Well Ambassador, I'm not mainly resident in Dubai but I do sometimes hire a car when I'm on holiday. It depends on how brave I'm feeling.
If I have a car I do go and meet my friends/family who are coming to join me. I quite like being the meeter and greeter! I don't usually have to hold up a piece of cardboard with their names on though as I tend to recognise them.
When they are leaving I would normally just let them get a taxi. I always find it's a bit of a rush when you get to the airport and with it being so busy, everyone gets a bit stressed and I'd rather say goodbye at home and let the taxi driver take the strain.
My cousin and his girlfriend came to visit me once when I was in residence. They stayed behind for a few days after I left. We went out for a farewell meal and I left it a bit late to get to the airport before the check in desk closed. I drove myself as I had to drop the car at Budget. On my approach to the airport it was so busy that I missed the turn off. I wasn't that familiar with the roads at that time. I carried on thinking there would be another turn off and then I went into panic mode. I finally picked up the Airport signs and put my foot down. When I arrived at my destination, it didn't seem all that familiar
It suddenly dawned on me that I was at Sharjah airport. Don't ask me how I managed that but I did.
I went into bigger manic mode and eventually got my trusty Toyota turned in the right direction and headed back to Dubai.
I made it just in time but incurred 3 speeding fines which I had a feeling I might get as these lights kept flashing me as I was overtaking the locals. I think it's called radar.
I threw the keys to the car at the Budget man and reached the desk just as it was closing.
That was a bit stressful for me. I have decided I prefer the taxi.