Quick Answer
How much does the cheapest car rental cost in Dubai?
Economy cars start from AED 49/day on weekly bookings with insurance included. Daily rates run AED 59-89. Monthly rentals drop to AED 39-55/day.
Be cautious of rates below AED 40/day. Hidden fees usually inflate the final bill significantly.
What Car Rental Actually Costs in Dubai
We’ve monitored Dubai’s rental market for 15 years. Here’s what real pricing looks like in 2026:
|
Duration |
Economy | Sedans |
SUVs |
|
Daily |
AED 49-110 | AED 75-115 | AED 60-150 |
|
Weekly |
AED 325-649 |
AED 499-675 |
AED 525-749 |
| Monthly | AED 1199-1749 | AED 1599-1799 |
AED 1549-2499 |
Prices include comprehensive insurance and 200 km daily mileage.
These rates reflect genuine all-inclusive pricing. Many advertised “deals” exclude insurance, limit mileage severely, or add fees at checkout.
When Are Prices Lowest?
Timing dramatically affects what you’ll pay.
Cheapest periods:
- June through August (25-40% summer discounts)
- Ramadan (special monthly packages)
- April-May and September (shoulder seasons)
Most expensive:
- December-January (peak tourism)
- Eid holidays
- Major events (Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo, F1)
Weekly patterns:
Tuesday and Wednesday pickups cost 10-15% less than weekend starts.
Booking timing:
Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. Summer bookings can be last-minute without penalty.
Hidden Fees That Make Cheap Rentals Expensive
A customer recently showed us her receipt from another company. She booked at AED 35/day for one week. Expected total: AED 245. Actual bill: AED 687.
Here’s what happened:
- Fee Type Amount Added
- Insurance upgrade AED 98
- Airport surcharge AED 75
- Salik admin fees: AED 104
- Mileage overage AED 165
- Extra charges AED 442
Her “cheap” rental cost AED 116/day.
Common hidden fees to watch for:
- Insurance upgrades: Base rates often include minimal coverage. Comprehensive adds AED 15-25/day.
- Salik administration: Toll charges are AED 4 each. Admin fees add AED 5-10 per transaction.
- Airport pickup: Expect AED 50-100 extra at DXB or DWC airports.
- Mileage limits: Some deals include only 100 km/day. Overages cost AED 0.50-1/km.
- Additional drivers: Often AED 20-30/day extra.
Before booking anywhere, ask:
“What’s my total cost, including insurance, Salik, and all fees?”
At Best Value Car Dubai, we quote all-inclusive prices. What we say is what you pay.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Most people rent more car than they need. Here’s honest guidance:
Economy Cars (AED 49-110/day)
- Best for: Solo travelers, couples, city driving
- Models: Nissan Sunny, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Groove
Choose this if you’re spending most of your time in Dubai proper. These cars handle city traffic perfectly, park easily, and save significantly on both rental and fuel costs.
Compact Sedans (AED 75-115/day)
- Best for: Small families, business travelers, highway trips
- Models: Toyota Corolla, MG-5 Deluxe, MG-GT
Worth upgrading if you’re driving to Abu Dhabi regularly or traveling with four adults who want comfort.
SUVs (AED 60-150/day)
- Best for: Large families, desert trips, heavy luggage
- Models: Haval Jolion, MG-ZS, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Sentra
Only necessary if you genuinely need space for 5+ passengers or plan desert driving requiring 4WD.
Honest advice: Start with the smallest car meeting your needs. The savings between economy and SUV over two weeks could be AED 700-1,400.
Explore Best Value Car Dubai’s fleet.
Five Ways to Save Money
1. Book Weekly for 5+ Days
Weekly rates save 25-35% versus daily. Even needing a car for five days, weekly booking often costs less.
2. Skip Airport Pickup
The metro from DXB to central Dubai costs AED 8-15. Airport pickup surcharges run AED 50-100.
Better option: Book 3+ days with us. Free airport delivery is included.
3. Compare Total Costs
Never compare base rates. Compare final prices, including insurance, fees, and realistic mileage.
4. Negotiate Long-Term Rentals
For monthly bookings, always ask, “Is this your best rate?” Most companies have flexibility.
5. Check Your Actual Needs
Skip GPS rental (AED 15-25/day). Use Google Maps for free. Avoid prepaid fuel packages. Fill yourself up before returning.
Documents You’ll Need
UAE Residents:
- Valid UAE driving license
- Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Deposit: AED 1,000-2,000
Tourists:
- Passport with valid visa
- Driving license from home country (GCC, EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia accepted directly) OR International Driving Permit
- Deposit: AED 1,500-2,500
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 21 years
- License held: At least 1 year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest car to rent in Dubai?
Nissan Sunny or Toyota Yaris. From AED 49/day weekly or AED 1,199/month with comprehensive insurance.
Can I rent a car in Dubai for 50 dirhams a day?
Yes. Economy cars on weekly or monthly terms reach AED 49-55/day, including insurance.
Is weekly or daily rental cheaper?
Weekly savings are 25-35% per day. Always check weekly rates for rentals of 5+ days.
Do I need an international driving license?
Tourists from the GCC, EU, US, UK, Canada, and Australia can use home licenses. Others need an International Driving Permit.
Can I drive to Abu Dhabi or other Emirates?
Yes. All UAE travel is permitted. Confirm mileage allowance covers distance (Dubai-Abu Dhabi round trip: 280 km).
What’s the best month for cheap car rental in Dubai?
June through August offers the lowest prices due to reduced tourism.
Why Choose Best Value Car Dubai
What’s included:
- Rates from AED 49/day
- Comprehensive insurance
- 200 km+ daily mileage
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Free Dubai delivery (3+ days)
- No hidden fees
- Free Cleaning
Our difference:
We’ve operated in Dubai since 2009. Our 850+ Google reviews average 4.7 stars. Customers consistently mention transparent pricing as what brings them back.
We’re not the cheapest advertised rate in Dubai. We’re the best genuine value when you compare total costs.
Book Now
📞 Call: +971525607472
💬 WhatsApp: +971525607472
🌐 Website: www.bvcardubai.com
Quick quotes in under 2 minutes.
Best Value Car Dubai | Serving Dubai Since 2009