Most Americans step off the plane in the UAE with a picture of luxury stops and nothing much beyond that. What they find instead is a country that runs just as well as a business hub, a cultural destination, and a place people genuinely consider for long-term living. Dubai is only where the door opens. Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and the emirates that follow each hold something that stands on its own, and the travelers who take all of it in are the ones who arrive ready to move through it. How you travel between places carries just as much weight as where you plan to land, which is why many U.S. visitors today sort their transport through trusted local providers like Renty well before the hotel booking is even made. Here is what you need to know before your UAE trip starts.
Why are more Americans heading to the UAE?
The UAE welcomed 19.59 million visitors in 2025. This was an increase of 4.6% over the previous year. Visitors to the UAE from the Americas make up between 7 and 8 per cent. Visitors to Dubai from the Americas alone reached a total of 152,000 in January 2026, which is an impressive rise of 12.6% from 135,000 the previous year. This is not an isolated occurrence; it is a trend developing gradually.
Direct connections from major UAE airports link to numerous U.S. cities without the need for stops. Business professionals travel in for exhibitions including GITEX Global, ADIPEC, and Arab Health each year. Entrepreneurs come to look at real estate, technology startups, logistics infrastructure, and Golden Visa-linked investments with real money in mind.
The oversight that quietly ruins otherwise good trips
Most people sort out their accommodations right away. But travel plans often get overlooked. And let’s face it, getting around the UAE can be tough.
You could plan a structured trip from Dubai, then head to Abu Dhabi for that stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, it’s a must-see. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is another highlight. Next up, Ras Al Khaimah’s got Jebel Jais and some fantastic wellness retreats and leave some time for visiting the cultural district of Sharjah on the way there.
Public transport will not get you to do all of that without major gaps, and taxis travelling between emirates will rack up expenses which will hurt quite a lot even before reaching half of the planned trip.
The UAE’s got a lot to offer, but only if you’re willing to think through the transport details beforehand.
Why a rental car changes everything?
That thinking starts with one decision: renting a car. And once that’s settled, the next question matters just as much. The car that you choose is just as important as the possession of one.
The typical choice of most business people would be the BMW 735i, which can usually be rented at AED 800-900 per day. For those who like luxury cars, there is always the Audi RS5, hireable at AED 900-1k per day.
Those tourists who wish to have an amazing sightseeing experience while also enjoying road trips along Jebel Jais, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and other fantastic beaches in Fujairah prefer driving either a BMW 840i Cabrio or a BMW M4. They are available for rent from 800 to 1,000 AED daily.
The high-end customers, however, would go for either the Rolls-Royce Ghost, which would cost around AED 1.3k to 1.4k per day, or the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS priced at around AED 1.5k to 1.6k a day (Just imagine the look on someone’s face when they show up in a 911.) And that’s not surprising, given it’s a status symbol. These cars are often seen at luxury gatherings in Dubai – Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, whatever and exclusive events in Abu Dhabi, like on Saadiyat Island.
You can usually get weekly options that include insurance, and sometimes no deposit is required. Prices vary depending on whether you want it for a day, a week, a month, or even long-term.
What needs to be understood before the flight lands
Nevertheless, despite all the hospitality and development of the society in the UAE, you should bear in mind that there are cultural traditions of the country to respect. Hospitality is what you experience at every corner, but there are also many traditions here that have been kept unchanged for centuries. Therefore, you need to respect them. Those who understand it before travelling to the country are definitely in an advantageous position. However, you do not have to know everything about the culture – basic knowledge will suffice.
Always dress appropriately in public areas and particularly in religious or cultural ones. Places such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque do not just suggest the wearing of proper attire but require it strictly. The fasting month of Ramadan changes all routines from work to eating, making tourists surprised if they don’t look into it before their trip. Planning with those periods in mind rather than around them keeps everything moving and opens a part of the country that most short-stay visitors never reach. Useful tip: look for seasonal car rental offers to save a bit of the budget.
Get ready to open the United Arab Emirates in a new way on your next holiday — enjoy the luxury, authenticity and comfortable travelling in a rental car.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.