Rent a Car Dubai: How & Where to find Cheap car Rental Dubai?

A personal vehicle is a preferred mode of transportation in the UAE. Whether you live in the Emirates or are there to spend your vacation, you will need to figure out a way to commute around. Sometimes, owning a car is not the most feasible option and public transportation is not the preferred one. This makes car rental in Dubai a potential option. Many tourists and residents prefer to rent a car in Dubai for convenience as well as the exceptional benefits that renting offers.

What Are the Benefits of Renting a Car in the UAE?

Mentioned below are some of the top benefits of renting a car in Dubai and UAE that you can consider before choosing your mode of transportation in the country:

1. No Dependence on Public Transport

If you are a tourist or a visitor in the UAE, there aren’t many options to explore when it comes to commuting. Public transport and cabs are the most commons ones and both of these end up making travelling a hassle. Rent a car in UAE can help you decrease your dependency on public transport and allow you to move freely, as and when you like.

2. Convenient for All Kinds and Sizes of Groups

If you are in the UAE with your family or a group of friends, transportation options like cabs and public transports can prove to be troublesome. Moving via a public mode of transport can be hard if big groups are involved. And it adds another layer of trouble if you have young children in the group too. The cheap car rental in UAE can solve these problems for you. It ensures that you can travel with maximum ease and comfort, regardless of the group size and type.

3. Flexibility of Travelling

You will have maximum flexibility of travelling if you have a car with you the whole time during your stay in the UAE. Whether you would like to set out on a road trip early in the morning or explore the nightlife of the UAE, having a rented car can give you the desired level of flexibility and remove all travel limitations as well.

4. Cost-Effective Mode of Transportation

The public transportation system in the UAE is very reliable but it can get very expensive. Since buses would not take you to every location in the country, you will have to use cabs and that adds more to the expenses. If you rent a car in Dubai instead of choosing public transport it can cut down the transportation cost significantly.

5. Time-Saving

When you have the freedom to move as you like, you can save a lot of time. With a rented car in UAE on hand, you can easily take shortcuts and reach your destination faster. The cheap car rental of the UAE is especially more time saving when compared to public transports. With public transport on hand, you may have to make a lot more stops than you must which is not the case with a rented car.

6. Secure Option of Travelling

Since you can treat the rented cars as your vehicles during the rental period, you get an increased level of safety when travelling. You can sit back and enjoy the trip without worrying about luggage being stolen or losing it, running into a problem with travelling, etc. On top of it, rent-a-car companies in Dubai also offer rental car insurance which may cover passengers and drivers as well. You get an added layer of security with rent a car UAE.

7. A Wide Selection of Car Options to Explore

Cheap car rental in UAE is a rather well-laid out system with a huge range of vehicles to explore. You can easily rent a car in Dubai that you want whether it is an economy, family or a luxury sports car that you are gunning for. It is an even better bargain if you are a car fanatic and would like to explore different models and types. Since you can rent cars by the or even hour, you can easily get to try as many types of cars as you desire.

8. Freedom to Explore Adventure Driving

The wide selection of cars means that you will even have access to SUVs and other 4x4 vehicles made for adventure driving. You can choose to explore the off-road side of the UAE and experience driving in the deserts of the country when you decide to rent a car in Dubai or rent a car in Abu Dhabi.

Why should I Rent a Car in Dubai?

Choosing the option of a cheap car rental in Dubai makes the most sense out of all the available options of transportation and travel. The reason is simple – Dubai and the UAE are designed specifically to be travelled by cars - a labyrinth of wide roads with easy-to-read signs and beautiful landmarks all around. Moreover, if you are a tourist in Dubai, you will get a better chance to enjoy the pleasures that the emirate has to offer if you choose to rent a car in Dubai for travelling.

The public transportation system is reliable but it does not take you to every corner of Dubai, like most public transportation systems. This only means that you will either have to take cabs from the start or later on to reach the destination of your choice. This makes travelling in Dubai a lot more expensive than it should be, So, renting a car in Dubai is not only convenient and comfortable to travel but also the smarter and more cost-effective decision to make.

Where to Rent a Car in Dubai?

