Long-term car rental for tourists in Dubai: When does it make sense?

Long-term car rental in Dubai has become a favorite among travelers staying longer than a typical holiday. With affordable monthly rates, low fuel costs, and easy travel across emirates, renting a car for weeks or months can be a wise, cost-effective choice, often more convenient than daily rentals or taxis.

However, the main question remains: When is a long-term rental in Dubai actually the best choice?

Long-term rentals are best for travellers and residents who need a vehicle for more than three weeks in Dubai. This offers you the convenience and flexibility of a car without having to buy a whole new vehicle.

In Dubai, many people enjoy renting a car for long business trips, corporate getaways, exploring multiple emirates, family vacations, and staying flexible with plans. However, hiring a vehicle for such an extended period requires some knowledge of long-term rentals in Dubai and when such arrangements are most suitable.

This blog covers everything you need to know before renting a long-term car in Dubai, and when it makes sense.

Basic things about long-term rentals in Dubai that you must know

• Crossing the border to Oman

  Supplier allows travel within the UAE, but there are significantly fewer suppliers that may permit renting a vehicle to cross into Oman. Moreover, crossing borders to Oman requires additional insurance, border permits, and most importantly, prior approval and mention in the rental agreement.

  So, read your selected company’s rental terms to see if they offer crossing borders to Oman.

• Mileage policies

  Be mindful when choosing the mileage policy for your long-term rental car in Dubai. Usually, two types of mileage policies are offered by the suppliers:-

  • Limited mileage policy

    Under the limited-mileage policy, there is a distance limit. You are given a specific amount of distance to cover, beyond which an extra charge will apply per kilometer.

  • Unlimited mileage policy

    With the unlimited mileage policy, you are free to travel as far as you like without having to worry about extra charges for more kilometers. Many people find this mileage policy very convenient, as it takes the stress out of worrying about reaching a mileage limit.

• Fuel policies

  Typically, three types of fuel policies are offered by the suppliers for rentals in Dubai. Select your preferred policy:-

  • Same-to-same fuel policy

    According to the same-to-same fuel policy, you are expected to return the same quantity of fuel in the tank as was in the vehicle at pick-up. In case of less fuel, ‘missing fuel’ charges shall apply, but there would not be any reimbursement for extra fuel.

  • Full-to-full fuel policy

    Under a full-to-full fuel policy, you get a full tank of fuel during pick-up and are expected to return it the same way. It is a popular fuel policy as it allows paying only for the amount of fuel consumed throughout the rental period. However, ‘missing fuel’ charges shall apply in case of less fuel.

  • Empty-to-empty fuel policy

    Under an empty-to-empty fuel policy, the rental company provides the vehicle with an empty fuel tank, and you are free to return it with an empty tank. However, if any fuel remains, no reimbursement shall be made.

• Rental extension

  You can easily extend your car hire if your visit or stay happens to be longer than planned. It is recommended to check with the rental company beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly. Just keep in mind that prices may change depending on the season and available inventory.

Some rules and regulations in Dubai

Below are some of the basic driving rules and regulations of Dubai that must be followed at all times:-

• Speed limits

  Make sure to follow the speed limits posted along the roadside. Some of the standard speed limits of Dubai are as follows:

  Areas	Speed limits
  Residential area	35-40 km/h
  Urban areas	40-80 km/h
  Highways	100-120 km/h

• Right-side driving and seatbelts

  Dubai drives on the right-hand side with the steering wheel on the left, so please overtake cautiously and do so from the left. Remember to wear your seatbelt at all times. Ensuring all passengers follow these rules will help make your rental experience smooth.

• Alcohol limits

  Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. The blood alcohol limit for all drivers, both citizens and travelers, must be 0.00%.

  If you are involved in an accident and test positive for blood alcohol, severe penalties such as fines ranging from around AED 20,000 to AED 100,000 can be imposed, and you may face imprisonment. Additionally, if you are a foreigner, you may be deported.

• No mobile phone usage

  It is strictly prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving in Dubai. It is advised to use a hands-free device and make sure that your GPS navigation device is voice-activated so you don’t have to hold it while driving.

