Top 12 Car Rental Services in Dubai for Every Budget

The daily rate is the easy part of renting a car in Dubai. What you actually pay depends on the deposit, the Salik tolls and the fuel rules in the contract. At one global brand, up to AED 1,500 stays blocked on your card for as long as 21 working days after you return the car. Another company charges nearly double the pump price for any fuel you don’t put back.

So we compared the fine print, not just the headline prices. In October 2026 we checked the websites of 15 car rental services in Dubai and kept the 12 that publish the most. We looked at daily and monthly rates, deposit rules, fleet size and reviews. We didn’t rent from these companies, so everything here comes from what each one shows in public.

Every budget is covered. Economy cars start around AED 50 to 90 a day. Monthly plans with insurance included begin at about AED 1,190. At the top end, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan runs about AED 5,000 to 5,500 a day.

At a glance:

  • Best all-rounder: Quick Drive, with a price for every car on its site and a AED 500 deposit on most models
  • No deposit, strong reviews: Octane Rent, rated 4.9 from 1,795 Google reviews
  • Luxury pick: Trinity Rental, with Rolls-Royce models and no deposit

Compare 12 Rent a Car Companies in Dubai by Price, Deposit and Plan

Start here if you want the short version. The entry price is the lowest rate each company publishes for Dubai, and the deposit column shows what it asks you to put down. Everything was checked on the companies’ own websites in October 2026. Rates change often, especially in the winter peak.

CompanyBudget TierEntry PriceDepositMonthly OptionBest For
Quick DriveBudgetAED 87 a dayAED 500 on most cars, up to AED 2,000From AED 1,620Seeing every price before you book
Hertz UAEBudget to midAED 50 to 70 a day for economyCard hold, amount not publishedFour named plans, price on requestAirport pickup and structured monthly plans
Thrifty UAEMidShown when you bookAED 1,000 to 1,500 card holdYes, price on requestLate-night arrivals at DXB
Octane RentBudget to luxuryAED 60 a dayNoneFrom AED 1,645, before VATRenting without a deposit
SIXTMid to premiumShown when you bookNot published1 to 6 months, price on requestNewer cars and free cancellation
Shift Car RentalMidNot publishedZero-deposit optionYes, price on requestDelivery anywhere in the UAE
InvygoMonthly subscriptionAbout AED 1,190 a monthNone, small starter fee1, 3, 6 or 9 monthsOne fee with insurance and maintenance
DiamondleaseMid, long termNot publishedNot publishedRental and leasing, price on requestLong-term and company leasing
Europcar DubaiMidNot publishedAED 1,500, plus a traffic fine holdYes, price on requestMonthly rental with a car swap later
Trinity RentalLuxuryRolls-Royce from about AED 4,950 a dayNoneMonthly day rates on requestA Rolls-Royce for a weekend or wedding
eZhireBudgetAbout AED 1,599 a monthUnclear, its own pages conflictYes, plus 3-month subscriptionsApp booking with home delivery
Saadat RentBudgetAED 78 to 83 a dayAED 700 to 1,500 traffic fine fundOn requestTourists who want to pay the deposit in cash

A card hold and a deposit aren’t quite the same thing. A hold blocks the money on your credit card without taking it, and your bank releases it after the rental closes. A deposit paid by debit card or cash is actually taken and refunded later, which usually takes longer. The deposit section below compares every company’s rules, and the cost section covers the extras that sit on top of these prices.

Our Method for Picking the Best Car Rental Company in Dubai

Most “best car rental in Dubai” lists you’ll find are written by rental companies, and each one puts itself first. We don’t rent cars and none of these companies paid to appear here, so the order comes from one thing: what each company proves on its own website.

We started with every Dubai rental company that came up across a dozen searches. Booking marketplaces were left out, since they list other companies’ cars instead of running their own. That left 35 companies, and we went through their price pages, rental terms and public reviews in October 2026.

Here’s what moved a company up or down.

  • Prices you can see. A daily or monthly rate on the site beat “contact us for a quote.” A full price table per car scored highest.
  • Deposit rules in writing. We gave extra weight to companies that state the deposit amount, how it’s held and how long the refund takes. This is where renters most often get surprised.
  • Scale and track record. Fleet size, branch count and years in business show how a company copes with a breakdown or a busy holiday week.
  • Reviews with a count. A 4.9 rating carries more weight when 1,795 people stand behind it than when 40 do.

Daily to monthly range. A company that handles a weekend rental and a six-month plan ranked above one that offers only one.