Dubai is swimming with top-rated cheap car rental agencies and companies. You can easily rent a car in Dubai by visiting the rental agencies in the emirate of Dubai or you can simply use the internet. Most top rent-a-car agencies in Dubai have an official company website. One can easily scout through the available vehicles and book a rental car before you even land in the country. In other words, all you need to rent a car in Dubai are the essential documents, the minimum age and a choice of the rental agency. You can choose a pickup location when booking the rental car as well. Most companies offer airport pickup from Dubai International Airport.

Where to rent a car in Abu Dhabi?

The procedure to rent a car in Abu Dhabi is not much different from the process to rent a car in Dubai. Top cheap car rental companies like Herts, Budget, etc. offer to pick up services from both the agency branches as well as Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can book a rental car beforehand and have it delivered to the airport or any other location of your choice. If you prefer to check the car in person first, you can always visit a rental company branch and pick up your car from there.

What is the Cost to Rent a Car in Dubai?

The cost of the rental depends on a lot of things but the main components remain to be the type of the car. Prices can fluctuate as per the rental agency or company that you choose as well. Following is the average price window for the most commonly preferred rental cars in Dubai:

• Economy Cars: AED 70 to AED 275/day
• SUVs and 4x4 vehicles: AED 330 to AED 400/day
• Medium/Large/Sedans: AED 100 to AED 740/day
• Luxury and Sports Cars: AED 640 to AED 4000/day

The factors that can bring fluctuations in these prices can be additional services opted like GPS, additional insurance covers and add-ons, some hidden fees, etc. Make sure you thoroughly check the conditions before you take the car out from the agency. Also, keep an eye out for cheap rent a car deals. Almost all rental companies offer discounts on monthly car rental in Dubai as well as other options for long term car rental in Dubai.

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Rent a Car in Dubai and the UAE?

You must be at least 21 years old to be able to rent a car in Dubai and the UAE. Some car rental agencies also keep the minimum age limit at 25 years. So, make sure that you have checked everything thoroughly with the particular provider as well. UAE citizens, residents, non-resident, or tourists – anyone can rent a car in Dubai or any other emirate as long as they can present the documents required and pass the age eligibility.

Document Required to Rent a Car in Dubai

Following are the basic documents that you will need when you set out to rent a car in Dubai:

For UAE tourists/visitors from neighbouring and Gulf countries:

• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your Visa
• GCC countries official license

For UAE tourists/visitors from other countries

• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your Visa
• National driving license of your country
• International driver’s permit

For UAE residents/citizens

• A copy of the Emirates ID
• A copy of the resident's Visa page (for UAE residents only)
• UAE sanctioned national driving license

The rental agency or company that you choose may require additional documents to complete the rental process. Make sure that you ask them beforehand and keep the documents ready at the time of rental to avoid issues and setbacks.

Best Cars to Get on Rent in the UAE

The kind or type of car you rent in Dubai and UAE depends on a lot of factors. There are several options available for you to choose from but all of them suit only a specific set of needs and demands. Following are the top kinds of vehicles that you should rent in the UAE:

1. Small/Hatchback Economy Rent a Car in Dubai

If you are a group of four people or less, the best thing to do is take a small or economy car for rent. They are spacious enough to fit four people if you do not hire an additional driver. Many economy cars also come with a luggage carrier which means that you can easily take a little bit of luggage with you without compromising on the space. Economy cars are also the best option if you want to find cheap cars to rent in Dubai since they come at the most cost-effective prices.

2. Family Rent a Car in Dubai

If you are visiting the UAE with your family, a large group of friends or are residing in the country with family, big family cars are the ideal pick for you. They can easily fit 6-7 people including the driver and also have enough space to keep the luggage. Family cars are also perfect if you have children in your family or group who would require a little more space to travel comfortably.

3. Sedans and other Medium and Large-Sized Rent a Car in Dubai

Sedans in Dubai add a little more luxe and comfort to the equation. You can easily find both large and mid-sized sedans in Dubai and pick them as per your budget or space requirement. The range and options rental companies have when it comes to sedans are completely over-the-top. There is a good chance that you will get a sedan as your rented car if you leave the option open for the rental company. And it will worth the trouble too. Sedans in Dubai are made while keeping luxury, comfort, sturdiness and cost-effectiveness in mind.