• Salik toll rules and costs

  Salik is Dubai’s electronic toll system, with no toll booths in place. The Salik tags are installed on the windshields of the rental cars, and the amount gets automatically deducted as you pass the Salik gate. Toll charges range from around AED 4 to AED 6, depending on the time of day.

• Daily parking costs

  The daily parking fees for a rental car in Dubai vary depending on the area you park in.

  Typically, the parking fees in Zone 1 range from about 10 AED to 20 AED for a full day. Places in premium zones, marked with blue and white lines, often used as parking commercial spots, may cost around 3 AED per hour, with a 4-hour limit.

  It is better to find accommodations that offer free parking garages so you don’t have to pay extra for parking in Dubai.

Maintenance and vehicle reliability

• Routine maintenance for 1–6 month rentals

  The rental company handles the vehicle's routine maintenance, including oil changes, servicing, and tyre checks. Supplier schedules and covers all these services. At the same time, the renter is only responsible for fuel costs and minor damages that may occur during the rental period.

• Breakdown assistance

  Most long-term rental deals usually include 24/7 roadside assistance, where the wait time can range from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the location. In case of a vehicle breakdown or any other issue, the provider offers a car replacement. However, a replacement may be done depending on the available inventory.

Tourist-specific documentation requirement

You must keep the following documents handy for a smooth long-term rental pick-up in Dubai:-

• Passport or proof of ID
• A valid credit card of the main driver
• Driver’s license (in the name of the main driver with no major endorsements)
• International Driving Permit (IDP, if your domestic license is not in the Roman alphabet)
• Rental confirmation voucher

• International Driving Permit (IDP)

  Make sure to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your original driving license is not in the Latin alphabet. If your country does not issue an IDP, you may present an official translation of your driver’s license along with your domestic license at the rental desk during pick-up.

• Credit card

  A credit card is essential for renting a long-term vehicle in Dubai. The deposit amount is temporarily held on the main driver's credit card. It is fully released at the end of the rental period, provided the vehicle is returned without damage.

Seasonal price variations

• High-season spikes

  Car rental prices often go up during the busy season from October to February. With more people needing cars and fewer available, prices tend to increase. To secure your favorite vehicle and avoid stress, it is always better to book early so you have everything ready for your travel plans.

• Summer discount months

  During the off-peak season in Dubai from June to August, car rental prices may see a drop. This is a great time to grab some of the best summer offers and enjoy rental cars at a low-cost

People may ask

• Can I book a yearly car rental in Dubai?

  Yes, you can book a rental vehicle in Dubai for a year or longer, depending on your travel requirements. Many car rental companies offer great deals catering to your long-term rental needs. However, the cost may not be constant across suppliers and varies by company based on seasonality, rental duration, car category, and driver’s age.

• Can I add multiple drivers if I am renting for a long term in Dubai?

  Yes, you can get multiple drivers added to your car hire deal if renting for a long term in Dubai. Many rental car providers offer you the option to add drivers when making a reservation. Make sure to refer to the rental terms for the additional driver, and note that the documentation requirements for the added driver are the same as those of the main driver.

• How much is the cost of renting a luxury vehicle for a month in Dubai?

  The price of booking a long-term luxury rental in Dubai starts from around USD 28.80 per day. However, this price is not fixed. The rates may vary from company to company, depending on various factors such as age, vehicle model, seasonality, and rental duration.

• Can I extend my monthly rental if my visit to Dubai gets extended?

  Yes, you can extend your car hire period if your visit or stay gets longer. It is recommended to confirm with the rental company before the extension to ensure smooth operation. However, the prices may vary due to seasonality and availability.

• Are long-term rentals more affordable during certain months or seasons in Dubai?

  Yes, prices generally drop during the summer months in Dubai, from June to August. You may find the best car rental deals at the lowest rates during this period. However, prices might rise from October to February.

• Can tourists take the rental car from Dubai to Oman?

  Typically, car rental companies do not allow crossing the border into Oman from Dubai. However, companies that do permit crossing may require special permissions or licenses, Oman insurance, and specify this in the rental agreement. You must confirm with your car rental provider before booking.