Self-Drive Car Rental in Dubai, China

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Driving in Dubai: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need

You’ll need a full licence, passport and credit card.

To rent a car in Dubai, bring your driving licence, passport, and credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) Dubai is required unless your licence is from a recognised list of approved countries.

Navigating city driving

Wide roads and fast traffic are common.

Driving in Dubai involves multi-lane highways, large roundabouts and fast-moving vehicles. Signage is mostly in English and Arabic. Use a sat nav to avoid sudden exits and toll routes.

Tolls, emissions zones and charges

Toll gates operate across major roads.

Dubai uses an electronic toll system called Salik. Charges are applied automatically when passing under toll gates — most hire cars include this, but always confirm in advance.

Parking your car in Dubai

Paid parking zones are common across the city.

Parking in Dubai is well organised, with roadside meters, pay-by-app options and colour-coded zones. Hotels, malls and larger venues usually offer free or valet parking — check limits during weekends and holidays.

Finding fuel or charging points

Fuel is cheap — EV charging is expanding.

Petrol stations are easy to find and fuel is affordable. EV charging stations in Dubai are increasing, especially at malls and hotels. Use the DEWA app or PlugShare for locations.

Local driving style and tips

Driving is fast but rules are enforced.

Local driving rules in Dubai are strict, with fines for speeding, tailgating and mobile phone use. Stay in the correct lane, signal early, and be cautious in fast-moving traffic.

Find Dubai car hire deals

How to book the best car rental deals in Dubai

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Dubai car rental search.

Book now, cancel later

We clearly highlight car and van hire options in Dubai that have free cancellation. So you can bag the best deal with total flexibility to change your plans if you need to.

Rent a car in Dubai for a whole month

Want to hire a car for almost a month? Often, car rental companies in Dubai avoid costly admin in between pick-ups by hiring out cars for longer periods. So see if monthly car hire is cheaper than the three weeks you need it for by selecting 30 days.

Compare fuel policies

To save money on topping up the tank as you take off in Dubai, look out for deals with a 'full to full' fuel policy, as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

Skip the queues

We call out keyless pick-up when you search for cars with us. No keys to pick up, means no queues. Just turn up at your preferred Dubai car hire location, hop in and hit the road.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the best value car hire in Dubai?

If you're looking for freedom to explore Dubai, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Dubai that have free cancellation.

Can I book a one-way car hire in Dubai?

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Is it worth renting a car in Dubai?

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Dubai.

Can under 25s hire cars in Dubai?

Most places – Dubai included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers.