Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in United Arab Emirates - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
United Arab Emirates
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
United Arab Emirates
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
United Arab Emirates
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a blend of modern cities, vast deserts, and stunning coastlines, making it a captivating destination. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the optimal way to explore the UAE at your own pace. Discover the advantages of car rental and enhance your travel experience in the UAE.
Unparalleled Freedom and Flexibility. A rental car allows you to set your own itinerary and explore the UAE's diverse landscapes without being tied to bus or train schedules.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of the UAE’s hidden gems, such as desert oases and mountain viewpoints, are difficult to reach by public transport. A car gives you the freedom to explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with luggage can be cumbersome, especially when switching between different modes of transportation. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient solution, allowing you to travel with ease.
Cost-Effective for Group Travel. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing individual tickets for public transport or taxis. Plus, splitting the cost of fuel makes it an even more affordable option.
Driving in the United Arab Emirates: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
40-80 km/h or 25-50 mph
Languages
Arabic, English
Average petrol price
£0.80 per litre or £3.02 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
100-120 km/h or 62-75 mph
Currency
UAE Dirham
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.0%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+971
Driving in the United Arab Emirates can be a unique experience with its modern infrastructure and diverse landscapes. However, it's crucial to be aware of the local driving rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you start driving in the UAE.
1. General Traffic Laws Always drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Mobile phone use while driving is strictly prohibited, except with a hands-free device.
- Speed Limits
- Traffic Fines
2. Speed Limits Speed limits vary depending on the location, ranging from 40-80 km/h in urban areas to 100-120 km/h on highways. Speed cameras are common, so adhere to speed limits to avoid fines.
- Overtaking
- Lane Discipline
3. Alcohol Consumption The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. Any detectable amount of alcohol in your system can lead to severe penalties.
- Insurance
- Documentation
4. Parking Regulations Parking regulations are strictly enforced. Look for designated parking areas and pay attention to parking signs. Avoid parking in prohibited zones, which can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.
- Road Signs
- Emergency Services
5. Toll Roads Some roads in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have toll systems (Salik). Ensure your rental car is equipped with a Salik tag or understand how to pay tolls to avoid fines.
- Accidents
- Reporting
Top drives in the United Arab Emirates:
Tourists and travellers frequently mention that having a car in the UAE is essential, not just a luxury. This is largely accurate. A car is incredibly useful for navigating the region.
Many tourists find that travelling by car is the best way to see as much as possible, especially when vacation time is limited. While public transport is an option, it might not reach all desired destinations. Car rental in the UAE is well-developed, offering a variety of vehicles from compact cars to luxury convertibles. Given the relatively small land area of the UAE, one or two weeks with a car can be enough to explore extensively.
Car Rental Prices in United Arab Emirates – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in the United Arab Emirates
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (November to March): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €57 per day*. This is when the weather is most pleasant, attracting a large number of tourists.
Low season (June to August): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day. The extreme heat during these months reduces tourist traffic, leading to lower prices.
Shoulder season (April-May & September-October): Expect moderate prices, starting from £40 / $50 / €45 per day. These months offer a balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location.
Tips for saving money when renting a car in United Arab Emirates
Renting a car in the United Arab Emirates gives you the freedom to explore its modern cities and vast deserts at your own pace. However, it’s essential to manage costs effectively. Here are some tips to save money on your car rental while still enjoying a great experience.
1. Book Early for Better Rates: Car rental prices tend to increase as the rental date approaches. Booking several weeks or months in advance can secure significantly lower rates.
2. Compare Prices and Use Discounts: Utilise online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Look for discounts through loyalty programmes, credit card partnerships, or promotional codes.
3. Choose a Smaller Car: Smaller, more fuel-efficient cars are generally cheaper to rent and operate. If you don’t need a large vehicle, opt for a compact or economy car to save on rental and fuel costs.
4. Decline Optional Insurance: Check your existing car insurance policy or credit card benefits to see if they offer rental car coverage. Declining the rental company’s optional insurance can save you a considerable amount.
5. Avoid Airport Rentals: Rental companies located at airports often charge higher fees due to convenience. Consider renting from an off-airport location, which may offer lower rates, and use a taxi or shuttle to get there.
6. Refuel Before Returning: Rental companies typically charge high prices for refuelling. Fill up the gas tank at a local gas station before returning the car to avoid these charges. Keep the refuelling receipt as proof.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in the United Arab Emirates?
Renting a car in the United Arab Emirates is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before you can get behind the wheel. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
Valid Driver’s License. Residents need a valid UAE driver’s licence. Tourists can use their international driving permit (IDP) along with their original driver's licence from their home country, provided it is valid.
Passport and Visa. Tourists will need to present their passport and visa (if required) at the rental counter. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Minimum Age Requirement. The minimum age to rent a car in the UAE is typically 21 years, but it can vary by rental company and car type. Some companies may also charge a young driver surcharge for renters under 25.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the renter’s name is required for the security deposit. The rental company will block a certain amount on your card, which will be released after the car is returned in good condition. Some companies may accept debit cards, but this is less common.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as United Arab Emirates as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
First trip to the UAE, and it was incredible! Having a car let me discover hidden gems.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Back in the UAE after years, and it's even better! Driving around was so convenient, seeing all the sights.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.01.2025
Such a whirlwind weekend in the UAE! Getting around with a car was effortless, allowing me to maximize my short trip and see so much. Highly recommend!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
UAE exceeded expectations! Cruising along the coast in my rental car was pure bliss; so relaxing.
Maya Wilson
Reviewed: 13.08.2025
Returning after ages, the UAE felt familiar yet changed. Having a car made exploring so much easier, though the souks were a bit overwhelming.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 19.04.2025
UAE trip: seamless, fun, and friends!
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 13.08.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Liam Thompson
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Heard great things, and the UAE lived up to the hype! Getting around with a car was so simple; highly recommend.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 31.05.2025
UAE was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy, especially the stunning coastline. Relaxing beach days were perfect.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 09.05.2025