Three luxury rental companies didn’t make the final 12. One had no website we could confirm, and the other two published almost nothing we could check.

Some companies still made the list with gaps or contradictions in their terms. Where that happens, the entry says so plainly, and those problems pulled them lower in the order.

A few limits apply. Some numbers come straight from the companies, like fleet sizes and review totals shown on their own sites, and we point those out. We didn’t rent any of these cars or confirm trade licences with the authorities. Check the final price and deposit terms in writing before you pay.

The 12 Top Car Rental Services in Dubai

Each entry starts with quick facts, then covers what we found in the company’s own terms and price pages. Prices are the lowest published rates for Dubai as of October 2026.

1. Quick Drive

Quick facts:

  • Website: quickdrive.ae
  • Established: 2015
  • Location: Jaddaf Heights, Dubai, with offices in Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah
  • Pickup: DXB Terminals 1, 2 and 3, DWC, or free delivery in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
  • Best for: Budget renters who want every price upfront
  • Fleet: 1,000+ cars, mostly economy cars and SUVs
  • Daily price: From AED 87 (Mitsubishi Attrage)
  • Monthly price: From AED 1,620
  • Deposit: AED 500 on most cars, up to AED 2,000
  • Google rating: 4.6 from 1,400+ reviews
  • Booking: Online, phone or WhatsApp

AED 500 is the number that sets Quick Drive apart. That’s the refundable deposit on most of its cars. Some rivals ask two or three times as much for the same class of car.

The rest of the pricing is just as easy to find. Every car on its site lists a daily, weekly and monthly rate. A Mitsubishi Attrage costs AED 87 a day or AED 1,620 a month, while a Hyundai Tucson runs AED 2,700 a month. Standard insurance is included. Salik is charged at AED 5 a gate with no admin fee on top, and paying online takes 10% off the bill.

The fleet leans practical. Most cars are MG, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and JAC models, and the luxury section holds only a couple of options.

One thing to watch. Its FAQ quotes AED 70 a day and AED 1,380 a month, but no car in its own price table goes that low.

2. Hertz UAE

Quick facts:

  • Website: hertz.ae
  • Operator: Al-Futtaim Automotive Group
  • Dubai branches: 12, including DXB Terminals 1 and 3, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Marina and Motor City
  • Best for: Residents who want a monthly plan matched to how far they drive
  • Fleet: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Volvo, Kia, Jeep and Polestar, including electric and hybrid cars
  • Daily price: From AED 50 to 70 for economy cars
  • Monthly plans: Four named plans, price on request
  • Deposit: Credit card hold, amount depends on the car. Debit cards aren’t accepted for the hold
  • Included: Basic insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Fuel policy: Full to full, or prepaid fuel
  • Booking: Website, app, branches

Hertz builds its monthly rentals around how far you drive. Urban Select gives you 2,500 km a month on a rolling contract. Daily Drive raises that to 4,000 km over one, three or six months. Super Saver goes further, with 5,000 km a month and comprehensive insurance for up to nine months. A separate Drive Green plan covers its electric and hybrid cars, such as the Polestar 2.

The weak spot is that none of these plans shows a price, so you’ll need a quote. Day rentals are clearer, with economy cars from AED 50 to 70.

Al-Futtaim runs the Hertz franchise in the UAE. Its Dubai network includes desks at DXB Terminals 1 and 3, and the site lists Emirates Skywards as a partner.

New residents should check one detail first. One Hertz page says your UAE licence must be six months old. Another says twelve.

3. Thrifty UAE

Quick facts:

  • Website: thriftyuae.com
  • Airport desks: DXB Terminals 1, 2 and 3, open 24/7
  • Service area: All seven emirates. Oman only through the Al Ain border, with prior approval
  • Best for: Late-night arrivals and drivers with a new UAE licence
  • Fleet: Nissan Sunny and Audi A3 up to the seven-seat Mazda CX-90, Nissan Patrol and Dodge Challenger
  • Daily price: Shown when you enter your dates
  • Monthly rental: Yes, with maintenance, comprehensive insurance and a replacement car included. Price on request
  • Deposit: AED 1,000 to 1,500 credit card hold, released within 14 to 21 working days
  • Minimum age: 21
  • Minimum rental: 24 hours
  • Booking: Website, phone or WhatsApp

Flights into Dubai often land in the middle of the night. Thrifty keeps its desks open around the clock at all three DXB terminals, so a 3 a.m. arrival doesn’t mean waiting for a counter to open.

