By Final Rentals | Dubai & Doha Operations Team
Air travel in the Middle East is experiencing extreme congestion and significant restrictions. Rising geopolitical tensions from “Operation Epic Fury” are placing severe pressure on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aviation system. Airports such as Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Hamad International in Doha are experiencing temporary shutdowns, flight rerouting, and extensive delays.
Over one million travellers in the region are being told to wait by airlines. Being stuck in an airport or hotel without control over your journey is stressful, logistically challenging, and psychologically taxing. As a global car rental provider operating in Dubai and Qatar, Final Rentals tracks both flight schedules and road conditions on Sheikh Zayed Road and GCC border crossings.
When air travel is unreliable, driving provides a dependable alternative. Travellers must prioritise five critical areas to stay mobile, safe, and flexible: cross-border ground travel, maintaining control when stranded, insurance transparency in conflict zones, flexible booking options, and evacuation logistics for expatriates.
Cross-Border Mobility When Flights Are Disrupted
The conflict’s most immediate effect is the disruption of air corridors. In the past 72 hours, nearly 40% of flights connecting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have been delayed or cancelled due to security alerts. Depending solely on air travel is increasingly risky.
Long-term car rentals in the UAE for 30 or more days are essential. The GCC has a highly developed road network, with Dubai to Muscat, Oman, taking about 4.5 hours via the Hili Border, and Dubai to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, roughly 6 hours. Even when airspace is closed, GCC land borders generally remain open for travellers with valid visas and documentation.
Planning is essential. Short-term daily rentals often have mileage limits and insurance exclusions that do not cover cross-border travel. Final Rentals’ long-term fleet includes GPS tracking, emergency roadside assistance across GCC borders, and all required vehicle registration documents (Mulkiya) for customs clearance.
This approach is not about entering conflict zones. It is about using the GCC highway network to reach stability. If your departure airport is closed, having access to a vehicle lets you reach another airport that is still operating.
Safe Harbour Rentals Restoring Control and Mobility
The disruption extends beyond cancelled flights. Over 30,000 German tourists and 58,000 Indonesian pilgrims are stranded in hotels, cruise terminals, or airport lounges. Being stranded removes agency, leaving travellers dependent on airline schedules. Families, elderly pilgrims, and tourists unfamiliar with the region face heightened stress.
The “Safe Harbour” rental provides both practical and psychological relief. With a private vehicle, travellers can leave their hotel, buy essentials, move to quieter areas, and avoid crowded districts without relying on public transport. For larger groups, multiple vehicles allow decentralised movement to consulates or safe assembly points.
Independent travellers can take back control, turning idle waiting into active travel. Final Rentals focuses on providing SUVs and larger vans for families or groups, ensuring they can move freely and stay together even during uncertain conditions.
Rental Protection During Regional Tensions
Many travellers wonder if they are responsible for rental damage during the conflict. Standard agreements and insurance often exclude “Acts of War,” “Civil Commotion,” or “Force Majeure,” which makes these clauses especially important under “Operation Epic Fury.”
Most policies do not cover direct military action, terrorism, or nuclear incidents. The UAE and Qatar remain secure for everyday travel. Typical risks to rental vehicles are secondary: congestion, panic driving, or theft during civil unrest. Final Rentals has implemented a Crisis Coverage Protocol:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Our standard CDW continues to provide coverage for accidents caused by unusual traffic conditions during the crisis, including sudden braking or congestion from evacuations.
- Theft and Vandalism: For vehicles in areas under Level 2 Security Alerts, we are waiving the excess liability for theft or vandalism claims as long as the car is locked and the keys are not left inside.
- War Exclusion: No rental company can cover direct acts of war, such as missile strikes. That said, the chance of this occurring in our operational safe zones, including Dubai Marina and Doha West Bay, is extremely low, while being stranded without a vehicle presents a far greater risk.
We advise travellers to opt for our Premium Protection Package, which reduces the deductible to zero for non-war-related incidents and provides 24/7 priority support. Claims are reviewed individually, prioritising customer safety and peace of mind.
Flexible Booking Policies in Times of Crisis
Governments, including the UK Foreign Office and US State Department, advise travellers not to visit airports unless flights are confirmed. Travellers may need a car to reach the airport, but cannot commit until flights are certain. Final Rentals has introduced a Zero-Penalty Crisis Policy for all bookings, including pickup in Qatar, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia:
- Cancellation: Bookings can be cancelled up to 2 hours before pickup with a full refund.
- One-Way Flexibility: One-way fees within the GCC are waived for 30 days, allowing access to operational airports or safe zones.
This removes financial risk and enables travellers to plan mobility confidently.
Evacuation Support for Expats
The Gulf hosts hundreds of thousands of Western and Asian expatriates. Evacuation plans may involve ports, airports, or military zones, and public transport may be unreliable. Private vehicles offer the most reliable last-mile solution.
- Vehicle Selection: SUVs with higher ground clearance for rough or undeveloped routes.
- Fuel Policy: Keep your tank at least 75% full, as fuel queues can form quickly.
- Documentation: Each vehicle includes registration, insurance, and a Final Rentals authorisation letter in Arabic and English for checkpoints.
- Communication: All vehicles are connected to dispatch. Travellers should inform the team when heading to evacuation points to enable monitoring and assistance in case of blockades or breakdowns.
For roughly 300,000 British citizens and other travellers without private cars, arranging pickup in Qatar or the UAE provides a safe route to safety. Proof of evacuation registration with the embassy is required. Our fleet acts as critical infrastructure, ensuring reliable mobility during evacuations.
Supporting Over One Million Travellers
Air travel in the Middle East is centralised and vulnerable, while road travel is decentralised and adaptive. As a global car rental provider, Final Rentals focuses on three pillars during this crisis.
Mobility
Cross-border and long-term car rentals in the UAE provide a practical alternative to short-haul flights.
Safety
Clear insurance guidance and secure operational zones help travellers remain protected.
Flexibility
Zero-penalty bookings and rapid response support ensure travellers can adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
You cannot control geopolitics, but you can plan ahead. During uncertain times, being flexible matters more than being fast, and true flexibility begins with the ability to move when and where you need.
Stay Safe. Stay Mobile.
The Final Rentals Team
Dubai | Doha | Riyadh
