
Tourists visiting Dubai can rent an economy car from AED 80/day with just a passport, valid driving license, and credit card. Most nationalities can use their home country license directly — no International Driving Permit needed. NextRide offers free hotel and airport delivery across Dubai with no hidden fees.
Why Tourists Prefer Renting a Car in Dubai
Taxis and ride-hailing add up quickly, especially if you’re exploring beyond the city. Renting a car gives you freedom to move at your own pace—whether you’re heading to the desert, JBR, Dubai Marina, or Abu Dhabi for a day trip.
Economy cars are the most popular choice for visitors because they’re easy to handle, fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly.
What documents do tourists need to rent a car in Dubai?
| Document | Tourists | UAE Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Required | Required |
| Home country driving license | Required | Not needed |
| UAE driving license | Not needed | Required |
| International Driving Permit | Only if home license not recognised | Not needed |
| Emirates ID | Not needed | Required |
| Credit card | Required (deposit) | Required (deposit) |
Tourists from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and most EU countries can use their home license directly. Always confirm with NextRide before booking if you’re unsure of the required documents.
Best Economy Cars for Tourists
If you’re visiting Dubai and want something affordable, reliable, and comfortable, some of the best options include:
| Model | Daily rate | Fuel efficiency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Baleno 2025 | From AED 80/day | ~18 km/litre | Budget travel, city driving |
| Hyundai Elantra | From AED 95/day | ~16 km/litre | Comfortable daily commuting |
| Kia Carens 2025 | From AED 110/day | ~14 km/litre | Families, groups of 5–7 |
| Hyundai Creta | From AED 120/day | ~13 km/litre | Weekend getaways, SUV comfort |
| Exeed LX 2026 | From AED 150/day | ~12 km/litre | Premium feel, airport transfers |
These cars are perfect for city driving and offer low fuel consumption, which is ideal when you’re moving around all day.
How much does tourist car rental cost in Dubai?
| Rental period | Economy car | SUV/Crossover |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | AED 80–150/day | AED 150–250/day |
| Weekly | AED 500–900/week | AED 900–1,500/week |
| Monthly | From AED 1,200/month | From AED 2,200/month |
Booking weekly or monthly saves up to 50% compared to daily rates.
Tips to Make Your Rental Experience Smooth
- Book ahead during peak season (October–April) — availability fills fast
- Choose comprehensive insurance for complete peace of mind
- Check mileage limits before confirming your booking
- Inspect the car for existing scratches at pickup and photograph them
- Use Google Maps or Waze — Dubai roads are well signposted but fast-moving
- Keep your passport copy and rental agreement in the car at all times
- Note that Salik toll charges are billed at the end of your rental period
Where can NextRide deliver your rental car in Dubai?
NextRide delivers directly to your hotel, Airbnb, or any Dubai address. Airport pickup is available at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum Airport (DWC). Just confirm your preferred location when booking via WhatsApp or the contact form.
Message us today to book your hassle-free next ride!