Its deposit rules are the clearest we found. A credit card hold of AED 1,000 to 1,500 goes on at pickup, and your bank releases it within 14 to 21 working days. Pay by debit card and the money is taken outright instead. The refund can then take 30 days, minus a 2% bank deduction.

Newer drivers get a fair deal here. Thrifty accepts a fresh UAE licence from age 21, though premium cars may need a year behind the wheel. Monthly renters also get maintenance, comprehensive insurance and a replacement car if theirs breaks down.

Two costs need planning. The fleet page shows no prices, and every traffic fine comes with a 10% admin fee.

4. Octane Rent

Quick facts:

  • Website: octane.rent
  • Location: Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai, with branches in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
  • Best for: Renting without a deposit, from budget cars to supercars
  • Fleet: 400+ cars, from Nissan Sunny and Kia Pegas up to Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini
  • Daily price: From AED 60
  • Monthly price: From AED 1,645 before VAT, based on its cheapest live listing
  • Deposit: None
  • Mileage: 250 km a day. Extra km cost AED 2 to 10
  • Minimum age: 18, with no minimum driving experience
  • Delivery: Anywhere in Dubai, which the site says takes about 60 minutes
  • Ratings: Google 4.9 from 1,795 reviews. Trustpilot 4.7 from 42
  • Booking: Website, WhatsApp, Telegram or phone

Few rental companies in Dubai have the review volume Octane does. It holds a 4.9 rating from 1,795 Google reviews, and recent ones often name the staff member who handled the booking.

No deposit is its other big draw, and it applies across the fleet. That fleet runs to 400+ cars, from a Nissan Sunny to a Rolls-Royce or Lamborghini, with day rentals from AED 60. Its age rules are unusually relaxed as well. You can rent from 18 with no minimum driving experience.

Read the monthly terms closely, though. The same page quotes four different starting prices, from AED 1,290 to AED 1,650, while the cheapest car actually listed costs AED 1,645 before VAT. Mileage is capped at 250 km a day, with extra kilometers charged at AED 2 to 10 each. Salik, fuel and collision cover are all paid separately.

5. SIXT

Quick facts:

  • Website: sixt.com
  • Dubai branches: 6, covering DXB Terminals 1, 2 and 3, Sheikh Zayed Road, the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Umm Ramool
  • Best for: Travelers who want a newer car and flexible cancellation
  • Fleet: Premium brands only, averaging about three months old. Economy, compact, 4×4, convertible, luxury and minibus
  • Daily price: Shown when you enter your dates
  • Monthly rental: One to six months, with no credit check and next-day pickup. Price on request
  • Deposit: Not published
  • Cancellation: Free on “pay later” bookings
  • Minimum age: 21. Some car classes need an older driver, and an underage fee may apply
  • Rating: 4.5 from 6,448 Dubai customers in SIXT’s own post-rental survey
  • Booking: Website or the SIXT app

SIXT says its Dubai cars are about three months old on average, the freshest fleet claim among our 12. It also sticks to premium brands, so even its economy class tends to be a step up from basic hatchbacks.

The booking terms suit travelers whose plans might shift. Choose “pay later” and you can cancel for free. If you end up staying longer, monthly rentals run from one to six months with no credit check, and you can collect the car the next day.

Getting to a counter is easy too. Its six Dubai branches cover all three DXB terminals plus Sheikh Zayed Road.

What you won’t see upfront is a price or a deposit amount. Both appear only after you enter your dates. And the 4.5 rating on its site comes from SIXT’s own survey of 6,448 Dubai customers, not from Google.

6. Shift Car Rental

Quick facts:

  • Website: shiftcarrental.com
  • Owner: AW Rostamani Group, the UAE dealer for Infiniti
  • Founded: 2008, as Shift Leasing
  • Branches: 14 across the UAE, including City Centre Me’aisem in Dubai
  • Best for: Long rentals backed by a large group’s support network
  • Fleet: 12,000+ vehicles, plus a separate van and truck division
  • Daily price: Not published on the pages checked
  • Monthly rental: Daily, weekly and monthly rental, plus short and long-term leasing. Price on request
  • Deposit: Zero-deposit option shown on its Sharjah page
  • Support: 24/7 roadside and accident assistance
  • Delivery: To any location in the UAE
  • Booking: Website or app

Shift sits inside one of the UAE’s biggest motor groups. It belongs to AW Rostamani, the country’s Infiniti dealer, and it draws on the group for buying cars, maintenance and staff training. That backing supports a fleet of more than 12,000 vehicles.

