Key takeaways
- Visitors from countries not on the RTA's list need a valid International Driving Permit together with their home licence.
- The minimum rental age is usually 21, and 25 for luxury and sports cars.
- A security deposit is almost always taken and is usually held for a few weeks after return to cover fines and Salik tolls.
- Since 1 June 2026, with VAT added, each Salik gate crossing costs AED 6.30 at peak times and AED 4.20 at other times.
Documents needed to rent a car in Dubai
Tick the documents you have ready; your progress is saved on this device.
Get your International Driving Permit before you travel; it cannot be issued after you arrive in the UAE. See our guide to driving in Dubai on a foreign licence for details.
Costs of renting a car in Dubai
| Cost | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily or monthly rent | Depends on car class and season; monthly rentals are usually better value |
| Security deposit | From a few hundred to several thousand dirhams depending on the car; released after fines are settled |
| Collision damage waiver (CDW) | Reduces your liability in an accident; ask about the excess |
| Salik | AED 6.30 at peak times and AED 4.20 at other times per crossing, plus any rental company fee |
| Fuel | Usually returned with the same fuel level you received |
| Mileage limit | Many companies set a daily kilometre cap and charge for extra kilometres |
Salik tolls in 2026
Rental cars carry a Salik tag, and crossings are charged to your deposit or card after the rental ends. Check your contract to see whether the company adds a fee per crossing.
| Time | Cost per crossing |
|---|---|
| Peak: 6–10 am and 4–8 pm (weekdays) | AED 6.30 |
| Off-peak: 10 am–4 pm and 8 pm–1 am | AED 4.20 |
| Sundays (except holidays and special events) | AED 4.20 |
| 1–6 am | Free |
Insurance and accidents
All rental cars carry basic insurance, but in an accident you usually pay part of the damage (the excess) unless you bought extra cover. Report every accident to the police, however minor: in Dubai, use the Dubai Police app or call 901 for accidents without injuries and 999 in emergencies. Without a police report, the insurer will not pay.
Common traffic fines in Dubai
- Running a red light: AED 1,000, 12 black points and vehicle impoundment
- Using a mobile phone while driving: AED 800 and 4 black points
- Not wearing a seatbelt: AED 400 and 4 black points
- Speeding: fines depend on how far over the limit you are; cameras operate across the city
- Parking in a prohibited place or not paying for public parking
Fines on rental cars often appear days or weeks later, and the rental company deducts them, plus a fee, from your deposit. Fine amounts may change.
Checklist when you pick up the car
- 1Read the contract: insurance excess, mileage cap, Salik and fine fees, and deposit refund terms.
- 2Take photos and video of the bodywork, interior, tyres and fuel level before driving off.
- 3Make sure the car's papers and the roadside assistance number are in the car.
- 4If you plan to drive to Oman, get permission and cross-border insurance from the company in advance.
- 5When you return the car, get a written damage-free return receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car in Dubai with a foreign licence?
Yes. Visitors from RTA-listed countries can use their home licence; others need an International Driving Permit together with their home licence.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai?
Usually 21; for luxury and sports cars, 25 and sometimes more driving experience.
When is the rental deposit returned?
Usually 14–30 days after returning the car, after fines and Salik tolls are deducted.
How much is Salik in Dubai?
Since 1 June 2026, AED 6.30 at peak times and AED 4.20 at other times; free between 1 and 6 am.
Can I drive a rental car to Abu Dhabi or Oman?
Driving between emirates is allowed; to enter Oman you need the rental company's permission and separate insurance.
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