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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Find low car rental prices in Dubai with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, compact cars, people movers and make reservations with no booking fees. Pick up your hire car at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or city branches in Deira, Dubai Marina and along Sheikh Zayed Road, then drive on well-signed highways across the UAE. Compare weekly and monthly deals, and remember Salik electronic tolls apply on major routes like Sheikh Zayed Road.
Your pickup location for a car rental in Dubai affects both convenience and cost.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
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| Dubai City Locations |
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| Shopping Mall Locations |
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You can reach city rental locations from the airport using these options:
On average, car rentals in Dubai cost around 224 AED per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 51 AED per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups: Airport desks are usually about 10% pricier. Check city and mall locations too. A taxi from DXB to central Dubai is roughly 50-70 AED, which can still net a saving on longer rentals.
Time your booking to the season: For November to March and major events like New Year’s, booking 2+ weeks ahead helps avoid spikes. Off-peak, compare a few dates to see if rates dip rather than assuming early is cheapest.
Right-size the car and length: Economy or compact cars are the best value for city driving. Weekly rates are typically 10-15% cheaper than paying daily, and monthly deals can be much lower.
Trim toll costs: Salik is 4 AED per gate. For Abu Dhabi trips, E311 is a toll-free alternative to E11. Plan routes to avoid unnecessary crossings.
Leverage free or cheap parking: Street parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. Many malls offer free hours, e.g., Dubai Mall gives 4 hours free on weekdays and 6 hours on weekends.
Skip paid extras: Use your phone instead of a ~20 AED/day GPS. Only add an extra driver if you need to. Bring your own child seat to avoid 15-30 AED/day. If possible, have a 25+ driver as the main to avoid young driver fees.
| Location | System | Rates | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | RTA Paid Parking Zones marked by colour |
Varies by zone. Check signs or the RTA Dubai app for current tariffs. | 8am-10pm Monday-Saturday Free on Sundays and public holidays |
| Malls | Free for limited duration | Policies vary by mall. Often free for a set number of hours. | Mall opening hours |
| Hotels | Valet or self-parking | Policies vary by hotel. Often complimentary for registered guests. | 24 hours |
| Attractions | Dedicated car parks | Varies by location. Often included along with attraction ticket. | Attraction hours |
SMS system (if you have a local SIM)
Speed limits:
Salik toll system: Charges per gate crossing (electronic collection)
Traffic cameras: Extensive network of fixed and mobile radar units
Alcohol tolerance: Zero tolerance. Any detectable amount is illegal while driving
Mobile phone use: Prohibited while driving unless hands-free
Flashing green light: Warning signal that light will soon turn yellow
Get a car so you can see:
Hatta – Hatta Dam, Heritage Village
Al Ain
Fujairah (East Coast) – Friday Market near Masafi, Hajar Mountains
Ras Al Khaimah – Jebel Jais
Al Qudra Desert
What documents do I need to rent a car in Dubai? You need a valid passport, an international driving permit with your home licence or a licence from an approved country and a credit card in the driver's name. Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. They often restrict their premium vehicles to drivers who are 25 or older.
How does the Salik toll system work with rental cars? Rental cars come with a Salik tag already installed. You won't hear a beep, the system just records tolls electronically when you drive under a gate. The rental company will bill your credit card for the tolls you used (4 AED per gate) plus a small administration fee.
Can I drive to Abu Dhabi or other emirates with a Dubai rental? Yes, you can travel between emirates freely. Just be aware that Abu Dhabi uses the Darb toll system when you enter the island during peak hours.
Is it worth paying for additional insurance? Standard rentals include basic insurance that has a high excess of 1,500-5,000 AED. The excess is the amount you pay if there's an accident. You can buy 'Super CDW' coverage to reduce this to zero, but it costs 30-60 AED per day. Think about your own driving confidence and how much risk you want to take.
How strictly are traffic rules enforced in Dubai? Authorities enforce traffic rules very strictly with a large camera network. Speed cameras are everywhere and fines are high. Dubai's system allows a 20 km/h buffer over the posted limit before it gives you a ticket, but it's safer to stay within the speed limits.
What should I do if I receive a traffic fine? The rental company will charge your credit card for the fine and add an administrative fee of about 50-100 AED for each violation. This charge may appear after you've returned home, since fines can take some time to process.
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