How can residents rent a car in the UAE? (guide 2025)

UAE residents must provide these documents to rent a car in Dubai:

• A valid UAE driving license
• An Emirates ID
• The residence visa page
• Expats must also show their passport.
• A credit or debit card
• The minimum rental age is 21, while 25+ is required for most luxury cars.
• Monthly rentals may require proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental contract.

1. Can I rent a car with my home-country license if I just became a UAE resident?

No. After your visa is issued, your foreign license becomes invalid for rental. You must hold an official UAE driving license.

2. Is Emirates ID mandatory for renting a car as a resident?

Yes. Emirates ID is the primary proof of residency and is required by all car rental companies for verification and contract processing.

3. How long does the deposit refund take for residents?

Typically 15–21 days for short-term rentals and up to 30 days for monthly rentals, depending on when traffic fines are confirmed by authorities.

4. Can residents rent a car monthly without a long-term contract?

Yes. Monthly rentals for residents are flexible and do not require long-term commitments. You can renew, switch cars, or cancel monthly plans easily.

5. What happens if my UAE license is less than six months old?

Some companies may approve it, but many require 6–12 months of driving history. You may face higher insurance fees or restrictions for luxury or high-power vehicles.

Why Rent a Car as a UAE Resident?

It may seem that owning a car is cheaper for residents, but with the growing number of Dubai car rental companies, prices have become very affordable. Renting also gives you more freedom: choose any car for any period without worrying about maintenance, yearly fees, devaluation, or reselling.
Most companies include full insurance (CDW) and regular servicing in their monthly plans. With these benefits and long-term discounts, renting is becoming a smart, budget-friendly choice.

Resident-Specific Requirements & Documents for Car Rental in Dubai

Car rental Complete Guide in Dubai for residents is simple and fast, as long as you follow the document checklist carefully.

The main difference compared to tourists lies in the type of driver’s license and the identification document required in Dubai.

Valid UAE Driving License

A common mistake new residents make is relying on their home-country license after getting a residency visa. UAE law is clear: once your status changes from tourist to resident, you must hold a valid UAE driver’s license. If not, insurers may refuse payouts after an accident due to non-compliance, which can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or paying all damages yourself.

Emirates ID, Passport & Resident Visa Copy

To finalize the rental agreement, you must present your original Emirates ID and passport along with a copy of your residency visa or entry stamp. All documents must be physical and valid, and you must be present in person at the time of vehicle handover.

Valid Credit or debit Card / Payment Method & Deposit

You must present a physical credit or debit card in the renter’s (primary driver’s) name for the security deposit and possible fines. The card must be valid for at least three more months. Deposits are typically refunded 15–21 days after daily/weekly rentals and up to 30 days for monthly rentals, as companies must confirm no fines were issued after return

Minimum Age & Driving Experience

The minimum legal age to rent a standard car in the UAE is 21. For luxury, sports, or high-performance SUVs, most companies require you to be 25 or older. Drivers under 25 may also face a “young driver fee” (AED 20–50 per day) to compensate for higher insurance risk.

Additional Documents for Longer-Term or Corporate Rentals

For monthly leases, companies may require Proof of Address, such as a utility bill or residential lease agreement, to confirm long-term residency.

How to Rent a Car as a UAE Resident? Step-by-Step Process

Car​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ rentals from a reputable company are usually easy and straightforward if you follow certain steps. It would be best if you followed these instructions to have a smooth and issue-free experience:

1. Choose a reputable company: Selection of a company that has modern vehicles, clear pricing, and, what is most important, 24/7 support in case of emergency is your first step. A company’s clarity in deposit policies and the way fines are handled is a good indication of its professionalism.
2. Select the rental type and duration: You should figure out whether you need a daily, weekly, or monthly rental. Generally, monthly plans are the most cost-effective for long-term stays. For example, Saadatrent’s monthly car rental in Dubai offers reductions and extra services such as free delivery.
3. Collect documents and create an online account: Get your documents ready, including your UAE driver’s license, Emirates ID, passport and visa, and credit card. Most rental websites offer the facility of document upload online.
4. Check insurance, deposit, and contract terms: Read the contract carefully. Pay attention to monthly mileage limits (usually 2,500–4,500 km), excess kilometer charges, and insurance coverage details (CDW or SCDW). Make sure the deposit return process and administrative fees for fines are clearly explained.
5. Car delivery and check: Prior to taking the vehicle, check for any existing damage (scratches, dents, tire wear) and record it with photos and videos. This is a safety measure against disputes when returning the car and money taken from your deposit. Moreover, make sure of the fuel level and check if there is safety equipment available in the car.
6. Car utilization and return: Drive the car as per the terms of the agreement and return it with the same fuel level. Be at the return place on time in order not to be charged late fees. Road toll (Salik) fees, however, are automatically charged to your credit card.

