Car Rental in the UAE: Everything You Need to Know

How to Rent a Car in Dubai: A Tourist’s Guide

Renting a Car in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Renting a car in Dubai is a great way to enjoy freedom of movement and explore more than standard tours offer. With perfect roads, clear navigation, and affordable fuel, the city is built for road travel. But before renting, it's important to understand the rules.

Step-by-step Guide to Renting a Car in the UAE:

1. Required Documents:

National driving license (in Latin letters);
International Driving Permit (IDP) — mandatory for most tourists, especially those from outside the GCC or EU;
Passport and visa/entry stamp;
Bank card (usually a credit card) for the deposit.

2. Age and Driving Experience:

Minimum rental age is 21; for luxury/sports cars — 25. Minimum 1 year of driving experience.

3. Choosing a Car:

From economy sedans to Lamborghinis, Dubai offers it all. Consider where you’ll drive — city, desert, or between emirates. SUVs are ideal for safari, compact cars for city use.

4. Where to Rent:

International companies (Hertz, Sixt, Avis);
Local agencies (often cheaper);
Online platforms with hotel or airport delivery.

5. What to Consider:

Check for CDW insurance and return policy;
Confirm mileage limits (some have caps);
Inspect the vehicle and note any damages;
Follow UAE traffic rules strictly — fines are high.

6. Parking and Fuel:

Most parking is paid but easy. Fuel is cheaper than in Europe, and stations are common — many offer attendant service.

Reminder:

Driving in Dubai is easy when you know the rules. Having an IDP is essential — most rental companies will not issue a vehicle without it.