Can You Rent a Car in Dubai Under Age 25?

Can someone under the age of 25 rent a car in Dubai? Of course, anyone who is above 21 years old can rent and drive cars all over the Emirates. However, there are certain restrictions related to certain policies and monetary aspects, which young drivers should understand to ensure a seamless rental experience. This guide explains Dubai car rental age requirements, surcharges, documentation, and practical tips for those under 25. Whether you're a tourist or resident, here’s the truth on Under 25 car rental Dubai you need to know to navigate car rental policies effectively.

Minimum Age Requirements for Car Rentals in Dubai

The UAE’s legal driving age is 18 years old. However, Dubai car rental agencies require renters to be at least 21 years old and hold a driving license for at least a year. Even if a few rental agencies, like SAADATRENT, may allow rentals for those as young as 20 under specific conditions. They will be limited to cheap economy models only. 

Some companies have stricter age requirements: 23 or 25 years old, particularly for high-end luxury vehicles. Most rental agencies in Dubai require renters to be above 25 years to rent cars without any restrictions, like the top luxury and supercar brands like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Rolls-Royces.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Under 25 Years: Standard vehicles (Nissan, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai).

• Above 25 Years: Any car, including luxury and premium cars (Bentleys, Aston Martins, McLarens)

Young Driver Surcharge: What to Expect

With an understanding that vehicle options are limited for young drivers, you also should know that agencies surcharge those under 25 years old. Most Dubai rental agencies do this to offset the perceived higher risk of less experienced drivers. Extra rental charges may range from AED 10 to AED 50 per day, depending on the rental company and vehicle type.

Some local rental companies might not surcharge young drivers to find a competitive edge over more established agencies. However, you’ll need careful research and review of these companies as they might have hidden charges to cover the costs. It’s a precaution that goes a long way toward a wholesome rental experience.

The surcharge is usually included in the booking quote, so confirm the total cost upfront to avoid surprises.

Note: The surcharges completely depend on the rental agencies, so make sure you reach out to them personally and confirm the actual policies and arrangements. 

Documentation Needed for Young Drivers

Generally, Dubai car rental requirements are the same for every age group. The only thing that matters is whether you’re a UAE resident or a visitor—which mandates different sets of documents. To rent a car in Dubai, young drivers must provide the following documents:

For Tourists:

• Passport (original/digital copy).

• Visa copy (digital copy).

• Valid Home Country Driver’s License (1 year old).

• International Drivers Permit (IDP)—if the license is not valid in the UAE. Check license validity here: Valid Driving License in UAE.

• Credit Card for Security Deposit (typically AED 1,200–4,000, depending on the vehicle). Generally not required for those above 25 years old.

• Valid Payment Gateway (Cash, Credit card, debit card, e-Wallets, bank transfers).

For Residents:

• Emirates ID.

• UAE Driver’s License.

• Security Deposit.

• Payment Gateway.

Security deposits and payment gateways are the same for both young residents and visitors renting a car in Dubai. In rare cases, some rental companies, like FriendsCarRental let people above 21 years but under 25 years rent cars in Dubai without deposit. However, the car options will definitely be limited. Reach out for more detailed information.

Vehicle Restrictions for Under-25 Drivers

While we superficially explored this in the above section, young drivers (under 25) don’t have access to the luxurious fleets, which usually include top-tier sedans and high-end SUVs. Supercars and hypercars are completely off the table for those under the age of 25. These premium and exclusive cars have extremely high damage repair pricing structures—the rental agencies don’t want to gamble on young bloods.

A few local agencies can occasionally let people under 25 rent high-end cars, especially if they already have at least one and half years of UAE driving experience under their belt. Make sure you elaborately explain your driving prowess to the rental agent, who might consider your compliance with luxury cars.

This is the general overview of vehicle restrictions for under-25 drivers:

Excluded Vehicles: High-end luxury brands, like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bugatti, and Koenigsegg (Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, Ferrari SF90, Aston Martin Vantage, and more).

Insurance Considerations for Young Drivers

Dubai car rental agencies offer RTA-mandatory Third-party liability insurance on all of their vehicles. However, new and young drivers should consider more comprehensive coverage options to protect themselves from financial losses in case of unfortunate events and accidents. These are some insurances you can opt for as a young driver renting a car in Dubai:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your financial liability for collision-related vehicle damage. While it typically comes with an excess (deductible) ranging from AED 1,200–4,000, it significantly lowers your out-of-pocket costs if the rental car is damaged.

• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW): This offers a higher level of protection than standard CDW, often reducing or even eliminating your excess. It covers most collision-related damages, though common exclusions like tire, windshield, or undercarriage damage may still apply, so always check the fine print.

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Often used interchangeably with CDW by some providers, LDW generally combines collision damage coverage with theft protection. Be aware that it may come with its own excess or specific exclusions.

