Renting a Car in UAE as a Tourist: What You Actually Need
To rent a car in UAE you need IDP, passport, credit card, and minimum age 21-25. Here is what works in 2026.
Quick answer
You need a passport, International Driving Permit (IDP), credit card in your name, and you must be at least 21 years old. Some companies set the minimum at 25. UAE authorities require an IDP for all non-GCC tourists. Credit card deposits range from AED 1,500 to AED 5,000 depending on the company and car category. Rental rates for economy cars start at AED 120 per day in 2026. Most tourists rent through apps such as Rentalcars.com, Sixt, or local operators like Thrifty and Fast Rent A Car.
Documents you must bring
Every rental company checks the same four items. Keep digital and paper copies of each.
Valid passport
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the UAE. Immigration officers at the airport rental desks still scan the physical book.
International Driving Permit
An IDP is mandatory for tourists. The UAE Road and Transport Authority (RTA) does not accept a foreign licence alone. Apply for a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP before you travel. Most embassies and post offices issue it within one hour.
Credit card
Only a credit card in your own name works. Debit cards and prepaid cards are rejected. The company places a hold of AED 1,500–5,000 on the card for the rental duration plus 48 hours after return.
Minimum age and driving experience
Age limits vary by company. Hertz and Enterprise set 25 as the minimum. Sixt and local firms accept drivers from 21. Every company adds an extra AED 30–50 per day for drivers aged 21–24.
Where and how to pick up the car
Most tourists collect cars at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi International (AUH). Airport counters stay open 24/7.
Airport desks vs city branches
Airport desks process 30–60 minutes faster than city offices. However, airport fees add AED 80–120 per day. If you stay in Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah, you can collect from a city branch and save 15–20%.
One-way rentals
Allow 3 days for processing if you drop the car in a different emirate. Cross-border fees apply when you drive into Oman or Saudi Arabia. Oman requires an extra stamp on your IDP; Saudi Arabia requires a temporary import plate.
2026 price ranges
Economy cars such as Toyota Yaris or Hyundai i2 start at 120 AED per day. Midsize cars (Camry, Sonata) trade at 180–220 AED. Luxury models begin at 450 AED. Weekly discounts bring rates down 25–35%.
Insurance options
Basic third-party insurance is included. Full comprehensive cover adds 40–60 AED per day. Excess amounts remain at 1,500–2,500 AED unless you pay 60–80 AED daily for zero-excess packages.
Additional fees
Salik tolls are collected electronically. Companies charge AED 10–15 per toll plus 5–10% admin fee. Parking fines incur 100–150 AED admin fee. Fuel must be returned full; otherwise an 80–100 AED fill-up fee is charged.
Best apps and websites for 2026
Real-time price comparison is available through three channels.
Rentalcars.com
Most tourists use Rentalcars.com for side-by-side listings. 2026 interface shows live fuel-tank status, Salik inclusion, and excess-waiver options.
Sixt and Hertz mobile apps
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