4. SUVs and other 4x4 Cars for Rent in Dubai

If you are inclined towards some dune exploring adventures in Dubai and UAE then getting an SUV is the best course of action for you. SUVs and 4x4 vehicles are mostly the only kinds of cars that are allowed by the rental agencies to be driven off-road. They are covered for off-road damages in the car insurance plans the rental agency may have for them. Not only that, they are made to be durable enough for off-road driving and exploration. Almost all cheap car rental companies in Dubai have a wide collection of SUVs along with sedans due to the high demand. You can sit back and take your pick with ease.

5. Sports Cars and Luxury Rent a Car in Dubai

One more unique thing that people love the UAE for is the fact that you can rent luxury here for driving around. From Ferrari to Rolls Royce, almost every luxury car is available to be rented in Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE. The rent per day is higher for these cars and can range around AED 4000 or more as well. But they are a fine choice if you want to have the experience of driving a luxury car in your life or on vacation.

Top 6 Best Rent a Car Companies in Dubai

As evident, you will find several cheap rent-a-car companies in Dubai and UAE. To slim down your search, the following is a list of the top-rated and most preferred cheap car rental companies in the UAE:

1. Hertz Car Rental

Hertz is one of the top and most preferred cheap car rental companies in the country. It is an international car rental company that functions in not only Dubai but many other countries in the world. Hertz was founded some 90 years ago and has been one of the most liked rent-a-car companies in Dubai for many customers. Hertz has 12 different branches in the UAE and offers several exciting services. Car replacement upon trouble, accidental insurance, child seat, and awe-inspiring discounts. Hertz also offers 24x7 roadside assistance and customer services.

2. Diamond Lease

A subsidiary of the Al Habtoor Group, Diamond Lease has been working as a rent a car company in Dubai since the year 1996. It boasts over 7000 different cars as a part of its collection and superior customer service. Along with the basic small, mid and large-sized cars, the customers can also use Diamond Lease to hire refrigeration trucks and other kinds of similar vehicles if required.

3. Rental Cars UAE

If you are a brand-based customer, Rental Cars UAE is the perfect cheap car rental company for you to go with. It has over 80,000 cars in its collection inclusive of all top models and brands. Hyundai, Mazda, BMW, Kia, Audi and Nissan are just a few of the brands to name from the list. The rental rates are also highly competitive so you can get a good deal out of the price. Rental Cars UAE is also popular for its fine customer service and the vast number of pick-up and drop locations around Dubai and the UAE. It offers several options for long term car rental in Dubai.

4. National Car Rental

National Car Rental has been a part of the car rental field of UAE for many years now and has spread its business across 80 different countries. It is one of the favourite cheap car rental agencies for Dubai residents thanks to its competitive rates and great-condition cars. You can easily book a car from National Car Rental using their online website as well.

5. OneClickDrive

Another big name when it comes to luxury and brands, OneClickDrive is also a very popular choice among Dubai visitors and residents. They have a collection of over 50 different brands and offer excellent condition cars for rental. From basic and common brands like Nissan and Hyundai to luxury brands like Maserati and BMW, OneClickDrive has everything in its arsenal.

6. Thrifty Car Rental

If you are looking for a budget-friendly cheap car rental in Dubai then Thrifty is going to be another perfect choice for you. They have an amazing collection of small, middle and large-sized economy cars along with a wide selection of pick up and drop locations. Thrifty is also one of the rental companies which pay extra attention to disinfecting the cars.

Indigo Rent a Car

Another one of the tops recommended rent a car company in Dubai, Indigo rent a car is liked by a lot. They have options for economy car rentals as well as luxury rent a car in UAE. Indigo rent a car price in Dubai is also quite budget-friendly and the services are reliable too. Some other top cheap rent a car in Dubai and the UAE include Budget rent a car, Avis rent a car, Autorent rent a car, and Carlease rent a car.

