Your Guide to Driving in Dubai | Live and Work in Dubai

Q: How much does it cost to buy a car in Dubai?

The cost of buying a car in the city averages around AED85,000 for a new car, in addition to registration fees of approximately AED400 or more.

Q: How much does car insurance cost?

Car insurance costs vary depending on the car and insurance provider, but typically start around AED2,400.

Q: Are second-hand cars cheaper?

Second-hand cars are almost always cheaper than first-hand , but several factors must be evaluated prior to purchase. Available data indicate that new cars in Dubai depreciate at a rate of around 20% within the first year, and 15% to 20% more for every year after.

Q: Can I get a bank offer or loan to buy a car in Dubai?

Getting a car using a bank loan is a popular option in Dubai. Most banks will finance 80% of the car’s value, and payment options differ based on bank, car model and year, and the age of the car if it is used. Banks may require the applicant to prove a minimum salary for a certain period of time to provide approval.

Getting around Dubai by car

Dubai and the UAE follow the right-hand drive system, where drivers must stick to the right-hand side of the roads, and the steering wheel is on the left. Every resident needs a valid driving licence to drive in Dubai, while non-residents usually need a valid international driving licence from their home country.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai oversees the processes of licensing and vehicle registration in the city, and is in charge of traffic rules and regulations. The RTA also maintains the city’s road network.

Key highways

E11 – this is an arterial highway running across six of the seven Emirates of the UAE (except Fujairah)
Sheikh Zayed Road – this is a toll road and forms the central part of the E11 running across Dubai, covering many of the city’s key landmarks, including Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future and Bur Dubai
E311 – also known as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, this is a toll-free highway that connects Dubai to neighbouring Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain
E44 – called Al Khail Road in Dubai, this is also a toll-free highway that connects the city to Hatta. It has multiple exits leading to various Dubai neighbourhoods, including JLT (Jumeirah Lakes Towers), Deira, Ras Al Khor and more.
E66 – this road connects Dubai to Al Ain, starting at Wafi City and running perpendicular to E311 and E11

How to get a driving licence in Dubai

Getting a licence is a simple process, following the rules set by the RTA. Enrolling in and completing a training programme from an RTA-approved driving school is mandatory. This equips candidates with the skills and knowledge to safely navigate roads with confidence.

Driving licence for people of determination

Dubai is an inclusive city, empowering people of determination to pursue and obtain a driver’s licence as long as they meet certain set conditions based on recommendations from relevant medical reports.

Customised classes accommodate people of determination, with necessary adjustments to help the driver overcome challenges. Drivers with certain physical disabilities can modify their privately owned vehicles accordingly and train with adaptive driving equipment.

Transition to a valid Dubai driver licence

Residents who already hold a driver’s licence in another country can transfer it in the UAE, including Dubai, by visiting a driver’s licence department with the following documents:

Original driving licence from eligible country + copies
Original passport, along with a copy
Eye test results from an approved testing centre
No objection letter from sponsor (if required)

Additional documents, such as a consulate letter or translation of the original country driving licence may be necessary for licences from Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Japan, Poland and South Korea.

List of countries eligible for licence transfers

Driving schools

Multiple RTA-approved driving schools in Dubai offer a variety of services for residents and visitors, including:

Driving courses for beginners
Refresher courses for experienced drivers
Licence transfer services

Dive deeper

Learn more about the full procedure of obtaining a driver’s licence in Dubai.

Visit RTA

Renting a car

Residents with valid driver’s licences and visitors holding a valid international driver’s licence can rent a car in Dubai. The driver must be at least 21 years old, and the rental vehicle must be registered under the driver’s name or that of a first-degree relative. Tourists holding a valid driver’s licence from the GCC, US, UK, Canada and several European countries can rent cars on a daily or monthly basis in Dubai without the need for an international driver’s permit. However, these rules are subject to change. Please check with the RTA or the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE for the latest rules and regulations.

Most rental companies require a credit card for a signing amount that will be kept on hold to cover any fees or fines incurred during the rental period. Car insurance is mandatory in Dubai and all car rentals include policies that offer third-party cover. Additional insurance covers are available at extra cost.

In most cases, you won’t be able to drive a rented vehicle outside the UAE, although some agencies make this possible with additional fees and paperwork. Please verify this detail before renting, if you intend to drive outside the country.

Required documents

Documents needed to rent a car in Dubai vary for tourists, expatriates and citizens. Expatriates may need to provide:

Valid UAE driving licence
Residency visa copy
Passport copy
Valid Emirates ID

Tourists must submit their: original passport, visit visa, home country driving licence (valid at the time of application) and an international driving licence (if applicable, valid for the duration of stay).

Car rental fees depend on the choice of rental company, vehicle type and duration. Most providers offer flexible options, with daily, weekly and monthly terms. Prices usually start at approximately AED50 per day.

Buying a new car

Dubai has numerous dealerships that offer a range of vehicles and payment plans. Residents who want to purchase a car must submit the following:

UAE residency visa + copy
Passport + copy
UAE residence ID (Emirates ID)
Valid UAE driver’s licence
Valid insurance documents

Additional documents will be required for a car purchase through bank loans, including salary certificate or employer’s letter, bank statements (usually three to six months prior to purchase), and bank loan statements.

