Renting a Car in Dubai as a Tourist: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

So, you’ve booked your ticket, packed your sunscreen, and now you’re looking at that glossy skyline of Dubai thinking, Alright, how do I get around this place? Well, let me tell you—renting a car in Dubai can be a total game-changer, and I don’t say that lightly. Whether you’re planning to cruise down Sheikh Zayed Road or make a spontaneous detour into the desert, having your ride is one of the smartest ways to explore the city and everything beyond it.

But before you just rock up to a rental counter and hand over your passport, let’s walk through the nitty-gritty. I’ve been there, I’ve rented, I’ve Googled at 2 AM in my hotel room trying to figure out why the salik tolls keep showing up on my bill. So consider this your no-nonsense guide, with a little personality thrown in.

Why Even Rent a Car in Dubai?

Let’s start with the obvious: Dubai is massive. It’s not your walkable little European town where everything’s cobbled and cozy. Public transport? Sure, it exists. The Metro is clean and efficient, but it doesn’t exactly take you everywhere. If your itinerary includes fancy rooftop dinners, spontaneous road trips to Abu Dhabi, or hitting multiple beaches in a day, you’ll quickly realize that flagging down taxis or waiting for a Careem isn’t always convenient—or cheap.

Plus, there’s just something about having your own car. The independence. The comfort. The ability to take that wrong turn and end up somewhere unexpectedly beautiful.

Is It Hard to Drive There?

Honestly? Not really. Dubai’s roads are wide, well-maintained, and frankly, a little too tempting when you’re behind the wheel of a shiny rental. The signage is clear, and traffic rules are followed more strictly than you might expect in the Middle East. But—and it’s a big but—people drive fast. I mean really fast. It can be a bit intimidating if you’re used to more chilled-out roads.

Also, don’t be surprised if someone tailgates you at lightning speed and then zips around without so much as a flick of a turn signal. It’s just… Dubai. Not saying it’s right, but it’s common.

What Do You Actually Need?

Alright, here’s the part that gets a bit bureaucratic. But stay with me. As a tourist in 2025, renting a car in Dubai is fairly straightforward if you’ve got the right documents. You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. But—and this trips a lot of folks up—depending on where you’re from, you might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Americans, Brits, Canadians, Aussies—good news. Most of you are fine with just your regular license. But it’s always worth double-checking because rules change, and rental companies can be picky. Oh, and don’t forget your passport. That’s non-negotiable.

One more thing—your age. You generally need to be at least 21, and some high-end cars (you know, the Lambos and Ferraris that look suspiciously like they belong to Instagram influencers) may have a minimum age of 25. And yes, insurance is mandatory, but more on that in a bit.

How Much Is This Gonna Cost Me?

Ah, the million-dirham question. Here’s the thing—renting a car in Dubai can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you’re not going for the flashiest wheels. Compact economy cars like a Nissan Sunny or Toyota Yaris might only cost you around AED 60-100 a day. That’s less than what you’d spend on two short taxi rides during peak hours.

But prices do fluctuate. Weekends, holidays, last-minute bookings—they can all drive the cost up. And luxury cars? Let’s just say if you’re thinking about cruising around in a Rolls Royce, your wallet better be on board with that plan.

There are also deposits. Most companies will block a refundable amount on your credit card (anywhere between AED 1000 to 3000 depending on the car), so make sure your card has enough room.

What About Fuel and Tolls?

Good news—petrol is still cheap in the UAE, even in 2025. Not as dirt-cheap as it used to be, but definitely better than what you’re probably paying back home. A full tank might cost around AED 100-150 depending on the car, and it’ll last longer than you’d think.

Now, about salik tolls. These are electronic toll gates scattered across key roads in Dubai, and you don’t need to worry about paying them manually. The rental company will usually charge you later, along with a small admin fee. It’s all tracked via your license plate, so yeah, Big Brother is watching. Kind of.

Automatic or Manual?

Unless you specifically request a manual (and why would you, unless you’re planning a nostalgic moment?), your rental car in Dubai will almost definitely be automatic. And trust me, with the traffic and endless roundabouts, you’ll be grateful.

Parking: Heaven and Hell

This one’s a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, there’s plenty of parking. Malls, hotels, even some tourist spots have free or valet parking. On the other hand, downtown areas can be a nightmare during busy hours. Paid street parking is common, and there’s an SMS system to pay for it, but that only works with local SIMs. If you’re in doubt, park at a mall and take a short cab to your destination.

Just don’t leave your car in a no-parking zone. Fines in Dubai are no joke, and your rental company will pass every single one of them along to you.

Insurance: Necessary, Not Optional

Most rental companies include basic insurance in the rate, which usually covers third-party liability. But if you want peace of mind—and you should—you might want to opt for full coverage. Accidents aren’t super common, but they do happen, and you don’t want your dream vacation turning into a legal mess.

Some tourists use credit cards that include rental insurance, which is smart, but check the fine print. And always read the contract. Yes, it’s boring. Yes, it matters.

GPS or Get Lost?

Honestly, just use your phone. Google Maps works beautifully in Dubai, and signal coverage is solid almost everywhere (even halfway into the desert). Just grab a local SIM at the airport—Etisalat and Du are the two main providers—and you’re good to go.

Some rental companies might offer GPS units, but they’re usually outdated and awkward. Trust me, your smartphone is smarter.

What About Driving Out of Dubai?

Great question. Lots of people rent a car in Dubai and then realize they want to explore more—maybe pop down to Abu Dhabi, hit up Ras Al Khaimah, or head toward Hatta for some mountain air. That’s totally doable, but you’ll need to confirm with your rental company that out-of-emirate travel is allowed. Most will say yes, but a few might charge extra or have restrictions.

Crossing into Oman is a different story altogether—border paperwork, special insurance, and advance notice are all needed. So plan ahead if that’s on your bucket list.

Can You Rent Fancy Cars Just for the Gram?

Absolutely. Dubai’s practically the world capital of exotic car rentals. You’ll see everything from McLarens to Bentleys gliding around the Marina or parked outside Jumeirah hotels. If it’s your thing, you can definitely rent one for a day—or even just for a photoshoot.

Just don’t go overboard. Those cars come with massive deposits, higher age restrictions, and strict rental terms. Plus, traffic doesn’t magically vanish because you’re in a Bugatti. Sorry.

Returning the Car: Don’t Be That Guy

You know the one—the guy who returns a dusty car with no fuel and a few mystery scratches. Don’t be that guy.

Before you hand it back, clean out the trash, top up the fuel if the agreement says so, and take a few photos of the car. Time-stamped, just in case. It’s not paranoid, it’s smart. Some tourists have found charges on their cards weeks after returning the vehicle and had no way to dispute them. Better safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Look, renting a car in Dubai isn’t just about transport—it’s about freedom. The city has this incredible blend of modern glitz and raw natural beauty, and half the fun is getting to see both sides of it on your own terms. Whether you’re pulling into a luxury hotel like a movie star or eating shawarma out of the trunk in a quiet parking lot by the sea, your experience will feel more personal, more authentic.

And if I’m being totally honest? It just makes the trip more fun.

Sure, there’s some paperwork and a few things to watch out for, but if you’re even slightly confident behind the wheel, you’ll be fine. In fact, by the end of your trip, you might even catch yourself daydreaming about trading your return flight for a few extra days of cruising down palm-lined roads, windows down, Arabic pop playing, chasing sunsets with nowhere to be.

So go ahead—rent a car in Dubai, hit the road, and let the city surprise you. It’s got a way of doing that.