Rent a Car in United Arab Emirates
Rent a car in the United Arab Emirates from $10 a day, with pickup at Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and city branches. Final Rentals is a car rental marketplace. We list local UAE suppliers, and your rental agreement is with the supplier who hands you the keys.
Cancel for free on any car with the Free cancellation badge, before the cut-off time in your confirmation. Bookings without the badge follow the supplier’s cancellation terms, shown before you pay.
Return the car with the same fuel level you received it. If it comes back short, the supplier refuels it at pump price plus a service fee.
Your quote shows the daily rate, insurance, and any airport or one-way fee. Tolls, fuel, and fines are billed after the trip, and you can ask for each service fee in writing before you sign.
Rent a Car in the UAE: Essential 10 Tips
Flexible Travel
Dubai works well as a base for day trips. From Dubai, Sharjah is 30 to 45 minutes away, and Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are about 90 minutes each. These are off-peak estimates.
Documents for Tourists
Bring your passport, your home driving licence, and an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English or Arabic. Carry an IDP even when your licence is accepted, so there is no question at the rental desk.
Documents for Residents
UAE residents need a UAE driving licence, an Emirates ID, and a residence visa. A home-country licence does not cover you once you hold a residence visa.
Credit Card Requirement
Most suppliers need a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. The hold is released after the car comes back undamaged. Some suppliers accept debit cards, so ask before you book.
Driving Regulations
Drive on the right. Speed limit in town is usually 60 to 80 km/h, and on highways out of town it is 100 to 120 km/h. Residential streets are 40 km/h. Speed cameras cover most main roads, so follow the posted signs.
Child Seat Regulations
Children under 4 must use an approved child seat. Children under 10, or under 145 cm, need a child seat or booster in the back. Rental child seats can be added at booking, so include the fee in your quote.
Traffic Rules
The acceptable limit of BAC is 0.00%, and visitors are not exempt. Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, and phones can only be used hands-free.
Toll Roads and Fuel Costs
Dubai’s Salik toll uses variable pricing: AED 6 at peak times (weekdays 6 to 10 am and 4 to 8 pm), AED 4 at other times, and free from 1 to 6 am. Sundays are AED 4 all day. Rental cars come with a tag, and the supplier bills tolls after the trip with a service fee. Petrol prices are set by the government each month.
Navigation and Parking
Google Maps and Waze show live traffic and speed cameras. Dubai uses zone-based paid parking, while malls, hotels and many attractions offer free parking.
Driving Conditions and Insurance
Basic third-party insurance is included by law, but it does not cover damage to your own car. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) reduces your excess, and theft protection is worth adding. In sandstorms, slow down and use your headlights.
Best Time to Rent a Car in UAE
Low Season Offers the Best Value
Summer, from June to September, is hot and quieter. Fewer visitors mean more cars free on short notice. Compare the total for your dates, because rates move with demand.
Cooler Months Bring Higher Demand
October to April is the busy season. Mild weather, shopping festivals and beach days fill airport desks, especially for SUVs and vans. Book 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
December Is the Most Expensive Month
December is one of the busiest months, as holiday travel and major events push demand up. Book early, and compare the total with fees included.
