Car rental — help & FAQs

What should I do if I have an accident in a rental car in Dubai?Call Dubai Police first — a police report is legally required for every accident, and insurance claims are impossible without one.
Can I extend my car rental in Dubai?Yes — but arrange it with the desk before your contracted return time. Just keeping the car triggers late fees and can void cover.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive late for my rental car pickup?Add your flight number and the airport desk tracks the delay and holds your car — without it, only a limited grace period protects you.
Can someone else drive my rental car in Dubai?Only drivers named on the agreement are covered — including spouses. Adding a driver is cheap; an unauthorised one voids the insurance.
Can I cancel my car rental booking for free?Most rates cancel free up to 24–48 hours before pickup — the exact deadline is on your rate and confirmation email.
Where do I pick up my rental car at Dubai Airport (DXB)?Rental desks sit in or near the arrivals halls at DXB Terminals 1, 2 and 3, mostly 24/7 — your voucher names the exact desk.
Is there a young driver fee for car rental in Dubai?Drivers aged 21–24 usually pay roughly AED 20–50 per day extra, and some car groups are blocked entirely below 25.
How does pay-at-pick-up car rental work?Send an inquiry, the local rental company confirms availability and price, and you pay when you collect the car — nothing is charged online.
How long do I need to have had my licence to rent a car in Dubai?Most desks want the licence held 12+ months, and premium categories often ask for 2–3 years. Brand-new licences get refused.
Is there a mileage limit on rental cars in Dubai?Many daily rates cap you at 200–300 km per day; extra kilometres cost roughly AED 0.5–3 each. Unlimited rates exist too.
What is the fuel policy on rental cars in Dubai?Most Dubai rates are full-to-full: collect full, return full — or pay for missing fuel plus a refuelling fee well above pump prices.
Is full excess insurance worth it for a Dubai car rental?If an unexpected AED 1,500–5,000 charge would hurt, zero-excess cover usually earns its keep — small scratches are the most common charge.
What does CDW insurance cover on a Dubai rental car?CDW caps your damage liability at the excess — but tyres, glass, keys and rule-breaking are on you. Know the gaps.
When do I get my car rental deposit back in Dubai?Deposit holds are normally released 14–30 days after return — desks wait for late tolls and fines before letting go.
Can I rent a car in Dubai with a debit card?Most desks decline debit cards for the deposit hold — but a few rates accept them with extra conditions. Check before you book.
What happens if I don't show up for my car rental?No-shows forfeit prepaid amounts and can trigger a fee — while a heads-up or flight number usually keeps your car waiting.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Dubai?Tourists: passport, licence (plus IDP if needed) and a credit card in the driver's name. Residents: Emirates ID and UAE licence.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Dubai?Most cars need drivers aged 21+, with surcharges at 21–24 and higher floors for premium models. Enter your age when searching.
What happens if I get a traffic fine in a rental car in Dubai?Fines go to the rental company first, then get rebilled to your card — often with an admin fee, sometimes weeks after your trip.
How do Salik tolls work with a rental car in Dubai?Every Dubai rental car has a Salik tag — gates charge automatically and the rental company rebills you after the trip.
Can I drive a Dubai rental car to Oman?Only with the rental company's advance written permission, a No Objection Certificate and Oman insurance — arranged days ahead.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Dubai?Many licences are accepted directly in Dubai — others must be paired with an International Driving Permit. Check which group yours falls into.
Can I pick up a rental car at Al Maktoum Airport (DWC)?Yes — several desks serve DWC, some as meet-and-greet or delivery. Choice is smaller than DXB, so check your voucher's instructions.
Can I drive a Dubai rental car to Saudi Arabia?Almost never — UAE rental agreements prohibit it and insurance stops at the border. Fly and rent locally instead.
Do I need a child seat in a rental car in Dubai?UAE law requires a child seat under age 4 (AED 400 fine) and keeps under-10s out of the front. Add seats when booking.
Which driving licences are accepted for car rental in Dubai?GCC, US, UK, Canada, EU/EEA, Australia and several other licences work directly — everyone else pairs theirs with an IDP.
How much is the security deposit for a rental car in Dubai?Typically an AED 1,000–3,500 hold on the main driver's credit card for standard cars — higher for premium classes.
Can I return my rental car in a different city or emirate?One-way rentals are often possible — search with a different drop-off and the AED 100–500 drop fee is included in the price you see.
Can I drive my Dubai rental car to Abu Dhabi and other emirates?Yes — all seven emirates are covered on standard Dubai rentals at no extra charge. Just watch Abu Dhabi tolls and your mileage cap.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Dubai?Yes — almost every rental desk needs a physical credit card in the main driver's name for the refundable deposit hold.