Easy Way Blog EN
Dubai is easy to explore by car. The city’s neighbourhoods are spread out, and day trips to Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah or Abu Dhabi become much simpler when you are not tied to public transport schedules. However, renting a car in Dubai may work differently from car hire in your home country. Before booking, understand the document requirements, insurance, deposit, road tolls and return conditions.

Documents required

Tourists usually need a passport, proof of legal entry into the UAE, a driving licence and a payment card. Whether you can drive using your national licence depends on the country that issued it and your visa status. Visitors from certain countries may use their national licence during a short stay. Other drivers may need the original International Driving Permit together with their home-country licence.

Before paying, send a clear photo of your licence to the rental company. The team can confirm that the documents are accepted for the vehicle you want to book.

Driver age and additional drivers

Minimum age requirements depend on the rental company, insurance policy and vehicle category. Entry-level city cars usually have less restrictive requirements than high-performance sports cars, convertibles and luxury vehicles. Some models may require an older driver or a minimum number of years of experience.

When two people plan to drive, both should be listed in the rental agreement. Giving the car to an unregistered driver may affect insurance coverage.

What to check in the agreement

Do not compare offers using the daily rate alone. Ask about included mileage, insurance, the renter’s possible liability, the security deposit and the release period. Confirm how Salik tolls, parking and fines are charged, whether travel to other emirates is allowed, and the cost of delivery, a child seat or an additional driver.

Ask the company to send the agreement in advance. Reading it before delivery is more comfortable than reviewing the conditions while the driver is waiting.

Inspecting the vehicle

Inspect the body, wheels, glass and interior. Record a short walk-around video and focus on scratches, rims, bumpers and the windscreen. Make sure visible marks are included in the inspection report or acknowledged in writing.

Check the fuel level, mileage, air conditioning, lights, cameras and parking sensors. For an electric vehicle, confirm the charging cables and the required battery level at return.

Insurance and responsibility

The word “insurance” does not always mean that every type of damage is fully covered. The agreement may include an excess, while tyres, rims, interior damage, glass, off-road use or incidents without an official police report may have separate conditions.

If an accident or damage occurs, contact the rental company immediately and follow its instructions. Do not arrange repairs without written approval.

Salik, parking and fines

Salik is Dubai’s electronic road toll system. There are no barriers: crossings are recorded automatically, and the rental company adds the charges to the final invoice or deducts them from the deposit. Rates vary by time, so check current information before travelling.

Paid parking operates in many areas. Check the zone code, chargeable hours and payment method. Traffic and parking fines may reach the rental company after the vehicle has been returned, which is one reason deposits are not always released immediately.

Choosing the right vehicle

A compact sedan or crossover is practical for the city. Families with children and luggage may prefer an SUV or seven-seater. A premium sedan works well for business travel, while a convertible or sports car is ideal when the vehicle itself is part of the Dubai experience.

Easy Way offers Affordable, SUV/Sedan, Premium, Sport and 7-Seater categories. Send the team your dates, passenger count and approximate route to receive a suitable recommendation.
Browse the Easy Way fleet and send your travel dates to the team to receive a vehicle recommendation for your route and group size.

FAQ

Can I rent without an International Driving Permit?

It depends on the country that issued your licence and your UAE status. Ask the rental company to confirm eligibility before payment.

Can I drive to other emirates?

Usually yes, but check the rental agreement for specific restrictions.

When is the deposit returned?

The timing depends on the agreement and the period needed to check tolls, parking, fines and damage.