Hertz Rent a Car Dubai

As a premium car rental provider, Hertz positions itself a notch above typical budget rental companies. Customers can expect a professional service with English-speaking staff and a range of offerings beyond just daily rentals – short-term and long-term rentals, corporate leasing, and even chauffeur services are available in the UAE​. Hertz UAE proudly advertises that it maintains the "nation’s youngest & safest fleet", emphasizing newer vehicles and high safety standards. In short, Hertz’s Dubai operation is geared towards travelers who value reliability, broad service options, and an internationally trusted name – albeit usually at a higher price point than local or budget-focused competitors.

Vehicle Fleet and Services

One of Hertz’s strengths in Dubai is the diverse fleet it offers. Whether you’re looking for an affordable runabout or a high-end ride, Hertz’s lineup likely has something suitable. Renters can choose from economy cars (small compacts ideal for city errands), standard sedans (for business trips or family comfort), SUVs and 4x4s (great for group travel or exploring desert terrains), and luxury models for those seeking a premium driving experience. For example, Hertz’s SUV range spans from family-friendly Toyota models to upscale Lexus SUVs, covering both practical and luxury ends of the spectrum​. This means you could just as easily rent a simple Toyota Yaris or similar for efficient city travel as you could a roomy Toyota Land Cruiser or a sleek Lexus if you need more space or indulgence.

Hertz also caters to specialty needs. In Dubai, they offer large 7-seater SUVs and people-carriers for bigger groups, and even have light commercial vehicles (like pickup trucks or vans) available – a nod to their corporate clients and anyone needing cargo capacity. Moreover, Hertz’s Prestige Collection (their premium category) often includes top-tier marques. In practice, you might find vehicles from luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, or Range Rover in the Dubai fleet, reflecting Hertz’s commitment to providing high-end options alongside the standard cars. On the other end, eco-conscious renters will be pleased to note that Hertz has introduced some hybrid models into the fleet (e.g. certain Toyota hybrids), aligning with global trends in sustainable driving.

In terms of rental services, Hertz offers all the expected conveniences of a major rental company. You can book online or via their mobile app in advance, and choose add-ons like GPS navigation units, child safety seats, and comprehensive insurance packages. Frequent renters can benefit from Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, the loyalty program that allows members to skip the counter at select locations and earn points for free rentals. In Dubai’s Hertz branches, Gold members often get expedited service and may enjoy perks like choosing a specific car model from the lot when available. Even without Gold status, customers generally find the pick-up and drop-off process straightforward. Most Hertz locations in Dubai (especially the airport desks) are accustomed to international travelers, so documentation and credit card holds are handled in a familiar, efficient manner. Do note that like all UAE rentals, a security deposit will be blocked on your credit card – this is standard practice and is released after the rental, provided no fines or damages occur.

Overall, Hertz’s fleet and services in Dubai reflect its global reputation. You’re getting variety (from economy to luxury), quality (relatively new, well-maintained cars), and professional service. The trade-off, of course, is cost: you pay a bit more for the Hertz experience. But for many travelers, the peace of mind and comfort that come with a trusted brand are well worth it, especially in an unfamiliar destination.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

To understand how Hertz actually performs in Dubai, we examined recent customer feedback on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and Trustpilot. Feedback is mixed – some renters laud the service and vehicles, while others recount frustrations. Below is a summary of the common themes:

• Google Reviews: Across various Dubai branches, Google feedback ranges from five-star praise to one-star warnings. On the positive side, many customers compliment Hertz Dubai’s convenient locations and helpful staff. For instance, one reviewer mentioned a staff member "who went out of his way to get me the vehicle I wanted…we can’t rate the experience anything but superb". Travelers frequently appreciate the clean, modern cars and the relatively smooth pick-up/drop-off process. However, negative Google reviews point out a few recurring issues. A number of renters complained about long wait times at the counter – reports of waiting 40 minutes to over an hour to receive a pre-booked car are not uncommon​. There are also complaints about security deposits: some customers felt their deposit refund took too long, and a few even allege charges against their deposit without clear explanation​. One angry reviewer claimed "they stole my deposit, $500… now in late March 2024 they suddenly deducted $40 more… I will never ever rent a car at Hertz Dubai… Stay away from this place". Such experiences highlight that while many people have perfectly fine rentals with Hertz, there is a vocal minority who encountered hiccups with the paperwork or post-rental charges. Overall, Google ratings for major Hertz locations in Dubai hover around the middle – many users give 4 or 5 stars for a successful rental, while those who faced issues don’t hold back in giving 1-star reviews.
• TripAdvisor Feedback: On TripAdvisor and other travel forums, Hertz’s reputation in Dubai leans negative. It’s important to note that people often take to TripAdvisor to warn others after a bad experience, so this can skew negative, but the stories shared are worth noting. A number of posts in 2023 and 2024 describe problems with deposits and billing. For example, one TripAdvisor reviewer wrote that after returning the car, "I was charged an extra $321.75 — conveniently the same amount as my deposit — on top of the already expensive rental cost. This blatant scam left me [feeling cheated]…". Another traveler complained that their deposit wasn’t returned even 1.5 months later, requiring them to dispute the charge with their bank​. There are also TripAdvisor forum threads advising visitors to “be careful from Hertz Dubai”, with users sharing anecdotes of unexpected credit card charges or difficulties in getting responses from Hertz’s customer service after the rental. On a more positive note, a few contributors on travel forums have mentioned having no issues with their Hertz rentals, suggesting that satisfied customers exist but are simply less likely to post online. Still, the TripAdvisor consensus tilts towards caution: if you rent with Hertz in Dubai, make sure you keep all paperwork, check your credit card statements, and follow up promptly on your deposit. Seasoned travelers often recommend taking photos of the car at pick-up and drop-off (a good practice for any rental) and settling any Salik (toll) or traffic fines before leaving the country to avoid complications.
• Trustpilot Reviews: On Trustpilot, which hosts global customer reviews, Hertz unfortunately fares poorly. Hertz is rated “Bad” on Trustpilot with roughly 1.3 out of 5 stars​, indicating a lot of unhappy customers internationally. The Trustpilot comments echo the kinds of issues noted above – complaints of unresponsive customer service, billing disputes, surprise fees, and difficulty resolving problems. For example, some Trustpilot users describe being charged for damage they insist they didn’t cause, or being billed for add-ons they declined. It’s worth remembering that angry customers are far more likely to leave a Trustpilot review than happy ones, so this platform can over-represent the negative side​ of any business. Even so, the pattern is clear: like most major rental companies, Hertz has its share of dissatisfied clients who voice their grievances online. The takeaway for a Dubai renter is to be aware of these potential pitfalls. Hertz’s Dubai operations generally satisfy the majority of renters, but if you do run into an issue, it might take persistence to get it resolved – and that’s when people tend to vent on sites like Trustpilot.

In summary, customer feedback on Hertz in Dubai is mixed but leaning positive for most routine rentals. The average traveler who rents a car for a few days, returns it with no damage and no fines, and follows the rules, often reports a smooth, hassle-free experience. They enjoy the quality of the car and the convenience of Hertz’s locations. However, those who hit a snag – be it a billing mistake, a slow service day, or a miscommunication – report feeling frustrated by how Hertz handled it. Our advice: if you choose Hertz, go in with the right expectations. Read the rental agreement’s fine print (especially about fuel, tolls, and damage), inspect the car thoroughly at pick-up, and allow a bit of extra time at the counter just in case. That way you’ll be prepared, and you’ll likely join the ranks of satisfied Hertz customers. If something does go wrong, be persistent and make use of Hertz’s customer service channels (and remember that issues with deposits do eventually get resolved in most cases, even if it takes a few weeks).