Top Tips for Renting a Car in Dubai

• Inspect the Car: Always inspect the car before taking it out on rent from the rent a car UAE companies. If you are a frequent driver, you would be aware of the basic things to check already. Just add things like additional accessories, existing scratches and dents, and a GPS to the list as well. Make sure that the car does not have any functional or operational issues.
• Get a List of Emergency Contacts: Ask the rent a car company in Dubai to give emergency contact numbers. Always keep them on hand and use them if you run into trouble with the car. It is better to let the renting agency handle the car troubles instead of you spending manpower on the issues. The numbers can also come in handy if you are in a need of roadside assistance at any point.
• Put Together the Documents: UAE traffic rules states that every driver in the UAE, residing or visiting, must have a certain set of documents in the car at all times. This set would include the registration documents of the car, your driving license, international driving permit, and the rental car insurance papers of the car.
• How to Return the Car: Always determine beforehand the way you will have to return the car after the rental period is over. Some agencies ask the customers to bring the car back to the agency after use while others allow an option to pick them up for you. Mind that the pick-up service may come at an additional fee so, ask and confirm in the beginning only.
• Check for Rental Car Insurance: There are a few different kinds of rental car insurance plans that you can look for when checking out budget rent-a-car options. Check the plan that the car that you have chosen. If it is just a basic third-party liability plan, you and the passengers will not be covered in the event of an accident. So, make sure that the insurance covers everything that you desire. If it does not, you can also choose to take an additional cover or an add-on insurance cover.
• Know the Off-Road Driving Rules: Not all cars will come with an off-road driving permit from the rent-a-car companies in Dubai and UAE. Most economy and medium cars do not get off-road rental car insurance as a basic facility from insurance companies. So, you may need to get an SUV if you want to travel off-road in the UAE. Ask the rental company about potential charges and conditions on off-road driving.
• Take Photos of the Car: Make sure you click pictures to reference the condition of the car when picking it up and dropping it. They will come in handy if the agency finds any damages in later inspections that are not your fault.
• Ask for Additional Fees, if Any: Get a complete layout of the potential additional fees and fines on the rental car. Make sure you do not have any unnecessary upgrades in the car that you did not ask for. That can jack up the price.
• Check for Unlimited Mileage: See if the top cheap rent-a-car companies in Dubai are giving out unlimited miles on the car you choose. Most companies have a mileage cap and they put an additional fee on every extra mile you drive outside of the cap.
• Fuel Tank: You can choose the ‘full to full’ or the ‘empty to empty fuel tank policy when to go to rent a car in Dubai or UAE.
• Pet Policy: Most of the cheap rent-a-car companies in Dubai have pet-friendly policies. But make sure you still confirm it individually when booking a car.

FAQs

Q1. Can tourists and visitors drive in UAE?

Ans. Yes, all tourists can drive in UAE if they are older than 18 years and have a national driving license and an international driving permit.

Q2. What are some cheap car rental companies in Dubai?

Ans. Almost all car rental companies in Dubai and UAE offer competitive prices. Hertz, Rental Car UAE, Budget car rental, and Thrifty car rentals are some of the top-liked cheap car rental companies in the country.

Q3. What are some of the best rent-a-car companies in Dubai?

Ans. You can rent a car in Dubai easily from top international companies like Thrifty, Budget rent a car, Indigo rent a car, and Avis rent a car. You can also choose to pick one from the regional provider like Rental Cars UAE.

Q4. Which rent-a-car companies in Dubai have updated their sanitation and safety terms as per Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Ans. All top rent-a-car companies in Dubai and UAE follow the proper sanitation protocols in regards to Covid-19 and other communicable diseases. You can make sure of the sanitation while picking up the car as well.

Q5. What is the minimum rental period for renting a car in UAE?

Ans. Most car companies rent by the day which makes the minimum rental period to be 24 hours. You can check individually with the agencies whether they allow a lesser period if required.

Q6. Is it possible to rent the car directly from Dubai Airport?

Ans. Yes, many cheap car rental companies offer rent a car Dubai service directly from the Dubai International Airport and other few airports as well.

Q7. Who is liable to pay the parking fees for rented cars?

Ans. The renter i.e., you are liable to pay the parking fees when renting a car from a cheap car rental company in Dubai and UAE.

Q8. Are there any additional costs/overheads involved in the car rental process?

Ans. Additional charges or overheads for a rented vehicle may include fuel prices, toll taxes and parking fees as per your driving regime.

Q9. What is the eligible age to rent a car in Dubai?

Ans. To rent a car in Dubai, one must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving license. Some agencies may rent to people who are 25 years of age or older but that’s rarely the case.

Q10. What are some of the key benefits to rent a car monthly?

