The Hidden Cost of Road Trips

Most tourists ignore mileage limits until they see the final bill. If you drive to Muscat, that is a 900km round trip. If your rental agreement has daily mileage limits of 250km, you will exceed your allowance by hundreds of kilometres.

• The Math: 3 days rental x 250km limit = 750km total allowance.
• The Trip: 900km trip.
• The Cost: You pay for 150km excess.

For long inter-emirate travel or cross-border trips, ask us about “Unlimited Mileage” packages. paying a flat fee upfront is often cheaper than paying per-kilometre penalties for exceeding mileage limits. We are transparent about our mileage limits, so please calculate your route before signing.

5. Navigating the Abu Dhabi Border Crossing Points

While there is no immigration at the Abu Dhabi border crossing, there are speed limit changes. As you cross the Abu Dhabi border crossing line on E11, the buffer speed limit disappears. In Dubai, if the sign says 120, you can do 140. In Abu Dhabi, if the sign says 140, the camera flashes at 141.

Be mindful of this during inter-emirate travel. Many renters get fines exactly at the Abu Dhabi border crossing point because they forget to adjust their cruise control. Also, during high-security events, there may be temporary Abu Dhabi border crossing checks, so always carry your Emirates ID or Passport, even for inter-emirate travel.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does an NOC for Oman cost?

The price varies depending on the vehicle category and duration of the trip. The NOC for Oman typically costs between AED 250 to AED 500. This fee covers the administrative work to issue the NOC for Oman and arrange the necessary insurance extensions.

2. Is there a mileage limit for driving to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, standard rentals come with daily mileage limits (usually 200-250km). A trip to Abu Dhabi and back can easily hit 300km. We suggest booking a car with higher mileage limits or paying for an “unlimited mileage” add-on to avoid excess charges.

3. Does my credit card insurance provide coverage outside Dubai?

Rarely. Most credit card policies exclude certain countries or regions. Even if they do, the Oman border authorities specifically ask for the “Orange Card.” You cannot rely on your personal credit card for insurance coverage outside Dubai when crossing international borders.

4. Can I cross the Abu Dhabi border with a provisional license?

No. For inter-emirate travel, you must hold a full, valid driving license. If you are on a tourist visa, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required alongside your home license, regardless of whether you are at the Abu Dhabi border crossing or in Dubai.

5. How long does it take to get the NOC for Oman?

Do not leave it to the last minute! We require at least 2 working days to process an NOC for Oman. The document must be stamped and verified. If you plan to travel on the weekend, request your NOC for Oman by Tuesday.

6. What happens if I break down in Oman?

If you have purchased our cross-border package with valid insurance coverage outside Dubai, we will assist you. However, roadside assistance in Oman may take longer than in the UAE. Always ensure your phone works internationally before attempting inter-emirate travel or crossing borders.

7. Are there tolls at the Abu Dhabi border crossing?

Not at the border itself. However, Abu Dhabi has 4 toll gates (DARB) located on the main bridges entering the city. Unlike Dubai’s Salik, these are active during peak hours. Your rental car will register these crossings, and they will appear on your final invoice, just like Salik.

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