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Car Rental in the UAE

From Dubai's skyline to the desert dunes, explore the UAE at your own pace. Compare offers from local rental companies and book in minutes with airport or hotel pick-up.

Cities

Cities: UAE

All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.

Terms

Rental terms in UAE

The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.

  • Driver age — from 21 years.
  • Driving experience — from 1 years.
  • Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
  • Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
  • Cross-border travel to OM — by prior arrangement at booking.
  • Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
  • A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
  • A deposit (~1500 AED) is held on the driver’s card.
  • National driving licence.
  • Driver’s passport.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
  • A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road

Driving rules in UAE

A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.

Driver’s guide — UAE
Currency AED
Speed limits 60 city · 100 rural · 120 expressway · 140 motorway (km/h)
Blood alcohol limit up to 0 ‰
Daytime headlights not required
Vignette (toll roads) not required

Traffic rules: UAE

  • Drive on the right.
  • Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, up to 120 km/h on expressways, and 140 km/h on selected motorways in Abu Dhabi.
  • Abu Dhabi applies a zero-tolerance speed buffer, meaning fines begin from just 1 km/h over the posted limit. Dubai and other emirates usually allow a tolerance of around 20 km/h, but drivers should always follow posted limits.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%. The UAE has a strict zero-tolerance policy, with severe penalties including heavy fines, imprisonment, and possible deportation for foreign nationals.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 4 must travel in an approved child seat, and children under 12 may not sit in the front seat.
  • Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
  • There is no vignette system. Dubai uses the Salik electronic toll system, while Abu Dhabi operates Darb. Toll charges are automatically added to your rental bill.
  • Winter tyres are not required.
  • Travel to Oman is permitted only with written approval (NOC) from the rental company and separate cross-border insurance.
Questions

Frequently asked questions about car rental in UAE

License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in the UAE?

Drivers from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and many CIS countries generally require an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their national driving licence and passport. Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, EU countries, and several other nations can usually rent using only their national licence.

What is the minimum age for renting a car?

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge, while sports cars and luxury vehicles are often available only to drivers aged 25 or older.

Is a security deposit required?

Yes. A deposit is blocked on the driver’s credit card and is typically released within about 30 days after the vehicle is returned. The amount depends on the rental company and vehicle category.

Where can I pick up and return the car?

The most popular locations are Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Sharjah airports, as well as city offices and hotels. Delivery to your accommodation is often available.

Can I drive to neighbouring countries?

Rental vehicles may only be taken to Oman with prior written approval (NOC) from the rental company and additional border insurance.

What are Salik and Darb?

Salik (Dubai) and Darb (Abu Dhabi) are electronic toll systems. Charges are automatically recorded and added to your final rental invoice.

What is the fuel policy?

Most rental companies operate on a full-to-full fuel policy. Fuel prices in the UAE are relatively low.

When should I book?

The peak travel season runs from November to March, when the weather is cooler. Rental cars sell out quickly during this period, so early booking is recommended.

Nearby

Similar destinations

Neighboring and kindred countries of the Balkans and the Caucasus with built-in car search.

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