Car rental in the UAE
Choose a city to see cars from local rental companies with prices and terms. Book online in minutes.
AEUAECities with car rental in the UAE
Each city lists cars from local rental companies with prices and terms.
Dubai
Cars from local companies in Dubai: total prices, deposit and insurance.
Abu Dhabi
Cars from local companies in Abu Dhabi: total prices, deposit and insurance.
Sharjah
Cars from local companies in Sharjah: total prices, deposit and insurance.
Ras Al Khaimah
Cars from local companies in Ras Al Khaimah: total prices, deposit and insurance.
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Cars in the UAE
Choose a city and dates — the form shows available cars from local companies, total price, deposit and insurance.
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Driving in the UAE: licence and road rules
What you need to rent a car and drive here as a visitor. Rules change — check with your rental company before the trip.
An EU/EEA licence is valid on its own in the UAE — no IDP needed.
A UK licence is valid on its own in the UAE — no IDP needed.
A US licence is valid on its own in the UAE — no IDP needed.
Visitors from about 50 listed countries (GCC, EU, UK, US, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.) can drive with their national licence. Russia and Kazakhstan are not on the list, so an IDP is required.
Dubai's Salik and Abu Dhabi's Darb are electronic toll gates. Rental cars are tagged and the rental company bills each crossing plus a fee.
Tip: Radar cameras are everywhere and fines are charged to your deposit. Sharjah and Dubai traffic is heavy at peak hours, and parking in Dubai is paid via RTA app/SMS.
How to rent a car
Four steps from choosing a city to getting the keys in the UAE.
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Choose a city and dates
Pick where and when to collect the car. You can return it to the same place or, with many companies, in another city.
Pick-up and drop-off in the form -
Compare the cars
Each car shows the total price for your dates, the deposit, insurance, mileage limit and driver requirements.
All terms before you book -
Book online
The rental company confirms the booking. Usually a small prepayment online and the rest on pick-up.
Confirmed by the company -
Get the keys
Bring your passport and driving licence. The car is handed over at the office, the airport or, often, at your hotel.
Passport + licence
Car rental FAQ
The essentials, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in the UAE?
EU/EEA licence: An EU/EEA licence is valid on its own in the UAE — no IDP needed. UK licence: A UK licence is valid on its own in the UAE — no IDP needed. US licence: A US licence is valid on its own in the UAE — no IDP needed. Visitors from about 50 listed countries (GCC, EU, UK, US, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.) can drive with their national licence. Russia and Kazakhstan are not on the list, so an IDP is required.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
Get it at home before the trip: in the UK at PayPoint shops, in the US through AAA, in EU countries from the licensing authority or national automobile club. It is a translation of your licence and is valid only together with it.
What are the speed limits in the UAE?
Typically 60 km/h in towns, 100 km/h outside towns and 120 km/h on motorways. Limits are posted per road; up to 140 on some Abu Dhabi highways. No speed tolerance in Abu Dhabi. Always follow the signs — cameras are common and fines reach you via the rental company.
Are there toll roads or vignettes in the UAE?
Dubai's Salik and Abu Dhabi's Darb are electronic toll gates. Rental cars are tagged and the rental company bills each crossing plus a fee.
What is the drink-driving limit?
Zero tolerance — do not drink at all before driving.
Where can I pick up a car?
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, Dibba & Umm al-Quwain.
Can I return the car in another city?
Many companies allow it, sometimes for a fee. You can choose the drop-off location in the booking form.