The scale shows up where it matters on a long rental. Roadside and accident help runs 24/7, and cars can be delivered anywhere in the UAE. A separate division rents vans and trucks, which helps a business that needs both. Shift began in 2008 as a leasing company, so long-term plans are familiar ground.

It also says it’s the only rental company to win both the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award and the Dubai Quality Appreciation Programme award.

Prices are the gap. None appeared on the pages we checked. A zero-deposit option shows on its Sharjah page, so ask if it applies to your Dubai booking.

7. Invygo

Quick facts:

  • Website: invygo.com
  • Founded: 2018, based in Dubai Internet City
  • Model: Car subscription, not classic rental
  • Best for: New residents who want one monthly fee with insurance and maintenance included
  • Plans: Weekly, or monthly for 1, 3, 6 or 9 months. Subscribe-to-own also offered
  • Monthly price: From about AED 1,190
  • Deposit: None, but a small starter fee applies
  • Included: Insurance, servicing, maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance and free delivery
  • Car swap: Once a month
  • Discount: Up to 20% on longer terms
  • Booking: App or website

Invygo isn’t a rental company in the usual sense. It sells car subscriptions, so one monthly fee covers the car, insurance, servicing, roadside help and delivery to your door. You choose a term of one, three, six or nine months, and longer terms cut the price by up to 20%.

There’s no large deposit. A small starter fee at the beginning takes its place. You can also swap to a different car once a month, which suits someone who starts in a sedan and later needs an SUV.

Prices sit at the low end of the list. Its own blog shows an MG 5 at AED 1,190 a month and a Hyundai Grand i10 with 5,000 km included from about AED 1,290.

Two things to know. The same models appear at different prices across its blog posts, so check the live rate in the app. Its site also lists partner companies, so your car may come from one of them instead of Invygo itself.

8. Diamondlease

Quick facts:

  • Website: diamondlease.com
  • Owner: Al Habtoor Group, full owner since 2009
  • Founded: 1996
  • Head office: Dubai Investments Park, with branches including DXB Terminal 1, Al Quoz, Jebel Ali and Umm Al Rumool
  • Best for: Long-term rental and personal or company leasing
  • Fleet: 14,000+ dealer-maintained vehicles, per its company listing, including the JAC E30X electric car
  • Services: Daily and monthly rental, personal and corporate leasing, trucks, buses and chauffeur-driven cars
  • Certification: ISO 9001:2015
  • Daily price: Not published
  • Monthly rental: Offered, price on request
  • Deposit: Not published

Diamondlease has been renting cars in the UAE since 1996, longer than most names on this list. In 1999 it became the first local rental firm in the country to earn ISO certification, and it has held it ever since. The Al Habtoor Group has owned it outright since 2009.

Its strength is long-term driving. Personal and company leasing sit alongside daily and monthly rental, and the same company can supply trucks, buses or a car with a driver. The fleet is large too, at more than 14,000 dealer-maintained vehicles according to its company listing.

The network keeps growing. A new branch in Umm Al Rumool now serves Rashidiya and Ras Al Khor, and it opened alongside the JAC E30X electric car joining the fleet.

What’s missing is pricing. We found no rates or deposit terms online, so expect to call for a quote.

9. Europcar Dubai

Quick facts:

  • Website: europcar.com
  • In Dubai since: The 1970s (its own sites give both 1976 and 1977)
  • Branches: 14+ across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, including DXB Terminal 1
  • Best for: Residents who want a monthly rental with the option to move into a newer car later
  • Services: Daily, monthly and long-term rental, delivery and collection, one-way rental, 24-hour roadside assistance
  • Daily price: Not published
  • Monthly rental: Offered, price on request
  • Deposit: AED 1,500, plus a separate traffic fine hold
  • Restrictions: No off-road driving, smoking or pets
  • Rating: 2.8 from 98 ratings for its Terminal 1 branch, on a third-party listing site
  • Booking: Website

Europcar Dubai puts its deposit rules in writing, and they’re worth reading before you sign. Expect a AED 1,500 deposit at pickup, plus a separate hold for traffic fines. If you disagree with anything taken from it, you have to email the billing team within 30 days of returning the car.

The monthly offer has a useful twist. When a long rental ends, you can trade the car for a newer one instead of keeping an aging model. The company has operated in Dubai since the 1970s, and its branches cover the city and the Northern Emirates.

Its contract also bans off-road driving, smoking and pets in the car.

The weak point is customer feedback. Its Terminal 1 branch scores 2.8 from 98 ratings on a third-party listing site. That’s one branch and a small sample, but it’s the lowest score we found for any company here. No prices are published either.

