Most tourists find out they’re missing something important at the rental desk. Not before. At the desk.
That’s the worst possible moment. You’ve just landed at Dubai International Airport, you’re tired, your luggage is heavy, and now the agent is asking for a document you don’t have. It’s avoidable. Almost entirely. If you sort this before you travel, the whole thing takes ten minutes.
Here’s exactly what you need to rent a car in Dubai as a tourist and what to have ready before you get anywhere near the counter.
Yes. Easily. People hire cars in Dubai on a daily basis.
If you know what is required, the process is simple. The rules are set by UAE Federal Traffic Law and are enforced by RTA on Dubai Roads. Providers follow those rules consistently. Know what’s expected and there’s nothing complicated about it.
Here’s the full list. No extras, no surprises:
For tourists:
That last one catches people. Some providers accept debit cards with a higher deposit, sometimes up to AED 5,000 held on the card. Confirm this before you show up in person.
This is the question that trips people up most.
Many providers in Dubai will accept your home country driving licence in its original language, English or Arabic. No IDP needed.
If your license is in any other language like Hindi, Russian, Chinese, French, Korean, you need an International Driving Permit alongside the original license. An IDP is just a translated version of your license recognized internationally. Get it in your home country before you travel. It takes a few days and is far easier to sort at home than to chase down in Dubai after landing.
GCC driving license holders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar don’t need an IDP at all. A valid GCC driving license is accepted directly across the UAE.
The minimum age to rent a standard car in Dubai is 21.
Some providers require 25 for luxury or high-performance vehicles. Drivers under 25 often pay a young driver surcharge, it’s not huge but worth factoring into the budget.
Experience matters too. Most providers want at least one year of active driving history. A brand-new license from your home country may not be enough on its own.
Every rental requires a refundable security deposit. The amount varies by vehicle category and provider.
Credit cards are the standard method. The deposit is held as a pre-authorization, it’s not charged, just blocked on your card until the vehicle comes back in the same condition it left.
Ask two things before you sign: how much the deposit is, and how many days the refund takes after return. Some providers release it in 24 hours. Others take a week. That gap matters if you’re travelling on a tight budget.
Basic insurance is included in most rental packages. It covers third-party damage, other vehicles and property.
It does not cover the rental vehicle itself beyond a limited threshold. Car rental insurance for tourists with comprehensive coverage does. For most trips in Dubai, upgrading to comprehensive is worth the additional daily cost. If the car is damaged in a collision, the difference in your financial exposure is significant.
Both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) have rental desks.
How to rent a car in Dubai airport is straightforward, you collect directly from the terminal. Convenient. But airport rates are consistently higher than pre-booked online rates for the same vehicle.
Book online in advance and choose airport collection. You get the convenience without the walk-up premium.
The inspection one is important. Walk around every panel before you accept the car. Take photos and a short video. Send them to yourself immediately so they’re time-stamped. Five minutes at pickup can save a real dispute in return.
Hala Drive offers tourist-friendly car rental across economy, sedan, and SUV categories with clear documentation requirements and airport collection available. Worth checking before you book anywhere else.
Do tourists need an IDP to rent a car in Dubai?
It depends on your license language. English and Arabic licenses are usually accepted directly. All other languages require an International Driving Permit alongside the original license.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai as a tourist?
21 years for most standard vehicles. Some providers require 25 for luxury or high-performance categories. Young driver surcharges may apply under 25.
Can I use a debit card for the security deposit at Dubai car rentals?
Some providers accept debit cards but require a significantly higher deposit, sometimes up to AED 5,000. Credit cards are the standard method. Always confirm with the provider before arriving.
Are Salik charges included in tourist rental packages?
No. Salik toll charges are always the driver’s responsibility. They are never included in any rental package regardless of what’s advertised.
The UAE can be overwhelming at first — in the best possible way. Between Dubai's skyline, Abu Dhabi's culture, the deserts, the souks, and the sheer variety of things to do, knowing where to start isn't obvious. Our guides are written to help you make the most of your time here, whether you're staying for a weekend or a month — without the usual tourist traps.
