Iranian citizens can rent a car in Dubai from the age of 21 with at least one year of driving experience, a passport and a driving licence. Check with us before booking which documents you need alongside an Iranian licence, because Iran is not among the countries listed in our licence guide. Cards issued by Iranian banks generally cannot be used abroad, so cash or an e-wallet is the easiest way to pay. Every car has a refundable deposit from AED 1,000; ask us how it can be left if you have no card that works in the UAE.
Licence: what to bring and what to confirm
The UAE applies one general rule. If the country that issued the licence is on the recognised list, a visitor drives on the national licence. If it is not, the visitor needs the national licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Iran does not appear on the recognised list in our guide, so before you book, send us a photo of your licence and we will tell you exactly which set of documents is required.
- Latin script. The licence must be in Latin script or carry a Latin-script duplicate. If your licence has no entries in Latin script, be sure to raise this with us in advance.
- An IDP does not replace the licence. It is a translation, invalid without the original, and police ask for both at a check.
- Driving without a valid licence can mean a fine of up to AED 2,000 and an impounded car, and an insurer may refuse to pay after an accident.
If you hold a UAE residence visa, a foreign licence is not valid for driving, even with an IDP. In that case you need a UAE licence to rent.
Travelling from Iran: short flights and frequent visits
Tehran and other major Iranian cities have direct flights to Dubai, the journey is short, and the time difference is only half an hour, with Dubai 30 minutes ahead. As a result, many people visit often and for a few days at a time: to see relatives, on business, for shopping or over the holidays. A short trip of two or three days works with premium cars, which can be rented from one or two days, while more affordable cars have a 7-day minimum. For rentals under 7 days delivery and return cost AED 210 together. From 7 days, delivery anywhere in Dubai is free.
Traffic in the UAE keeps to the right, as in Iran, and road signs are in Arabic and English. The main difference is enforcement: it runs through cameras, which typically record from about 21 km/h over the limit in Dubai, while Abu Dhabi has no margin at all. Fines arrive electronically, without anyone stopping you. If you stay in older districts such as Deira or Bur Dubai, the streets are narrow and parking is tight, so a mid-size car will be easier than a large SUV.
Paying without a foreign card
We accept cash, bank cards and e-wallets. For visitors from Iran, cash is the most reliable option.
- Cash: bring US dollars or euros in new, large-denomination notes. Exchange houses give worse rates for old or worn notes or refuse them.
- Where to exchange: exchange houses in malls offer better rates than the airport. At the airport, change only enough for a taxi and the first day.
- A card from a bank in another country: if you hold a card issued outside Iran, you can pay with it as usual. When you pay by card, the rental amount may be held as a pre-authorisation and charged at the end.
- Deposit: every car has a refundable deposit from AED 1,000; the exact amount is on the car page.
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725, so if you budget in dollars you know the dirham amount in advance. Fines and Salik tolls are paid by the renter at actual cost. Agree with us at handover how you would like to settle them after the rental.
Which cars families choose
Prices are as of November 2026, and the current price is on each car page. All cars in the table include insurance and 250 km per day, and the deposit starts from AED 1,000.
| Car | Per day, AED | Per week, AED | Per month, AED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata 2024, 5 seats | 160 | 1,040 | 3,500 |
| Toyota Camry 2025, 5 seats | 180 | 1,170 | 3,950 |
| Kia Sportage 2025, 5 seats | 190 | 1,240 | 4,200 |
| Kia Sorento 2024, 7 seats | 220 | 1,320 | 4,400 |
| Toyota Fortuner 2024, 7 seats | 280 | 1,680 | 5,600 |
| Lexus ES 350 2024, 5 seats | 300 | 1,800 | 6,000 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024, 7 seats | 400 | 2,400 | 8,000 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GXR 2024, 7 seats | 520 | 3,120 | 10,400 |
For business or a shopping trip, the Sonata or Camry is enough, and both have a large boot. A family with children and older relatives needs seven seats: the Sorento is the economical choice, while the Fortuner and Prado sit higher and suit mountain drives better. The Lexus ES 350 is the pick when you want a comfortable sedan for business meetings. Beyond 250 km a day, each extra kilometre costs AED 1 on the Sonata, Camry and Sportage and AED 2 on the other cars in the table.
Driving around the UAE and booking
From Dubai it is an easy drive to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi (about 140 km), Hatta or Al Ain (about 130 km). Salik in Dubai costs AED 6.30 per crossing at peak hours and AED 4.20 at other times, free from 1:00 to 6:00, and Abu Dhabi has its own Darb system. Delivery outside Dubai and any trip to Oman should be discussed when booking; Oman is not allowed on partner cars.
Our office is in Princess Tower, Dubai Marina, open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. Send a request through the form on the car page with your dates, or write to info@rentalcars-dubai.ae with a photo of your licence attached. Agree any change of dates with us in writing.