Comparison with Competitors

How does Hertz stack up against other major car rental companies in Dubai? Below we compare Hertz with two well-known competitors: Dollar and Thrifty (which, perhaps surprisingly, are both part of the Hertz corporate family). Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty are often found side by side at Dubai’s airports and malls, but they target different customer segments. Here’s an overview of the differences in service, pricing, and experience:

Hertz vs. Dollar

Ownership & Positioning: It may be unknown to some renters that Dollar Rent A Car is actually a sister company under the Hertz Corporation umbrella​. Hertz is the flagship premium brand, whereas Dollar is positioned as a budget-friendly option within the same family. In practice, this means Hertz in Dubai typically charges higher rates than Dollar for equivalent vehicles, aiming to deliver a more upmarket experience​. Dollar, on the other hand, competes on price and value, often appealing to cost-conscious renters who just need the basics. One TripAdvisor user summed up the difference well: "Dollar is fine. I rent from them often when their rates are significantly better than Hertz’s, which is my preferred car rental.". This sentiment is common – travelers often prefer Hertz for its reputation and service, but will choose Dollar if Dollar’s price is much lower for the same class of car.

Fleet & Vehicle Quality: Both companies offer a wide range of cars in Dubai, but Hertz’s fleet usually includes more premium models and newer cars than Dollar’s​. For example, if you’re after a luxury SUV or a high-end sedan, Hertz is more likely to have options like a BMW or Lexus, whereas Dollar’s selection will cover the necessities (economy through standard SUVs) without many true luxury offerings. That said, Dollar’s cars are perfectly adequate for getting around – they’re just generally the “no-frills” versions. As one review noted, with Dollar “you pay for what you get” in terms of car model and features​. Hertz invests in keeping a younger fleet, so you might get a car with more modern amenities and lower mileage from Hertz compared to a slightly older model from Dollar.

Customer Service & Perks: Hertz is often praised for a professional, polished service experience. In Dubai, Hertz staff may be more proactive about offering upgrades or acknowledging elite members (Gold Plus Rewards customers often get expedited service and occasionally free upgrades)​. Dollar’s service in Dubai is generally friendly and efficient too – in fact, since they’re sister brands, you might even encounter the same staff working at both Hertz and Dollar counters on rotation, especially at the airport. However, Hertz provides extras Dollar doesn’t, such as the Gold Plus Rewards benefits (skip-the-counter service, loyalty points, and the Hertz Gold Choice lot where you can pick a specific car). Dollar has a simpler loyalty program (Dollar Express) with more modest perks. For a one-off tourist rental, these differences might not matter much, but frequent travelers and business customers often appreciate Hertz’s extras. Additionally, if any issues or disputes arise, Hertz’s customer support might prioritize resolution a bit more given the premium brand focus – whereas Dollar, being the value brand, might not offer the same level of courtesy gestures.

Speed & Convenience: At major hubs like DXB Airport, Hertz tends to have an edge in speed. There are dedicated Hertz counters at Terminal 1 and 3, and during peak times Hertz can deploy more agents. Gold members have a separate queue (or can go straight to the parking lot desk), which can save a lot of time. Dollar’s counter is usually in the same car rental area and is reasonably efficient, but you may wait longer with Dollar if several flights land at once and many people are in line. Essentially, Hertz’s investment in customer flow (more staff, better queue handling) and loyalty kiosks can make the process faster, whereas Dollar is simpler – you line up with everyone else. Both Hertz and Dollar have their rental cars on-airport, so pickup and return involve minimal shuttling (just a short walk from the desk). If you value getting on the road as quickly as possible, Hertz might save you a bit of time at the outset.