10. Trinity Rental

Quick facts:

  • Website: trinityrental.com
  • Best for: A Rolls-Royce for a wedding, an event or a weekend
  • Fleet checked: Rolls-Royce Phantom, Cullinan, Ghost and Dawn, among other luxury models
  • Daily price: Cullinan AED 4,950 to 5,500. Phantom AED 8,000
  • Monthly rate: Cullinan works out to about AED 2,750 a day on a monthly rental, per its blog
  • Deposit: None on the Rolls-Royce pages checked
  • Mileage: 300 km a day on rentals longer than one day
  • Minimum age: 21 for its VIP cars
  • Extras: Chauffeur option available
  • Address and rating: Not found on the pages checked

Most people renting a Rolls-Royce in Dubai want it for a wedding, a big meeting or one memorable weekend. Trinity Rental is set up for exactly that, and its biggest selling point is what it doesn’t ask for.

UAE car guides from Dubizzle and Shory say luxury rentals usually carry deposits of AED 5,000 to 20,000. Trinity lists no deposit on its Rolls-Royce models. Its car pages put the Cullinan at AED 5,500 a day for one to three days and the Phantom at AED 8,000. Rent for more than a day and you get 300 km a day. You need to be 21, and a chauffeur can be added if you’d rather not drive.

The pricing isn’t fully consistent, though. Its blog quotes the Cullinan at AED 4,950 a day, so confirm the rate in writing. We also found little about the company itself, such as its address or a public rating.

11. eZhire

Quick facts:

  • Website: ezhire.ae
  • Legal name: eZhire Technologies FZ-LLC, also operating in Bahrain and Qatar
  • Best for: App booking with delivery to your door, and younger drivers
  • Plans: Daily, weekly and monthly, 3-month subscriptions, a 3-year subscribe-to-own plan, and a car with driver
  • Monthly price: About AED 1,599 for a Mitsubishi Attrage
  • Monthly includes: 3,000 km or more, standard insurance, roadside assistance and free delivery in Dubai
  • Deposit: Unclear. The page says none, but its FAQ mentions a deposit on your card
  • Minimum age: 18, with new drivers welcome
  • Flexibility: Free cancellation, extension and early return
  • Google rating: Not found
  • Booking: App, website or phone

eZhire is built for people who never want to visit a rental counter. You book in the app, upload your documents there, and the car arrives at your door. Delivery is free across Dubai.

The flexibility goes further than most. Cancelling, extending or returning the car early costs nothing extra. Drivers from 18 are welcome, including those with a brand-new licence. A month in a Mitsubishi Attrage runs about AED 1,599, with at least 3,000 km, standard insurance and roadside help included. Plans stretch from a single day to three-month subscriptions and a three-year subscribe-to-own option.

The deposit is where it gets confusing. The page headline says no deposit is needed, yet its own FAQ tells monthly renters to expect a “pre-approved deposit” on their card. Delivery time is described as both 10 minutes and a few hours. Get the deposit terms in writing before you book.

12. Saadat Rent

Quick facts:

  • Website: saadatrent.com
  • Legal name: Al Rooya Rent Car
  • Location: Bin Sougat Centre, Rashidiya, Dubai, with an office in Al Garhoud
  • Best for: Tourists who want to pay the deposit in cash
  • Daily price: From AED 78 to 83 (Mitsubishi Attrage), falling slightly after 7 and 20 days
  • Deposit: A traffic fine fund of AED 700 (economy), AED 900 (mid-range) or AED 1,500 (SUV and luxury), paid in cash or by card
  • Insurance: Basic free. Medium AED 17 a day. Full AED 27 a day
  • Delivery: AED 50 to DXB terminals or a Dubai address. Free to its own office
  • Fuel: Shortfall charged at AED 4.86 a litre
  • Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before pickup
  • Monthly rental: On request
  • Rating: 4.71 from 223 ratings on its own page
  • Booking: Online, phone or WhatsApp

Saadat Rent is one of the few companies here that accepts the deposit in cash. It calls it a traffic fine fund: AED 700 for an economy car, AED 900 for mid-range and AED 1,500 for SUVs and luxury models. That helps tourists who don’t carry a credit card.

Its insurance pricing is unusually clear. Basic cover is free. Medium cover costs AED 17 a day and caps your liability at AED 3,300, while full cover costs AED 27 a day with a AED 1,300 cap. Day rates start at AED 78 to 83 for a Mitsubishi Attrage, and cancelling 24 hours ahead costs nothing.

