Dubai is regarded as one of the calmer cities in the region for independent women travellers, and a car gives you freedom: no waiting for a taxi and no negotiating a fare. This guide collects practical advice for renting a car on your own. There are no special rules for women drivers in the UAE: the rental terms and licence requirements are the same as for everyone.
Driver requirements
The driver must be at least 21 and have held a licence for at least a year. We charge no young-driver fee. You need your passport and national licence, and an International Driving Permit where it applies. Which countries are on the list is covered in our article on licence requirements, and if you are unsure about your country, write to us before booking.
Most cars need no deposit, insurance is included, and 250 km a day is included. That helps on a solo trip: fewer questions at the start and fewer sums to keep in your head.
Which car to choose
For a first drive around Dubai the best fit is an automatic with good visibility and a size you are used to. If you do not drive often, do not take the biggest car "to be safe": it is harder to park in the city. Here are a few options from our fleet at October 2026 prices, with the current price on each car page.
| Car | Day, AED | Week, AED | Month, AED | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Raize 2024 | 109 | 750 | 2,490 | compact crossover for the city |
| MINI Cooper S 2024 | 280 | 1,680 | 5,600 | small car, easy to park |
| Toyota Camry 2025 | 180 | 1,170 | 3,950 | roomy sedan for highways |
| Kia Sportage 2025 | 190 | 1,240 | 4,200 | crossover with a high seating position |
Some cars come from a partner company with its own terms: a 1,000 AED deposit, a minimum of 3 or 7 days and no driving to Oman. Each car page shows its own terms.
Collecting the car without stress
The calmest option is to order delivery to your hotel, so you do not have to find an office with your suitcases after a flight. Delivery and return in Dubai are free on rentals of 7 days or more, and cost 210 AED together on shorter ones. Or collect the car at our office in Princess Tower, Dubai Marina, open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, with Russian-speaking support. Plan the pick-up for daylight and for office hours.
At pick-up walk around the car with our employee, photograph any scratches and check the fuel. Keep the contract and the car documents in the glovebox. A detailed list of checks is in our inspection article.
Navigation and phone
- Buy a local SIM card in your first hour after landing. You need your passport. Data is for maps, and a local number is for reaching us and your hotel.
- Set the route before you leave and turn on voice guidance so you do not look at the phone.
- Use a phone holder. Away from the big roads you may need the phone in an emergency.
- Save our number and the emergency number 999 in your phone.
Parking
Parking in the city is paid almost everywhere. You can pay through the Parkin app or by SMS from a local number. For safety choose mall and hotel car parks: they are usually well lit, with security and cameras. Do not leave a bag, documents or electronics visible in the cabin. If you stay at a hotel, ask whether it has parking or valet and on what terms for your car.
Driving at night
Dubai's main highways are well lit and clearly marked, and traffic is orderly. Even so, at night it is wise to stay on wide roads you already know and not to try new routes alone. Check the route before leaving, start long trips with plenty of fuel and keep your phone charged. Do not plan to head into the desert alone after sunset: leaving the asphalt on your own is not advisable, and partner cars are not meant for it. Salik is free from 1:00 to 6:00, but that is no reason to drive further than you need to.
Fuel and small things
At UAE petrol stations an attendant comes to the car: you stay inside and say an amount or "full tank". You can pay by card or cash. Fines for speeding and parking, as well as Salik, are paid by the renter at actual cost, so watch the speed limit.
What to ask the company before booking
- What to do in case of a breakdown or accident and which number to call.
- Whether you can collect and return the car at your hotel and at what times.
- The terms of the chosen car: deposit, minimum period, trips to Oman.
- Whether there will be a card pre-authorisation and for how much.
- The rate for kilometres beyond 250 a day.
A good sign in any company is that these questions get calm, specific answers, not vague ones.
