How to Rent a Car in Dubai For Tourists in Just 5 Minutes – Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a trip to Dubai? Whether you’re coming for sightseeing, shopping, or business, tourist car rental in Dubai is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to explore the city on your own schedule. The best part? You can do it all in under 5 minutes.

This simple step-by-step tourist guide shows you exactly how to rent a car in Dubai hassle-free, even if it’s your first time visiting the UAE.

Step 1: Are You Eligible to Rent a Car?

Before you begin, make sure you meet these basic requirements to rent a car as a tourist in Dubai:

  1. You must be 21 years or older (some luxury cars may require the driver to be 25+).
  2. You need a valid driving license.
  3. If you’re from the GCC, UK, US, Canada, or EU, your home license works.
  4. If you’re from any other country, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your license.

Documents required:

  • Passport copy

  • Visa or UAE entry stamp

  • Valid credit or debit card

Tip: Keep digital copies ready on your phone or email to speed up booking.

Step 2: Choose the Right Car for Your Trip

Dubai offers everything — from budget-friendly rides to exotic supercars. Choose your car based on your travel style:

Car options for tourists visiting Dubai, including sedans, SUVs, and luxury vehicles

Travel Type Recommended Cars
City Driving Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sunny, Kia Picanto
Desert Adventures Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser
Luxury Experience Mercedes S-Class, Rolls-Royce Ghost, BMW 7 Series

If you’re not sure which car suits you best, ask your rental company. Maza.ae offers expert suggestions based on your plans and preferences.

Step 3: Book Online in Minutes

The easiest and fastest way to rental a car in Dubai as a tourist is to book online. Most car rental companies offer booking via their website or WhatsApp.

Why tourists love online booking:

  • Fast and paperless process

  • Bigger car selection

  • Access to exclusive deals and discounts

  • Optional add-ons like GPS, baby seats, or full insurance

  • Delivery to airport, hotel, or Airbnb

Want a smoother experience?
Choose a provider like Maza.ae that offers no-deposit rentals on selected vehicles — perfect for tourists who want zero hassle.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents

After selecting your car, you’ll need to send in a few documents. These are usually shared via email or WhatsApp.

Required documents:

  • Passport copy

  • Driving license (and IDP if needed)

  • UAE entry visa or stamp

  • Credit/debit card for payment

Once submitted, your booking is usually processed instantly, and confirmation is sent within minutes.

Step 5: Receive the Car – Hotel, Airport, or Pickup Location

Car rental companies in Dubai offer flexible and fast delivery options — ideal for tourists on the go.

Car being delivered to a hotel in Dubai for tourist rental

You can either:

  • Have the car delivered to your hotel, airport, or Airbnb

  • Or choose to pick it up from the company’s branch

In most cases, delivery within Dubai takes under 1 hour.

Bonus Tips for Tourists Renting a Car in Dubai

Here are a few useful things to know before you hit the road:

Driving Rules in Dubai:

  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers

  • Mobile phone use while driving is strictly prohibited

  • Speed cameras are everywhere — follow the limits

Fuel Prices:

  • Petrol is very affordable in the UAE

  • A full tank for a sedan costs less than AED 100

Salik Tolls:

  • Salik tolls are auto-deducted

  • You’ll pay the total amount when returning the car

Insurance:

  • Always ask what’s covered

  • Many rental companies offer full coverage for peace of mind

Traffic Fines:

  • Before returning your car, ask the rental company to check for any unpaid fines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can tourists rent a car in Dubai without a deposit?
Yes, some companies like Maza.ae offer no-deposit rental cars, especially for tourists.

Is an international driving license required for Dubai?
It depends. If you’re from the GCC, UK, US, EU, or Canada – no need. From other countries, you’ll need an IDP.

Can I get the rental car delivered to my hotel or airport?
Yes. Most companies offer free delivery to hotels and airports in Dubai.

How long does it take to book a car online?
Just 5 minutes or less if you have your documents ready. Booking via WhatsApp is even faster.

Book Your Rental Car in Under 5 Minutes

With Maza.ae, tourists can rent cars in Dubai with complete confidence:

  • No deposit needed on select cars
  • Free car delivery across Dubai
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Booking via WhatsApp in minutes

Ready to hit the road?
Click here to book your car rental now