How can tourists rent a car in the UAE? A complete guide

Dubai: If you are visiting the UAE and plan to drive, it is essential to understand the rules regarding car rentals and whether your home country's driving licence is valid or if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). While some nationalities can use their licences without issue, others must meet additional requirements. To ensure a smooth driving experience during your trip, here are key details to keep in mind about licence regulations, rental car deposits, insurance, and cross-border travel.

Citizens of countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, South Korea, France, and Japan can use their valid driving licence with a valid visit or tourist visa in the UAE. The UAE recognises licences from over 30 countries for visitors. A complete list of these countries can be found on the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) website via this link: https://moi.gov.ae/en/about.moi/content/markhoos.initiative.aspx

If you are an expatriate from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, you can drive your car or a rental car in the UAE using your GCC-issued driving licence while visiting. Licences from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are all accepted. However, once you become a resident, you must apply for a UAE driving licence.

A GCC national is permitted to drive with their own driving licence during a visit, but if they are living and working in the UAE, they must exchange their licence for a UAE one.

If your country is not part of the list of foreign licences recognised by the UAE, you will need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside a valid foreign driving licence that has been held for at least 12 months.

It is important to note that rules can change, so it is advisable to check directly with UAE rental companies to confirm if your home country’s licence will be accepted or if you need to obtain an IDP in advance.

The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old. For some supercar rental companies, you may need to be over 25 years old to rent their vehicles.

As mentioned, most car rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit. This blocked amount is not deducted from your card unless additional charges are added to the contract after the vehicle is returned.

The security deposit covers any potential damages, traffic fines, or Salik charges that may arise during your rental period. The actual amount varies depending on the company’s policy and the type of vehicle being rented.

When renting a vehicle in Dubai, make sure the deposit is held or blocked, not purchased, and that it is released within a maximum of 30 days after the car is returned, assuming there are no additional charges or violations.

If you do not receive your deposit back despite returning the car undamaged and without fines, you have the right to file a consumer complaint with the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector at the Department of Economic Development (DED). You can register a complaint online at consumerrights.ae or contact the call centre at +971 600 545555.

By law, all car rentals in Dubai include third-party insurance coverage. Some travel insurance policies may also cover car rentals, but most rental companies will offer additional insurance for a fee, which can be expensive if decided at the last minute. It’s best to plan ahead to ensure you have the right insurance at the best price.

If you plan to drive to a neighbouring GCC country, you will need extra paperwork from the rental company. Most rental agencies do not allow this, but you can drive to Oman in a rental car with the appropriate documentation, such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the car owner, and additional documents required by that country’s regulations.

If you are renting a car for cross-border travel, it’s advisable to rent from a multinational company, as they are likely to have broader insurance coverage.

Dubai offers a wide range of car rental options, from major international chains to local companies. You can rent a car directly from the airport, including Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Zayed International Airport, where you will find well-known global rental brands. Rental branches are also conveniently located at most major shopping malls. Before booking, it is advisable to research different providers and check online reviews to ensure you get the best service and rates.

For a more flexible option, Dubai has several smart rental apps, including Udrive, eKar, and Yaldi. These app-based services provide vehicles throughout the city, allowing you to rent a car instantly. Once registered and approved, you can pick up a vehicle and drive away, keeping it for as little as a few minutes or as long as several days or weeks. Click here for more details.