Buying a used car

Buying a used car in Dubai requires the same documents as purchasing a new one, with some additions – such as an existing, valid registration card for the used vehicle and an inspection certificate from an authorised vehicle testing centre.

Some things to consider when purchasing a used car:

Check for outstanding fines before registering – the new owner shall be responsible for paying any overdue fines not settled by the previous owner. Fines can be checked by entering the car plate number on the Dubai Police website or the RTA website. If there are dues, you can pay parking fines online in Dubai.
Obtain a full inspection report and details of the history of the car, including accidents and repairs
A used vehicle bought using bank financing cannot be transferred to another person without a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the bank

Fees for registering a car in Dubai:

AED420 minimum for car registration
AED220 for opening a traffic file
Additional AED350 for transfer of used car ownership

Car registration must be renewed every year. A fine of AED25 per month will be incurred for every month missed.

Expected costs

How much does it cost to buy a car in Dubai?

How much does car insurance cost?

Are second-hand cars cheaper?

Can I get a bank offer or loan to buy a car in Dubai?

Getting auto insurance

Having car insurance is mandatory for all Dubai vehicle owners (the insurance is usually provided by the agency in case of rented vehicles).

Things to know about car insurance:

Many types of insurance are available. Most commonly, motorists go for third-party insurance, which covers bodily injury and any damage done to property by the owner’s vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance extends to the owned vehicle, covering accidents, theft or natural disasters. Platforms like Insurance Market provide guides to understand more about insurance options.
Car insurance in Dubai typically ranges from 1.25% to 3% of the car’s value. Factors such as previous insurance claims, the driver’s age and licence history may affect these rates. It is advisable to compare insurance rates and conditions between various providers before making a final choice.

Car insurance documents

Car insurance expires after a 12-month period, with a 30-day grace period for renewal. Driving without car insurance incurs a fine of AED500, as well as 4 black points on the driving licence. The car may even be impounded for seven days.

Driver’s licence
Previous insurance claims
Vehicle registration card
Model, size and vehicle manufacture year
RTA transfer certificate (for second-hand vehicles)

Car insurance companies

Watania Takaful
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Liva Insurance
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Sukoon Insurance
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Adamjee Insurance
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Keeping your car roadworthy

Dubai has several toll gates, each incurring a fee called Salik. Every car needs an activated Salik tag with a credit balance, which is crucial to avoid fines. Salik tags can be purchased at RTA customer service centres, some branches of gas stations like Emarat, ADNOC, EPPCO/ENOC, as well as banks and the online RTA portal.

Salik tags can be activated through:
• Salik website or mobile app
• Dubai Drive application
• Dubai Now application
• Customer happiness centres

Topping up Salik balance can be done via the Salik helpline, website, mobile app, SMS and cash deposit machines.

Petrol stations are conveniently located across the city, from providers like ADNOC, ENOC and Emarat. Fuel prices can vary, but average at approximately AED3 per litre. Several petrol station chains offer loyalty programmes, and Dubai also has services like CAFU that offer fuel delivery to any location in the city (some fuel chains also offer similar services).

Petrol stations chain that offer fuel delivery

Parking areas in Dubai are divided into multiple zones (commercial, non-commercial and special, designated with alphabets from A to K). Zone codes can differ even on the same street, so pay attention to avoid getting a parking fine in Dubai.

Paid hourly parking is enforced from 8am to 10pm in most zones (timings may differ during the holy month of Ramadan). Parking is free on Sundays and public holidays.

Typically, parking costs around AED2 to AED4 per hour. Payment can be made at designated parking metres, by using the mParking service via SMS, or via the RTA app.

Ample parking space and alternative modes of transport make Modhesh World an easily accessible destination for families

Regular maintenance and servicing are essential to keep cars safe, reliable and roadworthy. Most neighbourhoods have specialised car service companies, including car garages and workshops, auto washes and roadside assistance. Some are even present within major petrol stations.

Regular maintenance and servicing to keep cars safe,

This service is available either via the car’s insurance provider or by calling a roadside assistance service. Additionally, stranded drivers can contact Dubai Police for help.

Use the official Dubai Police app to report any accidents or mishaps on the road. An official police report is mandatory for insurance claims and intervention, and to get repairs in auto garages or workshops for cars that have been involved in any kind of accident.

Using app to report mishaps, incidents on road

Quick tips for driving in Dubai

Know the speed limits: streets in the city have a 'buffer zone' of 20kmph over the stated speed limit. Drivers and motorists must stay within this limit to ensure road safety and avoid driving fines in Dubai. Streets are monitored by radar and fines will be automatically applied on any vehicle violating traffic rules or exceeding the speed limits.
Know the local road rules and regulations thoroughly
Use RTA Smart Drive to navigate the city better
Always ensure that the driver and all passengers are wearing their seatbelts. This improves safety and helps owners avoid fines and black points.
All drivers must be 18 years of age or older to drive in the city
Maintain a safe driving distance