The credit-card hold is normally released within about 14–30 days of returning the car. Rental companies wait for late Salik tolls and traffic fines to appear before releasing it — Dubai's rules require release within 30 days. Because it's a hold, the money reappears as available credit rather than as a visible refund transaction.
Why the wait
Toll crossings and camera fines can take days or weeks to reach the rental company after your trip. The desk keeps the hold in place until it's confident nothing more is coming, then releases whatever remains. It's frustrating, but it's standard practice across Dubai — and the 30-day ceiling is the rule desks work to.
What you'll see on your statement
A hold release usually doesn't appear as a transaction at all — the blocked amount simply becomes available credit again. If your deposit was charged rather than held (more common with debit cards), you'll see an actual refund land instead, which can take longer to process.
What can be deducted
- Salik tolls and Abu Dhabi toll crossings
- Traffic fines, plus any admin fee per fine
- Missing fuel and refuelling fees
- Documented damage found at return
If it's late — and how to protect yourself
Past 30 days with no release? Contact your card issuer to confirm nothing is still blocked, then open a support ticket with your voucher and return details so we can chase the rental company. Best habit of all: photograph the car and the fuel gauge at pickup and again at return — five minutes that settles most disputes. More deposit and payment answers live in payments & account help and car rental help.