Several details pull it down the list. Fuel you don’t replace is charged at AED 4.86 a litre, close to double the pump price. Its own pages give two different luxury deposit amounts and two different refund times. Residents must also share a passport copy, because the cars belong to a company based outside Dubai.

No Deposit or AED 1,500? Dubai Rental Deposits Compared

The deposit is the part of a Dubai rental that catches people out. It isn’t a fee, but it can tie up your money for weeks after you’ve flown home. Here’s what each company on our list says in writing.

CompanyDepositHow it’s takenRefund time stated
Quick DriveAED 500 on most cars, up to AED 2,000Refundable deposit. Salik is deducted from itNot stated
Hertz UAEDepends on the carCredit card hold. Debit cards not accepted for the holdReleased after return, timing not stated
Thrifty UAEAED 1,000 to 1,500Credit card hold. A debit card payment is taken outright14 to 21 working days by card. Up to 30 days by debit, minus 2%
Octane RentNoneNot applicableNot applicable
SIXTNot publishedNot publishedNot stated
Shift Car RentalZero-deposit optionShown on its Sharjah pageNot applicable
InvygoNoneA small starter fee insteadNot applicable
DiamondleaseNot publishedNot publishedNot stated
Europcar DubaiAED 1,500, plus a traffic fine holdTaken at pickupDisputes must be raised within 30 days
Trinity RentalNone on Rolls-Royce modelsNot applicableNot applicable
eZhireUnclearIts page says none, its FAQ mentions oneNot stated
Saadat RentAED 700, 900 or 1,500 by car typeCash or cardGiven as both 30 days and 7 working days

Why do companies hold money at all? Traffic fines don’t appear instantly. Hertz says a speeding fine can take a few days to reach its system, and Thrifty checks for fines and Salik charges before it releases a hold. The deposit covers that gap.

A few habits will protect your money:

  • Pay with a credit card. A hold on a credit card blocks the money without taking it. A debit card payment is usually taken and refunded later, which is slower and can cost you a bank fee.
  • Ask for the refund time in writing. Most companies on this list don’t publish it.
  • Photograph the car at pickup and return. It’s your best defense if a damage charge is taken from the deposit.
  • Read the small print behind “no deposit.” Check what you’ll pay for fines, Salik and damage instead, and when those charges reach your card.

Luxury cars are a different market. UAE car guides from Dubizzle and Shory put typical deposits for sports and luxury cars at AED 5,000 to 20,000, which makes Trinity’s no-deposit policy on Rolls-Royce models stand out.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Dubai?

Property Finder’s guide puts economy cars at AED 80 to 150 a day. Our 12 companies show you can do better than that, if you know where the extra charges hide. All figures below are from the companies’ own sites in October 2026.

Daily and weekly rates

CarCompanyDailyWeekly
Economy (unnamed model)Hertz UAEAED 50 to 70Not published
Economy (cheapest listed)Octane RentFrom AED 60Not checked
Mitsubishi AttrageSaadat RentAED 78 to 83Not published
Mitsubishi AttrageQuick DriveAED 87AED 525
Nissan SunnySaadat RentAED 93 to 99AED 693
Hyundai TucsonQuick DriveAED 125AED 749
Rolls-Royce CullinanTrinity RentalAED 4,950 to 5,500Not published

A week usually costs about six days’ worth at the daily rate. Quick Drive’s Attrage works out to AED 75 a day over seven days, against AED 87 for a single day.

Monthly car rental prices

Monthly rental is where the real savings sit. The cheapest plans on our list cost less for a month than some companies charge for three weeks of daily hire.

CarCompanyMonthly priceWhat’s included
MG 5 (2022)InvygoAbout AED 1,190Insurance, maintenance, roadside help, delivery
Mitsubishi AttrageeZhireAbout AED 1,5993,000 km or more, insurance, roadside help, delivery
Mitsubishi AttrageQuick DriveAED 1,620Insurance, maintenance, roadside help
Nissan SunnyOctane RentAED 1,645, before VATBasic insurance, maintenance, 250 km a day
Hyundai TucsonQuick DriveAED 2,700Insurance, maintenance, roadside help

Hertz, Thrifty, SIXT, Shift, Diamondlease and Europcar all offer monthly rental too, but you’ll need a quote for each.

