Car Rental in Dubai: 5 Must-Know Tips for a Smooth Experience

Renting a car in Dubai is a great way to get around, and these 5 key tips will help you prepare and ensure a smooth rental experience.

Dubai car rent

Renting a car can make getting around Dubai much easier and more comfortable, especially if you plan to explore both the city and its surroundings.

Although Dubai has a good public transport system, including a metro and extensive bus network, a car offers the advantage of ultimate flexibility.

For many, renting a car is all about convenience, yet in Dubai, many tourists also do so for the chance to drive a luxury or sports car, with few cities in the world offering such a wide range of models and opportunities.

Whether you plan to rent a sports car, compact car, family saloon or SUV, these tips will help you prepare for a smooth rental experience.

1. Make sure you select the right car

Before booking a car with a reputable rental agency, ask yourself what you actually need for your trip.

If you’re a family or group travelling together, a large saloon or spacious SUV is clearly the best choice for your trip.

When you’re travelling alone or as a couple, a hatchback or standard saloon might be all you need, though even medium-sized SUVs can be surprisingly affordable.

If you plan to travel outside the city and venture into the desert for off-roading, be sure to rent a reliable 4WD car.

Dubai is the best place in the world to rent a luxury or sports car, so if you’ve always wanted to drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Mercedes, this is your chance, as nearly every car model is available for rent.

A car that strikes a great balance between luxury and sports, and is 4WD, fully suitable for Dubai’s desert landscapes, is the Mercedes G63.

Check G63 rent Dubai if you’re interested in driving this unique car, which will truly make you stand out on the city’s roads!

2. Make sure your driving licence is accepted

Car rental in Dubai is only possible with a valid driving licence, but note that in some cases, your local licence may not be sufficient and an international driving permit may be required.

According to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy, national driving licences from most EU countries, the UK, Canada, the US, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand are accepted (you can find the full list here).

Others will require an international driving licence to rent a car in the UAE, whether you’re driving in Dubai or another Emirate.

However, it’s always best to double-check the rules with the rental car company you plan to use, as some might have other requirements.

3. Read the fine print about age restrictions

According to the law in the United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai, renting a car is only allowed for people aged 21 and older.

Bear in mind that car rental companies in Dubai may have stricter rules, with a higher minimum age, especially for more expensive cars.

Especially if you plan to rent a sports car, keep in mind that the minimum age is often 25, and there may be additional restrictions, such as the number of years you’ve held your licence.

Even if you’re old enough, you might still be refused service if you’ve only recently passed your driving exam and hold a licence for just a month.

Young drivers may also face additional restrictions, such as a higher deposit requirement.

Make sure to check the fine print regarding age restrictions on the rental car company’s website, and if it’s unclear, contact them before finalising your reservation.

4. Mind the local traffic rules

Before you start driving in Dubai, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with traffic laws in the United Arab Emirates, as these must be respected at all times.

Don’t expect to get away with just a warning or a small fine for a traffic violation, as the UAE strictly enforces its laws.

Dubai in particular is packed with speed cameras and radar traps, which catch not only speeding but also traffic violations like running red lights, texting while driving, or tailgating.

Depending on how far you exceed the speed limit, you could face a fine or even vehicle confiscation — costs the rental company will pass on to you.

If you rent a sports car, be aware that Dubai enforces noise regulations, and excessive revving or engine noise can result in hefty fines.

There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving in Dubai, so avoid any alcohol if you plan to get behind the wheel.

Similarly, driving under the influence of narcotics is also a criminal offence too in Dubai, and just like drink driving, it can easily lead to a hefty fine at best or imprisonment at worst.

5. Paid parking and toll roads in Dubai

Dubai has an electronic toll system on its main roads called the Salik Gates, and passing through one will result in a charge.

The electronic Dubai toll gates operate automatically, and if you’re driving a rental car, the total toll charges for your trip will be presented when you return the vehicle, as the rental company can instantly check the billed toll amount during your rental period.

The Salik toll fee varies depending on the time of day, with no charges at night and the highest possible charge currently being 6 AED (€1.50) per crossing during rush hour.

You can find the locations of the Salik toll gates here.

Some parking spots in central Dubai or at the airport may carry an extra fee, which either needs to be paid on the spot or will be automatically charged and added by the rental company to your final bill.

Although these amounts are unlikely to break the bank, it’s something to consider when renting a car, so don’t be surprised if you need to pay these charges when returning your rental vehicle.

Conclusion

Having a car at your disposal is a great way to explore Dubai, and with the five tips and essential information above, you’ll be fully prepared for your car rental experience.

Make sure you’re aware of the age restrictions for rental cars, as you need to be at least 21 (some vehicles have stricter requirements) and check if your driving licence is accepted in Dubai, otherwise you’ll need to get an international driving permit in advance.

It’s a good idea to consider which car suits your trip best: A hatchback or small saloon might be sufficient for two people, while families may prefer an SUV, and those seeking something more special could opt for a luxury sedan, 4WD, or even a sports car.

Familiarise yourself with local traffic rules and remember that in Dubai, you can be electronically billed for driving on toll roads or using paid parking, with charges automatically added to your rental bill.

Especially if you plan to rent a sports car during your luxury holiday in Dubai, be aware that the United Arab Emirates enforces strict road rules, and speeding or unnecessarily revving your engine could lead to serious trouble.