In summary, Hertz vs. Dollar in Dubai comes down to paying more for a premium experience versus saving money for a more basic one​. Hertz delivers on comfort: a newer or higher-end car, a potentially quicker and more polished service, and the peace of mind of its top-tier reputation. Dollar delivers on cost: you get a reliable vehicle and solid service for a lower price, just without the fancy bells and whistles. Both companies are reputable and widely used; you generally won’t encounter the extremes of poor quality that you might risk with an unknown local rental shop. If your budget allows and you appreciate perks like a nicer car or loyalty rewards, Hertz is a fantastic choice in Dubai. But if you’re primarily looking to save money and get a "good enough" car, Dollar is often the smarter pick, and you won’t feel like you’ve made a bad decision – especially for routine city driving and short trips. Many travelers actually use both brands selectively: Hertz when they want to treat themselves or need a specific vehicle, and Dollar when they just need a cheap, no-hassle ride.

Hertz vs. Thrifty

Ownership & Market Segment: Thrifty is another well-known rental brand that, like Dollar, is owned by Hertz Corporation. In fact, Thrifty and Dollar are sister companies that mirror each other in many ways​ – both target the budget-conscious segment and often share rental locations. So when comparing Hertz to Thrifty in Dubai, you’ll see a very similar pattern as Hertz vs Dollar. Hertz represents the premium, higher-priced option, whereas Thrifty is a low-cost alternative for essentially the same core service (a rental car to get you from A to B). Travelers in Dubai will find Thrifty offices in all the same major spots: the international airport terminals, popular districts, and malls. In fact, Thrifty has one of the largest networks in the UAE among rental companies. It may even have a slightly broader presence than Dollar, with an extra branch here or there, since Thrifty historically had a wide global reach​. Practically speaking, however, Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty are all easy to find in Dubai’s key locations, so you won’t have trouble locating any of them when needed.

Pricing: Thrifty’s rates are generally on par with Dollar’s – i.e., very competitive and lower than Hertz’s for the same vehicle class. If you compare quotes, you’ll often find Hertz is the most expensive of the three brands, while Thrifty and Dollar jostle for the title of cheapest. There might be minor differences (on a given day Dollar might have a promo making it a bit cheaper than Thrifty or vice versa), but both are positioned as value options. What this means for renters: if you are on a tight budget, both Dollar and Thrifty will likely offer you a better deal than Hertz. Thrifty’s name itself hints at savings, and the company’s philosophy is to provide dependable cars without the higher price tag. Just remember, the lower price with Thrifty (or Dollar) might come with the same potential trade-offs discussed earlier – possibly longer hold on your deposit, fewer premium services, etc. But purely in terms of cost, Hertz will almost always cost more than Thrifty for a similar rental.

Fleet & Vehicle Options: Thrifty’s fleet in Dubai is virtually identical to Dollar’s, given that the two share the same parent and often the same supply of vehicles​. You’ll find the full range of economy cars, compact and midsize sedans, SUVs, and vans at Thrifty. They use a lot of the same models (it’s not unusual to book an “economy car” with Thrifty and end up with the same make and model that Dollar offers in that class)​. The key difference is that Hertz offers higher-end vehicles that Thrifty generally does not. For example, Hertz’s selection might include a luxury BMW, Audi, or Lexus, or specialty vehicles like convertibles or high-performance cars (especially if you ask for the Prestige or Adrenaline collection cars). Thrifty’s lineup tops out at standard luxury class at best, and many Thrifty locations stick to more common models (Toyota, Nissan, Ford, etc.). So, if driving a specific luxury car is part of your plan, Hertz is the way to go; Thrifty won’t have a Range Rover Sport or Mercedes S-Class waiting for you. On the flip side, for a simple Toyota Corolla or a Nissan Kicks, Thrifty will serve you just as well as Hertz – likely for less money. It’s also worth noting that Hertz’s fleet tends to be newer on average (owing to that "youngest fleet" approach​), whereas Thrifty’s cars might have a bit more mileage or be an older model year. The difference isn’t usually dramatic, but it’s something a very discerning renter might notice.

