UAE | Traffic and Transport

Steps before buying a car

Buying a car in the UAE is a simple process. For expatriates there are a few pieces of vital paperwork that need to be filed.

  • By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:56 May 9, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • All cars must be annually registered with the Traffic Police. A fine is applicable beyond the one-month grace period.
  • Image Credit: Gulf News Archive

Dubai: Buying a car in the UAE is a simple process. For expatriates there are a few pieces of vital paperwork that need to be filed.

If you are buying a new car, many showrooms offer test drives and also have in-house loans managers. If the showroom doesn't have an in-house representative, you will need to go to your bank and arrange this separately.

Insurance is calculated according to which kind of car you are buying and is usually available through a showroom. It is worth finding out how much the insurance on your chosen car will be before you sign anything, in case the amount is unaffordable.

All cars need to be annually registered with the Traffic Police. A fine is applicable if this expires beyond the one-month grace period.

Many new car showrooms have offers throughout the year. These also take place during periods of celebration, such as Ramadan. Offers often include free insurance and reduced loan rates or competition entries.

The Al Awir used car showroom has hundreds of cars and larger vehicles for sale. It also holds an auction every Wednesday between 6-9pm (www.goldenbellauctions.com).

The complex has an on-site Dubai Traffic Vehicle Registration office, which handles the fine and registration payments needed. To register used cars, vehicle ownership must be transferred.

An application form, valid registration card, insurance certificate, original licence plates and a fee need to be submitted to the Traffic Police. A certificate of no objection (NOC) may also be required.

A number of insurance companies are also based on-site and there is a car checking facility that takes around 30 minutes and costs Dh50.

The Classifieds section in newspapers is a great place to find a used car.

Requirements

Buying a new car

- Passport copy
- UAE driving licence
- If you have a transferred licence, you'll also need copies of all parts of the licence from your home country
- Residency visa copy
- Salary certificate on headed paper from your employer

Driving a car in the UAE

- Valid UAE driving licence
- Valid insurance certificate
- Car registration via relevant authority, which in Dubai costs around Dh450
- Corresponding number plates
- Salik tag (Dubai), which can be bought at most service stations

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