What National Day is and why it matters for your plans
On 2 December the UAE marks National Day, the anniversary of the emirates uniting as one state in 1971. It is a public holiday and usually comes with days off. How many days off there will be this year and how they combine with the regular weekend is announced officially closer to the date, so we do not name exact dates here. Check the announcements before you book.
For a visitor this means two things. First, residents head out on short trips around the country, so roads between the emirates and towards the coast are noticeably busier. Second, December is high season anyway, and fewer cars are left for this weekend than in an ordinary week.
How the roads behave on a long weekend
Expect a few typical situations:
- on the first day off, exits from Dubai towards Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and the east coast fill up earlier and for longer than usual;
- on the last day, the return to the city comes with a dense flow, especially in the second half of the day;
- car parks at malls, beaches and event venues fill quickly;
- temporary traffic restrictions may be introduced near large events.
A sensible rule: leave early in the morning, and come back either before the afternoon peak or late in the evening. You will spend noticeably less time in traffic.
Where to drive
A long weekend is a good time for trips that are hard to fit into an ordinary day. Each of these routes has its own detailed guide from us, so here is only a short overview:
| Destination | What to see | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the waterfront, museums | The city is crowded on holidays, arrive early |
| Hatta | Mountains, the dam, hiking trails | A good one-day option from Dubai |
| East coast, Fujairah | Beaches, the mountain road | The drive takes longer than the map suggests |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Jebel Jais, the coast | Fill up beforehand, the mountain road is busy |
| Al Ain | Oases, the fort, Jebel Hafeet | Leave in the morning, it is one of the longest trips |
250 km per day is included in the price, and for most of these routes it is enough. If you plan several long trips in a row, ask us in advance how mileage is counted over the whole rental. Discuss driving into Oman when you book: it is not allowed on partner cars.
Which car to choose
For a family on long roads, a roomy sedan or crossover works well. For a group heading to the mountains or the beach with luggage, an SUV is better. Real prices as of October 2026, and the current price is always on the car page:
- Toyota Camry 2025: 180 AED per day, 1,170 AED per week, 3,950 AED per month. A calm, economical choice for long drives;
- Hyundai Santa Fe 2024: 230 AED per day, 1,380 AED per week, 4,600 AED per month, 7 seats;
- Nissan Patrol Titanium 2021: 259 AED per day, 1,690 AED per week, 6,790 AED per month, 7 seats;
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024: 400 AED per day, 2,400 AED per week, 8,000 AED per month, 7 seats.
Most cars need no deposit, and insurance is included. Partner cars have their own terms: a 1,000 AED deposit, a minimum of 3 or 7 days, and no driving to Oman. These terms are shown on each car page.
Festive decoration and behaviour behind the wheel
Around the holiday you will often see cars with flags and stickers. If you want to decorate a rental car, ask us first. Do not stick anything on the body or windows yourself, so as not to damage the finish. We will tell you what is acceptable.
The usual rules still apply: seat belt on, speed within the limits, no phone in your hand. Speeding fines and Salik tolls are paid by the renter at actual cost. Cameras work on holidays just as they do on any other day.
Booking and delivery
Book early: before long weekends and in December the choice shrinks fastest. On rentals of 7 days or more, delivery and return in Dubai are free, and for shorter rentals delivery and return together cost 210 AED. On partner cars delivery is 80 AED each way and free from 30 days. Our office in Princess Tower, Dubai Marina, is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, with Russian-speaking support.