Service & Experience: Since Thrifty is a budget brand like Dollar, the service experience is straightforward and no-frills. You won’t get valet-style treatment, but you’ll get what you need. Hertz’s customer service in Dubai, as mentioned, focuses on professionalism and sometimes goes a step further (some customers get offered water or a seat in the lounge while waiting at the Hertz airport office – small touches that Thrifty might not provide). Thrifty does a good job with the basics: the staff will explain the contract, inspect the car with you, and handle any issues if they arise, but you shouldn’t expect much beyond standard procedure. Also, Thrifty does not have an elite membership program equivalent to Hertz Gold Plus. They do have Blue Chip (Thrifty’s loyalty program), but its benefits (like faster reservations or occasional upgrades) are limited, especially outside the US. In Dubai, a Thrifty booking means you’ll stand in the normal queue; there’s no priority lane. For most people this is fine – the lines are usually manageable. Just be prepared to follow up for your deposit like with any rental. Essentially, Hertz may feel a bit more "catered" and Thrifty a bit more "self-service". Importantly, both brands are backed by the same parent company’s standards, so you can expect a certain level of professionalism and vehicle safety regardless.

In conclusion, choosing Hertz vs. Thrifty in Dubai is a classic case of Premium vs. Budget. Hertz offers the premium service, top-tier fleet, and brand prestige, at a premium price. Thrifty offers affordability and practicality, leveraging the Hertz network but without the expensive add-ons. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes extra comfort, the latest car models, and loyalty perks, Hertz will likely make you happier (despite the higher bill). If you’re more about getting from point A to B economically, Thrifty can save you money while still providing a reliable car and decent service. Notably, both Thrifty and Dollar being part of Hertz Corp means their reliability is generally better than many independent local agencies – so even when you go budget with one of these, you have the backing of a reputable international company. Many Dubai visitors actually compare all three (Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty) on price and go with whichever fits their budget best, knowing that any of the three will likely meet their needs. As long as you understand what you’re paying for – basic transport with Thrifty, or a more premium experience with Hertz – you can’t really go wrong with either choice.

Final Thoughts

Hertz Rent a Car in Dubai positions itself as a top-tier option in a market full of rental choices. After deep research into their services, fleet, and customer reputation, our expert take is that Hertz is an excellent choice for renters who prioritize quality, convenience, and a wide selection of vehicles, and are willing to pay a bit extra for those benefits. Hertz’s fleet spans all categories (including some high-end gems), their branch network is extensive, and their commitment to a newer, safe fleet is a reassuring sign​. Many customers have enjoyable, trouble-free experiences with Hertz Dubai – picking up a clean car at the airport, receiving friendly service, and dropping off with no surprises.

However, as with any large rental company, there are caveats. Hertz’s higher pricing means you should consider if the premium is worth it for your needs – budget travelers may find better value with a sister brand like Dollar or Thrifty without significantly worse service. Customer feedback indicates that while most rentals go smoothly, you should be mindful of the common pain points: deposit handling, wait times, and billing accuracy. These are not reasons to avoid Hertz, but rather to be an informed consumer. Take the same precautions you would with any rental: inspect the car, clarify the insurance and fuel policies, and keep receipts. If you do that, the odds are you’ll have a positive experience and join those leaving 4-star Google reviews.

At the end of the day, Hertz remains a trusted name and is often considered a “gold standard” in car rentals – especially by frequent travelers who value the perks and professionalism​. In Dubai, Hertz lives up to that reputation for the most part, offering comfort and confidence on the road. Just weigh the cost vs. benefit for your particular trip. For a special occasion or business trip where everything needs to go right, Hertz is a go-to pick. For a quick personal trip on a tight budget, you might opt for a cheaper competitor and still be just fine. Rentradar’s verdict: Hertz Rent a Car Dubai delivers a high-quality service with a few common rental-company drawbacks. If you’re willing to pay a premium for peace of mind and convenience, Hertz is unlikely to disappoint you in Dubai. Safe travels!