Fuel looks like a small matter, but it is the most common source of misunderstandings when a car is returned. The good news is that in Dubai it is simple, if you agree the terms in advance and photograph the dashboard. Below is the usual practice and what to confirm with us.

General practice: return it at the same fuel level

Most rental companies work on the principle of returning the car as you received it. You pick the car up with a certain fuel level and bring it back with the same level. If the level is lower, the difference is usually charged at the fuel price, sometimes with a service fee added. The exact terms are written in the contract, so check the fuel section before you sign or ask the manager. For our rentals, the conditions in your contract and on the car page apply, and if anything is unclear, ask before you drive away.

A practical tip: when you receive the car, photograph the dashboard so that both the mileage and the fuel gauge are visible. Take the same photo on return. Then you and we have a shared reference and arguments are avoided.

Which petrol to use

Petrol stations in the UAE usually offer three main grades: 91 (E-Plus), 95 (Special) and 98 (Super). For most modern cars in our fleet, the right fuel is the one the manufacturer specifies. It is easy to find out:

  • look at the sticker inside the fuel flap or on the fuel cap;
  • check the owner's manual in the glove box;
  • ask us when you collect the car. It takes a minute.

Powerful cars, sports cars and some premium models often need 98. Do not put a lower octane grade into such a car. If you are unsure, choose the higher grade rather than risk the engine. There are also diesel vehicles, mainly among SUVs and pickups, and they must never get petrol. Putting the wrong fuel in is very expensive, so always confirm what your car runs on. Fuel prices in the UAE are updated every month, so check the current figures at the station or in the separate article on our site.

How to refuel at a station

In Dubai almost every station is full service: an attendant puts the fuel in for you. The routine is:

  • pull up to the pump, switch off the engine and open the fuel flap;
  • tell the attendant the grade and the amount, or say "full";
  • pay by card, cash or at the pump terminal;
  • keep the receipt, it may be useful later.

Tipping is not required, but many people leave a small amount. Do not leave the engine running, do not smoke and do not use open flame near the pumps.

Where to refuel before returning the car

Refuel on the day you return the car, and preferably close to the drop-off point. That way the gauge reflects reality and you will not be late because of a queue. There are stations on almost every major road, including near Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Road and the airport. If you need to reach the airport by a certain time, do not leave refuelling to the last minute, especially at rush hour.

Do not top up beyond the first automatic click. The gauge may not show full at once. In that case wait a minute and look at the reading again.

How much fuel the car uses and how to plan

Consumption depends on the car and your driving style. Small engines in the city use much less than large V8s and big SUVs, and running the air conditioning at full power in the heat raises consumption. If you plan a long trip, for example to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah or the edge of the desert, build in a reserve: refuel when about a quarter of the tank is left rather than waiting for the warning light. Our included mileage is 250 km per day, and it is worth keeping it in mind together with fuel use.

Prices in our catalogue are as of October 2026, and the current price and conditions are on each car page. Fuel is normally paid by the renter, so confirm this in your contract.

What to confirm with us before you leave

  • what fuel level you receive the car with and how we record it;
  • which fuel your particular car needs;
  • how the difference is calculated if you return the car with less fuel;
  • whether you can return the car with a full tank outside office hours. The office is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 and the team speaks Russian.