If you are under 25, renting a car abroad often turns into a search for a company willing to give you one at all, plus young-driver surcharges. Dubai is easier than many countries, but terms differ from company to company. Here are our terms, what to expect elsewhere and how a young driver can avoid losing money on fines.
Our terms: 21 years old and 1 year of experience
With us you can rent from age 21 with at least 1 year of driving experience. There is no young-driver fee: a 22-year-old pays the same rental price as a 40-year-old. Everything else is the same for everyone: most cars need no deposit, insurance is included, and 250 km per day are included.
We go by the issue date on your licence. If your licence was reissued and shows a recent date, mention it when booking so we can sort it out in advance rather than at handover.
The documents are the same as for any driver: a passport with a visa or entry stamp, your licence and, if your country is not on the recognised list, an International Driving Permit.
How other companies handle young drivers
Age and experience thresholds are rental company and insurer rules rather than law, so they vary. What you may come across:
- A surcharge for drivers under 25, AED 50 to 100 a day at some companies. On a weekly rental that adds up.
- A minimum age of 25 for premium and sports cars. At many companies a 21 to 24-year-old will only get an economy car.
- Longer experience requirements for expensive cars.
So when comparing prices, look at the terms for your age, not just the daily rate. A low price plus a young-driver fee can end up costing more.
Supercars: read the car page
The age threshold of 21 applies across the fleet, but some supercars may have stricter terms. If they do, it is shown on that car's page. If you have your eye on a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, open its page first and check the age and experience requirements, and if in doubt, message us before booking.
Check the deposit and minimum period on the page too: most cars need no deposit, and if a car needs one, it is shown there.
Which cars make sense for a young driver
We do not restrict you by class, but common sense says start with a car that forgives mistakes. Dubai roads are wide and well marked, but dense traffic, multi-level interchanges and cameras on every stretch call for attention. A mid-powered car makes it easier to stay within the limit and is gentler on the budget. A few examples from our fleet, prices as of October 2026:
| Car | Per day | Week (7 days) | Month (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 330i M Sport 2019 | AED 239 | AED 1,590 | AED 5,490 |
| Mercedes-Benz A200 2024 | AED 250 | AED 1,500 | AED 5,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 2024 | AED 300 | AED 1,800 | AED 6,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 2025 | AED 320 | AED 1,920 | AED 6,400 |
| Range Rover Evoque 2024 | AED 350 | AED 2,100 | AED 7,000 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2024 | AED 400 | AED 2,400 | AED 8,000 |
None of these cars needs a deposit, and the minimum rental is 1 day. The current price is always on each car page. For mountain or desert trips an SUV like the Prado makes more sense; for the city a sedan or compact crossover is plenty.
Tips for young drivers: fines, black points, insurance excess
- You pay fines at actual cost. Cameras are almost everywhere in Dubai and fines arrive with a delay, sometimes after the car is returned. Do not count on any tolerance over the limit, especially in Abu Dhabi, which has none.
- Black points. Serious violations add black points on top of the fine, and the car can be impounded. For a renter that means lost rental days and extra costs. We cover this in a separate guide.
- Insurance excess. Insurance is included, but before handover ask what excess applies to your car, meaning the part of the damage you pay yourself if an accident is your fault.
- Salik. Toll gate crossings are also paid by the renter at actual cost, and the data arrives a few days late.
- Only listed drivers. If a friend wants to drive, their licence and passport are needed at handover and they must be in the contract. They also need to be 21 or older with at least 1 year of experience.
- Mileage. 250 km per day are included, usually enough for the city and a trip or two to neighbouring emirates.
In short
With us you can rent from 21 with 1 year of experience, with no young-driver fee. Some supercars have stricter terms, shown on the car page. Elsewhere, drivers under 25 often pay extra or are kept out of premium cars, so compare the full terms. Behind the wheel, remember the cameras: fines and Salik are charged at actual cost and arrive with a delay.