Ans. Monthly rent a car in Dubai deals are relatively cheaper than any other kind of renting arrangement. If you stay in the UAE or are visiting for a couple of months, it is always better to rent a car in Dubai monthly. You can change, upgrade, or downgrade the car each month and won’t have to go through the maintenance hassle either.

Q11. Am I liable to pay a commission to rent a car in Dubai?

Ans. Most top-rated cheap car rental companies in Dubai and UAE do not charge commission fees. You do not have to pay any commission if you book via aggregators like PolicyBazaar.ae as well. Commissions may be present in the total cost of your cheap car rental if you book via an agent or if the company has included them as hidden fees.

Q12. Why should I pay a security deposit?

Ans. Security deposit is just a way to ensure that rent-a-car companies in Dubai do not lose money if the renters pay the fees and fines late or do not pay them at all. It is just a safety net for the rent-a-car companies in the UAE.

Q13. Is it possible to rent a car without a deposit?

Ans. There are several rent-a-car companies in Dubai and UAE that rent without a deposit. However, you need to be careful. You may not find cheap rent-a-car deals without the security deposit and may also end up bearing a lot of damage cost if the car is damaged during the rental period. Be very diligent with terms and conditions.

Q14. Is it possible to rent a car in Dubai without a credit card?

Ans. Yes, you can rent a car in Dubai and UAE without a credit card. Most cheap car rental companies in Dubai accept rental payments and security deposits as cash or via debit cards.

Q15. Who can drive the rental car other than me?

Ans. Any additional driver added to the rental agreement can drive the car that you have rented in your name. No other driver should drive the car.

Q16. Can I hire an additional driver to drive the rental car?

Ans. Yes, you can always hire a driver to drive the rented car for you. Most cheap car rental agencies offer this service along with the rented car for a small additional fee.

Q17. How can I find rent a car near me in Dubai?

Ans. Simply use a search engine like google or maps on your smartphone to find a cheap car rental company near you. Online research is the best way to find rent a car in Dubai or UAE near you. 

Q18. Is it possible to rent a car in Dubai, UAE with a new driving license?

Ans. While most cheap car rental companies in Dubai and UAE prefer at least 6 months old license holders, you can still rent a car in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with a new driving license. Although there can be a few added conditions and terms on the rent. So, make sure that you have checked and verified everything.

Q19. Which cheap car rental agencies can be found near the Dubai International airport (DXB)?

Ans. Almost all top regional and international cheap car rental companies offer renting services at Dubai International Airport. You can find Avis, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, etc.

Q20. What are the charges of an Economy car rental cost in Dubai?

Ans. The cost of rent may differ due to many factors but the average rent for economy cars in Dubai stays around AED 70 to AED 275/day.

Q21. What are the charges of a Compact cheap car rental cost in Dubai?

Ans. Compact budget cars can be rented for as low as AED 30 to AED 40/ day depending on the car rental company you choose.

Q22. What are the charges of an Intermediate cheap car rental cost in Dubai?

Ans. Generally, the rent for intermediate or medium-sized cars starts from AED 100. The prices can fluctuate as per the individual policies and conditions put forth by the car rental companies in UAE.

Q23. What are the charges to rent a car in Dubai for a week?

Ans. Most cheap car rental companies in Dubai offer per day or month renting conditions. So, the weekly rental prices will be pretty much the same as per day rent multiplied by seven. You may get a small discount on a weekly rental although, you will have to confirm it with your car rental company in Dubai.

Q24. What are the charges to rent a car in Dubai for a month?

Ans. The rent of the car will differ as per the model and the renting company. You can get an economy budget car for AED 1000 to AED 2000 for a month in Dubai and UAE.

Q25. What type of car is recommended for driving in Dubai?

Ans. Since Dubai Road System is designed keeping cars in mind, you can drive pretty much any car here – from small economy cars to luxury and sports cars. It is recommended to choose a medium or large size car for families and a group of 4-7 people and small cars, hatchbacks or sedans for a group or family of a maximum of 4 people.

Q26. What’s the speed limit in Dubai?

Ans. The maximum speed limit for residential roads is 25-40 kph in Dubai. The speed limit on some highways and open roads is up to 100 kph in Dubai.

Q27. How are fuel prices in Dubai?

Ans. The average fuel prices in Dubai are around AED 2.180 per litre in 2021. Naturally, fuel prices are subject to fluctuations so, make sure that you check the current trend.