In conclusion, the renter must ensure that any damages or traffic violations are recorded and paid for ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌promptly.

Cost Breakdown of Car Rental for Residents in Dubai

Car​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ rental prices will vary by factors like the kind of vehicle, duration of rental, and time of year. The following chart displays approximate car rental rates in Dubai according to the rental period and price segment of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌car.

Note: As you can see in the table, monthly rentals usually cost less than daily rentals.

Insurance, Fees & Additional Charges of Car Rental for Dubai Residents

Most UAE car rentals include basic third-party insurance, but you can upgrade for better protection. Many companies recommend adding a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or full comprehensive insurance to cover car damage and reduce your liability in an accident. Besides basic insurance, consider these commonly applied extra charges:

• Insurance upgrades: the choice of CDW or full comprehensive coverage, for example.
• Additional or second driver: Generally, rental agencies impose a daily charge for the addition of another driver.
• Accessories: Child safety seats or GPS units come with a separate fee for their rental.
• Salik toll charges: Charges from electronic Salik gates are done automatically. There is no need for you to pay them in advance.
• Fuel: If the car was taken with a full tank, then you need to refill it before returning the vehicle, or else you will be charged the difference in fuel.
• Traffic fines: It is up to you to bear the traffic fines that will be imposed on you. Additionally, some rental companies may include an administrative fee for the handling of these fines.

Check all these points prior to finalizing your reservation and ensure that they are transcribed in your rental agreement so that you are not caught off guard by ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌costs.

Local Rules and Tips When Renting a Car as a Resident in Dubai

Driving​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ in the UAE is quite safe and pleasurable. However, you should also be aware of the key limitations of your rental agreement and the emergency protocols of car rental for residents.

Accident Protocol: Police Report and Insurance Basics

In the UAE, you must report every traffic accident to the police, no matter how minor it seems, and you should never leave the scene without a white or red slip. Call 999 for the police and 998 for an ambulance if there are injuries.  Inform your rental agency immediately, and later, you will need the official police report (white slip if you are not at fault, red slip if you are) to submit to the insurance company.

Driving Rules and Rental Restrictions

Your rental agreement includes important limitations, and ignoring them can lead to heavy fines or canceled insurance. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden, especially with sedans and most SUVs, and using the car to carry heavy cargo or tow anything will also void your insurance.

Smart Parking in RTA Areas

Parking regulations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are imposed by the RTA, with fines ranging from AED 150 to AED 1,000. The most convenient method to avoid parking tickets is by using the RTA Dubai app or SMS services. With these services, you can register the plate of your rental vehicle, pay the fees, and if necessary, extend the parking time.

Travel Between Emirates and Border Crossings

Driving your rental car anywhere within the UAE is completely safe. Just remember that taking a rental car outside the country, such as renting a car from Dubai to Oman or Saudi Arabia, is not allowed unless the rental company gives explicit permission and you obtain a notarized NOC, which is a complicated process.

Managing Mileage Limits

Typically, monthly rentals come with a mileage limit of about 2500 to 4500 km. Always check this before signing because exceeding it means paying a high fee for every extra kilometer, usually 1 AED or more. If you plan to drive a lot, you can negotiate an unlimited mileage car rental in Dubai deal or ask for a higher allowance.

Most importantly, the UAE police are very strict about traffic laws. Always follow the rules, especially speed limits, to avoid any issues with Dubai’s well-equipped police force.

Ready to Drive?

Car rental for residents in the UAE is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to get around the city. When you choose a trusted company, you enjoy modern cars, good rates, and flexible plans. Just have your UAE driving license and Emirates ID ready, and explore options such as monthly rentals.

Ready to drive comfortably across the UAE? Check out Saadatrent’s resident-friendly offers and start your journey today with your UAE license and Emirates ID. With Saadatrent, you can enjoy a smoother start and a more enjoyable driving experience throughout the Emirates!

FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have a UAE driving license?

No. If you hold a valid UAE driving license, you do not need an International Driving Permit. The UAE license alone is sufficient.

Are there special monthly discounts for residents?

Yes. Many companies offer special monthly rental plans at discounted rates for residents. For example, Hertz has dedicated monthly packages for UAE residents.

What happens if I receive a fine during the rental period?

You are responsible for paying any traffic fines, such as speeding or illegal parking. The rental company may also charge an administrative fee for processing these fines.

Can I add a second driver to the rental agreement?

Yes, you can usually add an additional driver, but an extra daily fee applies for each additional driver.

Do I need to pay Salik tolls in advance?

No. Salik tolls are automatically charged to your credit card when you pass through the toll gates. There is no need to make any payment on the spot.