• Full Damage Coverage (FDC) / Comprehensive Insurance: This is typically the most extensive option, covering collision damage, vandalism, minor damage, and theft or total loss of the vehicle. FDC usually comes with a minimal excess and may include non-refundable administrative fees.

Some rental agencies might even make one of these comprehensive coverages mandatory for new and young renters. You can request these policies from the agency, and they will make them available for your rental period for a certain premium.

Driving Restrictions and Rules

While young drivers under 25 years are free to drive all over the Emirates with a car rental from Dubai, just like everyone else, rental agencies implement certain restrictions, explicitly indicating which places they cannot drive to. Any car renter in Dubai cannot drive:

• Off-road/desert: Rental agreements clearly outline that renters cannot drive the rented car off-road or in the desert. It’s to mitigate the risk of damage to the car on rugged terrain.

• Cross-border: No rental company allows cross-country driving at the moment. Rental car driving from Dubai to Oman was a thing a few years ago, but not today. This is a complete violation of the rental agreement.

Besides these restrictions, rental companies mandate renters to adhere to the UAE traffic rules at all times while driving within the confines of the rental agreement. Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) monitors and fines law violators with steep monetary fines, black points, and even vehicle impoundments. Hence, staying compliant and legal on the road is crucial for a trouble-free rental experience, especially for young renters.

Tips for Young Drivers Renting in Dubai

Having understood the fundamental and crucial aspects of under-25 car rental Dubai, take a look at some insider tips, which are extremely important for a wholesome rental experience. Make sure to implement these and stay ahead of troubles while renting in the Emirates:

• Choose a reputable rental company: Make sure to rent cars from only well-known and reputable agencies—local or international. Online research, reviews, and word-of-mouth are fundamental aspects to consider.

• Book early, especially in peak season: Advanced booking offers wider car selection at cheaper price ranges. It also gives you enough time to make booking changes and cancellations with a full refund.

• Consider lower surcharges: Try to find companies that don’t surcharge for being a young driver. If you can find one, pick the one that offers cheaper rates with the finest services and remarkable car selection.

• Opt for comprehensive insurance policies: As a young driver, subscribing to any one of the above-mentioned comprehensive insurance policies is crucial to save yourself from hefty financial losses. A small investment can save you thousands of dirhams.

• Understand your rental agreement: Make sure you review your rental agreement in detail before you put your name to it as it is legally binding. Know what the agreement outlines and comprehend if you can follow it completely to stay compliant and avoid violation issues.

• Stay aware of the rental policies: Rental agencies have a wide range of policies you should adhere to avoid conflicts and potential violations. Make sure you know the fuel policy, late return policy, smoking in the car policy, Salik, parking, and so on.

• Adhere to Dubai RTA rules and regulations: Always drive in Dubai, following all the rules and regulations outlined by the RTA. These include driving within the posted speed limits to carrying all the documents. Ensure that you don’t break the rules by any means necessary. Incurring traffic fines can impact your overall rental experience as well as your credibility with the rental agency as a young driver.

Can You Rent Under 21?

Typically, you cannot rent a car in Dubai if you are under 21 years old. While the official minimum age for most rental agencies in Dubai is 21, a very few local companies, such as Saadatrent, might consider renters who are 20 years old. However, this is rare and usually comes with specific conditions, often limiting car options to basic economy models only. For most, the general age requirement to rent a car in Dubai remains at least 21 years.

Why Age Restrictions Exist

This is an interesting question, Why does this age restriction in the Dubai car rental industry prevail? The main reason behind the age restriction is that agencies don’t want to take risks of car damage, which is generally common with your car drivers. Furthermore, age limits and surcharges exist due to:

• Insurance Policies: Younger drivers are statistically riskier, leading to higher premiums. Even some insurance companies don’t sell their car insurance to young drivers, citing their dangerous driving. 

• Road Safety: Dubai’s fast-paced driving environment requires maturity and experience, which might not suit young people, especially visitors. Again, the rental car damage risk is too high, which is a big alert for the agencies.

• Vehicle Protection: Rental companies aim to minimize damage to their fleets, especially for high-value cars. Damages are more prevalent with younger groups of people which creates a certain restriction with age.

Conclusion

Under-25 car rental Dubai is a definite possibility but comes along with an array of limitations and restrictions, related to car damage, surcharges, insurances, and more. While people under the age of 25 years might not be able to rent and drive the most luxurious supercars and exotic hypercars, they certainly can enjoy economy and mid-tier cars to explore and discover the wonderful emirate of Dubai. If you’re one who falls in this category of people, make sure you implement the learning from this guide, and a wholesome rental experience is guaranteed. Make sure you choose the right rental company for a stress-free trip in the Emirates. Good luck with your rental in Dubai!