The extras that add up

The rate on the screen is rarely the full bill. These are the extras our companies list in their own terms:

ExtraExample from our list
Salik tollsAED 5 per gate at Quick Drive, with no admin fee
Traffic fine admin10% added to each fine at Thrifty
Fuel shortfallAED 4.86 a litre at Saadat Rent, against pump prices of AED 2.30 to 2.70
Extra mileageAED 2 to 10 per km over 250 km a day at Octane
Better insuranceSuper CDW at AED 25 a day at Quick Drive. Full cover at AED 27 a day at Saadat
Extra driverAED 15 a day at Quick Drive
DeliveryFree in Dubai at Quick Drive and eZhire. AED 50 to DXB at Saadat
One-way returnA fee at Hertz if you drop the car in another emirate
VAT5% on top at Octane, which quotes prices before VAT

If you’re after cheap car hire, compare the full cost, not the daily rate. A slightly higher price with free delivery, a low deposit and fair fuel terms often ends up cheaper than the lowest headline number.

Monthly Car Rental in Dubai: Subscription or Classic Plan?

The line between the two is blurrier than the marketing suggests. Both usually include insurance and maintenance, and both cost far less per day than renting short term. The real differences are in the deposit, the commitment and what happens if you want a different car.

 What to compareCar subscriptionClassic monthly rental
Examples on our listInvygo, eZhire subscriptionsHertz, Quick Drive, Octane, Thrifty, SIXT
Typical terms1 to 9 months at Invygo. 3 months or more at eZhireMonth to month, or fixed plans of 1 to 12 months
DepositNone at Invygo, just a starter feeFrom none (Octane) to AED 1,500 holds
Changing carsOnce a month at InvygoUsually not during the contract
Mileage5,000 km a month on some Invygo plans2,500 to 5,000 km a month at Hertz. 250 km a day at Octane
BookingApp firstBranch, airport desk, website or WhatsApp
Path to ownershipSubscribe-to-own at bothLease-to-own at Quick Drive

A subscription makes sense if you’re new to Dubai and unsure what you need. Invygo lets you start in a small car and move to an SUV a month later. It also skips the deposit, which helps if you’d rather keep your credit limit free.

A classic monthly rental suits you better if you want a counter to walk into. Hertz and Thrifty have desks at DXB, so you can land and drive. The big brands also tie their plans to clear mileage limits. Hertz’s Super Saver gives 5,000 km a month with comprehensive insurance for up to nine months.

Some rental companies borrow subscription perks anyway. Quick Drive lets you extend a monthly rental with no penalty. Thrifty includes a replacement car if yours breaks down. Europcar lets you trade into a newer car when a long rental ends.

Whichever you choose, check three things before you sign: the mileage cap, the early exit terms and who handles repairs.

Car Rental Requirements in Dubai for Tourists and Residents

Most rental counters in Dubai ask for the same core documents. The differences show up in age limits, licence rules and the small extras some companies add.

RequirementUAE residentsTourists
IDEmirates IDPassport with a valid UAE entry or visit visa
LicenceUAE driving licenceHome country licence
International Driving PermitNot neededNeeded unless your licence is from an exempt country
PaymentCredit card in your nameCredit card in your name

Hertz lists the countries whose licences work without an IDP on a visit visa. They include the GCC, most of Europe, the US, the UK, Australia, Japan, China and Singapore. Licences from Japan, Turkey, Greece and South Korea still need an embassy-approved translation. Rules change, so Hertz itself tells renters to check the RTA’s latest list.

AgeCompanies on our list
18Octane Rent (no minimum driving experience), eZhire (new drivers welcome)
21SIXT, Thrifty, Trinity Rental for its VIP cars
Higher for some carsSIXT may require an older driver for some classes and charge an underage fee. Thrifty may ask for a year of driving experience on premium cars

Rules that catch people out:

  • New UAE licence holders should check first. Thrifty accepts a fresh licence from age 21. Hertz gives two different answers on its own site: six months on one page and twelve on another.
  • Residents may need a passport copy too. Hertz asks for one, and so does Saadat Rent.
  • Debit cards are a weak spot. Hertz doesn’t accept them for the deposit hold, and Thrifty takes the money outright if you use one.
  • Airport delivery may need your flight details. Saadat asks for a plane ticket before it delivers to the airport.
  • Extra drivers need the same documents. Hertz also requires additional drivers to have held their licence for at least 12 months.

Match the Rental to Your Stay

The best company depends less on the brand and more on why you need the car. Here’s how our 12 line up for the most common situations.

Landing at DXB late at night. Thrifty keeps desks open 24/7 at all three terminals. SIXT also covers Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Quick Drive will have a car waiting at any terminal if you book before you fly.

