Dubai is renowned for its extravagant supercars and opulent lifestyle, but there’s a special charm in experiencing the city from behind the wheel of an Abarth. This Italian performance marque — famous for turning compact Fiats into feisty sports cars — offers an exhilarating driving experience. Renting an Abarth in Dubai combines the best of both worlds: the heritage and agility of a famed European hot hatch set against the backdrop of Dubai’s skyline and desert highways. This guide will walk you through what makes driving an Abarth in Dubai special, how to make the most of the experience, and what options to consider when choosing the perfect Abarth for your UAE adventure.
The Thrill of Driving an Abarth
Abarth cars are built to deliver excitement. Carlo Abarth’s legacy of tuning small cars for big performance lives on in modern models like the Abarth 595 and 695. These pocket rockets pack turbocharged engines, sport-tuned suspensions, and an aggressive exhaust note that announces their presence. Press the pedal and you’re greeted with a surge of boost and a raspy growl from the tailpipes — a sensory jolt that makes even a routine drive feel like a lap on a racetrack. Automotive.com, a respected automotive news site, points out that the Abarth 500 is a subcompact “whose sole purpose in life is to be fast, loud, and aggressive,” capturing the car’s core philosophy of pure performance fun. Indeed, every aspect of an Abarth is engineered to put a grin on the driver’s face.
Key reasons an Abarth delivers a thrilling drive:
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Impressive Performance: Lightweight and turbocharged, Abarth models boast eager acceleration and lively speed, making highway merges and overtakes effortless.
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Agile Handling: With its compact size and firm suspension, an Abarth darts through corners with go-kart agility. Navigating Dubai’s streets or curved roads feels precise and engaging.
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Distinctive Exhaust Note: The signature “blat-blat” exhaust report of an Abarth turns heads. It’s a deep, crackling soundtrack that adds to the excitement of every drive.
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Racing Heritage: Born from Carlo Abarth’s 1960s racing workshops, the brand carries a motorsport pedigree. Driving an Abarth connects you to that rich heritage, making each trip feel a bit like a rally stage.
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Compact Convenience with Style: In a city of oversized luxury cars, the pint-sized Abarth stands out. Its scorpion badging and sporty stripes make a bold statement, all while remaining easy to park in crowded areas.
Dubai — The Perfect Playground for an Abarth
Dubai offers smooth multi-lane highways and well-maintained roads stretching from its iconic skyline into the open desert — an ideal playground for a nimble car like the Abarth. The car’s brisk acceleration makes merging and overtaking on Sheikh Zayed Road a breeze, and its responsive steering makes every lane change and highway exit a joy. Unlike an oversized supercar, the Abarth also feels at home on crowded downtown streets and on the winding routes beyond the city.
Driving in Dubai: Dubai’s traffic laws are strict, but an Abarth is fun even at legal speeds — it’s small for easy parking in the city, yet easily keeps pace on fast highways. It delivers punchy acceleration and a gritty exhaust note without ever exceeding the limits, so you can enjoy the drive responsibly.
What to expect from the Abarth rental experience in Dubai
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Modern Amenities: Abarth rentals include conveniences like effective air conditioning (vital in the UAE heat), Bluetooth, and GPS to keep you comfortable and connected.
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Scenic Opportunities: Consider an early morning sprint to watch the sunrise over desert dunes, or an evening cruise along the Palm Jumeirah waterfront — the Abarth’s sporty character makes every route engaging and memorable.
Renting a car in Dubai is straightforward. Tourists should carry a valid driver’s license (with an International Driving Permit, if possible), and most agencies will ask for your passport plus a credit card for the security deposit. Note that the minimum driver age for performance car rentals typically ranges from 21 to 25, so verify this when booking. On the bright side, fuel is inexpensive in the UAE, meaning you can explore freely without worrying about gas bills. Once the paperwork is sorted, you’re ready to savor the mix of Italian automotive passion and Dubai’s luxurious surroundings on an unforgettable drive.
Comparing Abarth Rental Options in Dubai
Dubai’s rental market features two main Abarth models: the Abarth 595 and the higher-spec Abarth 695 (often seen in special trims like Turismo or Competizione). Both share the same turbocharged 1.4L engine and playful handling, but they differ in tuning, features, and style. For example, the 595 Competizione comes track-ready with racing seats, stiff suspension and Brembo brakes, while the 695 Turismo delivers similar performance with comforts like leather upholstery for a refined ride.
Below is a comparison of the Abarth 595 Competizione vs. 695 Turismo:
| Feature | Abarth 595 Competizione | Abarth 695 Turismo |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | ~180 hp (turbo 1.4L) | ~180 hp (turbo 1.4L) |
| Style Focus | Sport-focused (bucket seats, performance exhaust) | Luxury-focused (leather seats, upscale trim) |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Approx. Daily Rate | ~AED 250–300 (short-term)* | ~AED 180–200 (short-term)* |
Note: Rates vary by season and rental length; longer bookings often mean lower daily costs.
When deciding, pick the model that fits your driving style: the 595 Competizione offers a raw, race-inspired ride, whereas the 695 Turismo provides similar performance with a touch of luxury. Also remember to compare rental terms. Check what each deal includes — insurance coverage, mileage allowance, deposit amount — as these can vary between companies. Some rental agencies will even deliver the car to your hotel or the airport for extra convenience.
Tips for a smooth Abarth rental
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Book Ahead: Reserve early to secure your desired model at a good rate.
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Inspect on Pickup: Note any existing damage on the contract to avoid charges later.
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Clarify Insurance: Know what the included insurance covers, and consider full coverage for peace of mind.
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Fuel & Mileage: Check if your rental offers unlimited mileage and confirm the fuel policy (e.g. return full) to prevent extra fees.
Embrace the Abarth Experience in Dubai
Driving an Abarth in Dubai is an experience that fuses world-class automotive excitement with the allure of a luxury destination. When you fire up the engine and hear its throaty rumble echoing off Dubai’s skyscrapers, you’ll understand why this little Italian machine has such a big reputation. The Abarth’s unique blend of punchy performance and practical size makes it an ideal companion for exploring the UAE — whether you’re darting between upscale boutiques or cruising toward the horizon on a desert highway. By choosing an Abarth rental, you’re not just getting a car; you’re immersing yourself in a driving adventure that’s equal parts heritage and high-adrenaline fun. So when planning your trip to Dubai, consider swapping the ordinary rental for an Abarth. It’s a persuasive proposition: a chance to make extraordinary memories, experiencing Dubai with a dose of Italian flair.