Cars

If you do not have a residency visa you cannot own a car in Dubai.

The first choice you make about buying a car is new versus used. There are many new and used car dealers in Dubai offering competitive deals. Most brands are represented, although if you want a super-car, there is a very limited supply.

German, US and Japanese brands not surprisingly are the most popular, whilst nearly all major dealers have a previously owned department which supplies vehicles that are still covered by warranties.

There are many other reputable car dealerships that have been trading in Dubai for a number of years. Being fully dependent on the public transport system is not advisable, so owning a car is essential. As well as the dealerships, you can find cars for sale on supermarket notice boards, in online forums and in the local newspapers.

Car Rental / Lease

Depending on the length of your stay in Dubai, it may actually work out cheaper to lease a car, registration, Insurance, maintenance are all included in the cost of leasing and generally with a longer lease period the rate reduces. Always check your car for any bumps or dents before you drive off as you will be responsible once off the premises.

All the major car hire companies have a presence in Dubai.

Listings of Car Lease / Rental Companies:

Finance

Financing your car will be a primary consideration.  If you choose not to cash buy then some new and used car dealerships offer finance. Finance is arranged with their affiliated bank but you may find you can get a better rate from your own bank. If you do take a finance option, be prepared to write out the cheques in advance for each monthly payment as there is no direct debit payment system in Dubai. ( 24 cheques for a 2 year finance period).

Registration

All cars must be registered annually with the Traffic Police. There is a one-month grace period after your registration has expired in which to have your car re- registered (hence the 13 month insurance period), but after that you'll face a Dhs.100 fine for each month that the registration has expired.

In order to get licence plates for the vehicle, the car must first be tested ( used car), and then registered with Dubai Police.
See - www.dubaipolice.gov.ae

Vehicle Licencing can be done at the Traffic Department at junction 4 on the Sheikh Zayed Road. Alternatively, Dubai Traffic Police at Ras Al Khor boasts a five-lane testing centre (Al Ghandi) that runs in conjunction with the Traffic Police. EPPCO and Emarat offer a full registration service for a fee, and registering it, and delivering it back to you all in the same day. EPPCO Tasjeel (2673940) offers a service called Al Sayara. Emarat (3434444) has five full registration and vehicle testing service centres (called Shamil). 

Insurance

To get insurance you just need the normal information about the car such as make, model, and chassis number. There are many insurers and the rates vary from 4% - 7% of the cars value. It is essential to consider personal accident insurance and bearing in mind  the driving standards in Dubai, fully comprehensive insurance is advisable. It is also possible insure against causing death to another motorist or pedestrian as under UAE law you are liable for blood money, payable to the victims family.

Accidents

Once you have your car, registration and insurance, you are free to drive. Drive carefully and also note  that if you do have an accident, you must call the police. Your car cannot be legally repaired without an accident report. The police will decide at the accident scene who is responsible and hand out a pink or green form! - this is taken to the insurance company and the claim process is commenced.

In the case of a  serious accident dial 999 or in less critical cases, call the police at their local station

  • Deira          04 266 0555
  • Bur Dubai  04 398 1111
  • Sharjah      06 538 1111
The Dubai Traffic Police Information Line is 04 268 5555, (Arabic & English) gives the numbers of Police stations around the Emirate.