Owning or renting a car in Dubai offers comfort, flexibility, and freedom — but it’s important to understand the monthly costs involved before you hit the road. Whether you’re an expat, a tourist planning a long stay, or a resident considering a new vehicle, here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
Buying a Car: Monthly Ownership Costs
If you buy a car in Dubai, the monthly cost depends on whether you pay in full or take a car loan.
Car Loan / EMI
For a brand-new sedan (around AED 80,000), expect a monthly payment of AED 1,200–1,500 over 5 years.
For a SUV or luxury model, payments can go up to AED 2,500–4,000+.
Fuel Cost
Petrol prices in Dubai are relatively affordable.
Expect around AED 400–800/month depending on your driving habits (commuting distance, AC usage, etc.).
Maintenance & Servicing
Routine servicing: AED 300–700 every 10,000 km
Occasional expenses like tires, battery, or oil changes can add AED 100–200/month on average.
Insurance
Third-party insurance starts from AED 1,000/year, while comprehensive policies can cost AED 2,000–4,000/year.
Roughly AED 150–300/month.
Salik (Toll Gates)
Each crossing: AED 4
Monthly average: AED 100–250, depending on your route.
Parking Fees
Paid parking zones and malls: AED 100–300/month, unless your workplace or residence provides free parking.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Owning a Car in Dubai:
👉 AED 2,000–3,500/month for a mid-range vehicle
👉 AED 4,000–6,000+ for luxury or SUV models
Renting a Car: Monthly Rental Costs
Many residents and visitors prefer car rental instead of buying — for flexibility and no maintenance hassle.
Average Monthly Rental Prices:
- Economy cars (Nissan Sunny, Yaris, etc.): AED 1,200–1,800/month
- SUVs (Nissan X-Trail, Pajero): AED 2,500–3,500/month
- Luxury cars (BMW, Mercedes, Range Rover): AED 4,000–8,000+/month
Rental packages usually include:
- Basic insurance
- Maintenance
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- However, fuel and Salik (toll) are paid separately.
Estimated Total Monthly Rental Cost:
AED 1,500–4,500/month depending on car type and duration.
Buying vs. Renting — Which is Better?
- Factor Buying Renting
- Upfront Cost High Low
- Maintenance Your responsibility Covered by rental
- Flexibility Limited High
- Ideal For Long-term residents Short-term visitors, new expats
If you’re in Dubai for less than 2 years or just want to test the waters, renting a car is often more practical. But if you’re settling down long-term, buying becomes cost-effective over time.
Tips to Save on Car Costs in Dubai
- Use public transport for short routes
- Opt for annual maintenance packages
- Use Salik strategically to avoid unnecessary tolls
- Compare insurance plans online before renewal
- Compare fuel-efficient models
Final Thoughts
Owning or renting a car in Dubai isn’t cheap — but the comfort, convenience, and freedom it offers make it worth the expense. Whether you’re cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road or exploring Dubai Marina at night, having your own car gives you control over your city experience.
Estimated Monthly Range:
AED 1,200 – AED 6,000+, depending on your vehicle type and usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most car rental companies in Dubai offer flexible month-to-month rental options. You can rent for one month and extend as needed without any long-term contract.
To rent a car monthly in Dubai, you’ll need:
- A valid passport and visa
- A UAE driving license or international driving permit
- Emirates ID (for residents)
- A credit card for the security deposit
Yes, most rental companies include basic insurance and routine maintenance in the monthly rental fee. You only pay for fuel, Salik (tolls), and traffic fines, if any.
Absolutely! Tourists can rent cars for a month or more using an international driving permit (IDP) and a valid passport with visa entry.
Yes — monthly rentals are more cost-effective. You can save up to 30–40% compared to daily rates, depending on the car type and company.
- Economy cars: AED 1,200–1,800/month
- SUVs: AED 2,500–3,500/month
- Luxury cars: AED 4,000–8,000+/month
Prices vary based on brand, model, and duration.
Yes, most companies allow you to cancel or extend your monthly rental with a few days’ notice. Always check your rental agreement for terms and notice periods.
Yes, a refundable security deposit (usually AED 1,000–2,000) is required. It’s returned after clearing all fines, tolls, and charges.
Some companies offer unlimited mileage for monthly rentals, while others set a daily or monthly cap (e.g., 4,000–5,000 km/month). Always confirm before booking.
Driving outside the UAE border (to Oman or Saudi Arabia) is usually not allowed unless explicitly mentioned in your agreement. You can, however, drive freely between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates.