Rent a car in Dubai: the complete 2026 guide

Dubai is designed for driving. Even though the metro covers a few central areas, it is limited for late-night plans, daily trips outside the core districts, and excursions.

• Freedom to travel at any time and follow your own schedule.
• Less time spent commuting across large districts.
• Easy access to beaches, malls, business areas, and attractions.
• Often better value than repeated taxi rides over multiple days.

Requirements depend on your status: tourist or UAE resident. Make sure your documents are valid and readable.

For Tourists:

• Valid passport
• Visit visa
• Valid driving license
• IDP (International Driving Permit) depending on nationality

For UAE Residents:

• Emirates ID
• UAE driving license

Traditional car rentals in Dubai often require a security deposit. However, many listings on Rentop now offer no deposit options.

You may see terms like "without deposit", "no deposit", or "deposit-free". This significantly reduces financial friction for many visitors.