A short trip on a tight budget. Quick Drive keeps the deposit to AED 500 on most cars. Octane asks for none, with day rates from AED 60. If you’d rather not use a credit card, Saadat Rent accepts the deposit in cash.

Just moved to Dubai. Invygo lets you start in a small car and swap to a bigger one a month later. Hertz’s Urban Select runs month to month, so you’re not locked in while you settle.

A family that needs seven seats. Thrifty rents the Mazda CX-90. Saadat lists a seven-seat Toyota Veloz from AED 149 a day and a Mitsubishi Outlander from AED 241. Octane has the Chevrolet Captiva and Toyota Rush on monthly plans.

Under 21. Your choices are narrow. Octane and eZhire both rent from 18, and Octane asks for no minimum driving experience.

A luxury car for a weekend. Trinity Rental lists Rolls-Royce models with no deposit. Octane also rents Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini, again without a deposit.

A car for a year or a company fleet. Diamondlease and Shift both grew out of leasing, and Hertz runs a corporate leasing arm.

You’d rather not drive at all. A chauffeur may suit you better than a rental. Our guide to chauffeur services in Dubai compares 10 companies from AED 40 an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Dubai without a credit card?

It’s harder, but possible. Hertz won’t accept a debit card for the deposit hold. Thrifty accepts one in some cases, but it takes the deposit outright and refunds it within 30 days, minus a 2% bank deduction. Saadat Rent accepts the deposit in cash. Companies with no deposit, like Octane and Invygo, sidestep the problem, and Invygo says its monthly fee works with any payment method.

How long does it take to get my rental deposit back?

Most companies on our list don’t say, so ask before you sign. Thrifty is the clearest: its card hold is released within 14 to 21 working days. Europcar gives you 30 days to dispute any deduction. Saadat states both 30 days and 7 working days on its own pages.

Can I rent a car in Dubai at 18?

Yes, at two companies on our list. Octane rents from 18 with no minimum driving experience, and eZhire welcomes 18-year-olds and new drivers. SIXT, Thrifty and Trinity all start at 21.

Can I drive a Dubai rental car to Oman?

Usually not without permission. Thrifty allows Oman trips only through the Al Ain border, with prior approval, extra documents and the right insurance. Most other companies clear their cars for UAE driving only, so check before you plan a trip across the border.

Are Salik tolls and traffic fines added to my bill?

Yes, at every company. Quick Drive charges AED 5 per Salik gate with no admin fee. SIXT bills Salik when you return the car. Thrifty adds a 10% admin fee to each traffic fine. Fines can take a few days to appear, which is why many companies hold a deposit after the rental ends.

Do I need an international driving permit in Dubai?

It depends on where your licence is from. Licences from the GCC, most of Europe, the US, the UK, Australia, Japan, China and Singapore can be used on a visit visa without one. Other licences need an IDP. Some companies, like Thrifty, ask tourists for an IDP anyway, so check the rental terms.

Can I rent with a UAE licence that’s less than a year old?

Yes, at several companies. Thrifty accepts a new licence from age 21, though premium cars may need a year of driving. Octane and eZhire also welcome new drivers. Hertz is unclear, with one page saying six months and another twelve.

Is a car subscription cheaper than renting by the month?

Sometimes. Invygo’s MG 5 subscription costs about AED 1,190 a month with insurance, maintenance and delivery included. That’s below Quick Drive’s cheapest monthly car at AED 1,620 and Octane’s at AED 1,645 before VAT. But prices vary by car and term, so compare the mileage cap and exit terms too.

The Short List: Best Pick by Budget

There’s no single best car rental company in Dubai. There’s a best fit for your budget and how long you need the car. If you only remember one name per situation, make it these.

Tight budget: Quick Drive. Prices for every car on its site, a AED 500 deposit on most models and Salik with no admin fee. Day rates start at AED 87.

Mid-range with an airport desk: Thrifty UAE. It’s open 24/7 at all three DXB terminals and spells out its deposit rules better than anyone else on our list.

No deposit at all: Octane Rent. It covers everything from a Nissan Sunny to a Lamborghini, backed by 1,795 Google reviews.

Staying a few months: Invygo. One monthly fee from about AED 1,190 covers insurance, maintenance and delivery, and you can swap cars once a month.

A luxury weekend: Trinity Rental. It rents Rolls-Royce models with no deposit, where AED 5,000 or more is common elsewhere.

Whichever of these car rental services in Dubai you choose, get the deposit amount, the refund time and the fuel terms in writing before you pay. Those three lines decide what the rental really costs.