Age and Experience Requirements to Rent a Car in Dubai

Foreign visitors should be aware of the minimum age requirement to rent a car in Dubai. If a driver fails to meet it, it might be trickier for them to get the vehicle. Not every agency can cater to them and they should be ready for higher expenses.

In this article, we'll tell you about the specific age requirement to rent an auto in this vibrant destination. Plus, we'll inform you about the desired driving experience – this factor can also impact the contract terms.

Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Dubai

To hire a car in the UAE, it's enough to be at least 21 years old. This rule is valid for compact mid-range or budget-friendly rental cars. If you are considering a premium vehicle rental, the necessary car rental age will be 25. If you add a second driver to your rental contract, they will also need to fulfill this requirement.

The local transport authority hasn't set an official upper age limit to rent a car. Agencies can have their individual car rental age restrictions — for instance, allow the driver to be not older than 70 or 75 years. If you exceed the maximum age limit, you may prefer to hire an individual car with a chauffeur.

Driving License Requirements

Those who are looking to rent a car for UAE driving, it's vital to tick these two boxes:

  • Age of 25 or 21, depending on your specific car rental terms.
  • Driver's license. It might need to be international, depending on your country of origin. Normally, you should get it at least 1 year before renting a car.

Companies can set extra rules or ask for additional documents.

Young Driver Surcharge

A driver who fails to meet the age restriction should be ready for a surcharge. For instance, the vehicle provider can ask them to pay for additional insurance coverage. Or, there can be other specific policies for a young driver.

If you add a second driver to your contract, it might or might not be necessary to pay a surcharge for them too. It's up to the company to decide on this aspect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai?

To drive in Dubai, it's enough to be 21 years of age. You might manage to find a rental agency with liberal age restrictions that accepts clients at the age of 18 — but that would be a rare exception.

Can I rent a luxury car if I'm under 25?

The minimum age to rent a car from the mid-range segment is 21 years. Many rental companies entrust high-end autos only to individuals not younger than 25 years who can prove their international driving experience.

What documents do I need to rent a car?

To sign a contract for a car rental Dubai with Paddock, it's enough to have a driving license, a passport, and a credit card or another means of payment. Make sure each document is valid. Depending on your country of origin, it might be mandatory to obtain an international driving permit. If you opt for another car rental company, the list of the required documents can be longer.

Do tourists face different age requirements compared to residents?

Car rental agencies usually have equal requirements to rent a car for everyone. It doesn't matter whether you are a resident or a tourist.

Are there additional fees for young drivers?

Some rental agencies may charge you an additional fee if you fail to meet their age requirements. Alternatively, you might fail to sign a rental contract if you don't fit the minimum age limit.

Conclusion

If you consider a luxury rental in Dubai, it's essential to be 25 years of age. Otherwise, it's enough to be 21 or, in exceptional cases, even 18 years of age. Before signing a contract with an agency, don't forget to find out its minimum age for a car hire.

Paddock is one of the most popular providers of luxury car rentals in Dubai. Our catalog features any auto you may fancy, from cost-efficient sedans to opulent convertibles.

Feel free to place a rental order! You'll appreciate our flexible terms and level of service.