Owning a car in Dubai sounds glamorous, right? Cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road with the skyline glittering around you. But here’s the thing: not everyone actually needs a car here. In fact, for some people, buying a car is just an expensive way to stress yourself out.
So how do you know if you should splurge on a ride or stick with Ubers, metros, and rentals?
Let’s break it down with real experiences, smart strategies, and some advice no one gives you at the showroom.
If You Live Near the Metro, You’re Already Winning
As a long-time Dubai resident, I can tell you that living near a metro station makes all the difference. According to the RTA, the metro carries over 600,000 passengers daily, making it one of the busiest public transport systems in the region.
When I first moved here, I lived in Dubai Marina, where the metro was a 5-minute walk away. I didn’t own a car for over two years and never once felt like I was missing out. The metro connects you to almost every major area in Dubai, including the airport, Downtown, and Business Bay.
You can even use it to get to Expo City, making it a great option for expats and visitors alike.
Real Talk:
I had a friend who lived in JLT and worked in DIFC. Metro door to door in under 30 minutes. She used the money she saved on car expenses to book a flight every month. Worth it.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Surprisingly Cost-Effective
Dubai taxis are everywhere. Add in Careem, Uber, and even budget-friendly options like Hala and you can pretty much get anywhere without breaking the bank.
Especially if you only go out occasionally, you’ll actually spend less than owning a car. No surprise maintenance bills. No yearly insurance renewals. No “where did I park again?” moments.
“I was using my car maybe twice a week. When I did the math, I was actually spending more than I would if I just used taxis.”
Getting a Driving License Isn’t Cheap
If you’re not from one of the lucky countries where you can swap your license, get ready to shell out AED 5,000–7,000 or more just to get a UAE license. That’s a lot of cash, especially if you’re not planning to drive daily.
But Golden Visa holders, listen up: If your home country license is eligible, you can swap it out. I did mine in under four hours and paid around AED 1,000 total (optician test + RTA fees). Easiest bureaucratic win ever.
Who Should Get a Car in Dubai?
If any of these sound like you, it might be time to buy a car in Dubai:
- You live far from the metro.
- Your job or business requires frequent movement across the city.
- You have a family and need to move around with ease.
- You genuinely value the freedom of just getting in and going.
Personally? I’m an American here, and I love being able to drive out to Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah without waiting on anyone. Some parts of Dubai can feel chaotic, traffic-wise but for me, it’s worth the independence.
A Smart Way to Decide to Buy A Car in Dubai:
Not sure if you’re ready to get a car in Dubai? Here’s a simple test:
- Rent a cheap car for a month.
- See what changes. Do you go out more? Save time? Feel better about your routine? Then do the math:
- Monthly rent vs. your current transport spend
- Add in fuel, Salik, parking, and insurance (explained later in this blog)
- Is the convenience worth the cost?
If yes, go ahead. Just don’t jump into an exotic car lifestyle unless you’ve got the budget and the patience for Marina traffic and valet woes.
Breakdown of Costs and Hidden Expenses
If you’re leaning toward buying a car in Dubai, knowing what you’re signing up for financially will help you make a well-informed decision. There are several ongoing costs that can catch you off guard.
Let’s break down the expenses that go beyond the obvious and can really add up over time.
1. Car Insurance:
First off, car insurance in Dubai is mandatory. The cost can vary depending on the type of coverage you choose—basic or comprehensive. A basic policy might start around AED 1,000 per year, but if you want comprehensive coverage, you could be looking at AED 3,000 or more annually.
Of course, premiums go up if you’re driving a high-end vehicle. While it’s a necessary expense, it’s worth shopping around to get the best deal.
2. Parking Fees:
One of the most overlooked costs of owning a car in Dubai is parking. Depending on where you live or work, you could be paying anywhere from AED 20 to AED 40 per day for parking. Places like Dubai Mall, JBR, and Downtown Dubai are notorious for their high parking fees.
Even in residential areas, you might need to pay for monthly parking, which can cost you up to AED 300–AED 500 a month. This can really add up if you’re parking your car every day in these high-traffic areas.
3. Fuel Costs:
Fuel prices in Dubai are relatively cheaper than in many Western countries, but they’re still an ongoing cost that can add up, especially if you’re driving regularly. A full tank of gas in a compact car can cost around AED 100–AED 150, depending on the size of your car’s tank.
If you’re driving every day for work or weekend trips, you’re looking at around AED 400–AED 600 a month just for fuel. So, if you’re not using the car every day, this cost might seem unnecessary.
4. Tolls (Salik):
Dubai has a toll system known as Salik, which charges AED 5 each time you pass through a toll gate.
Depending on how often you drive, Salik can quickly add up, especially if you commute along main roads like Sheikh Zayed Road or Al Khail Road, where the tolls are frequent. A typical commuter might rack up AED 50–AED 100 a month just on Salik fees alone.
5. Maintenance and Repairs:
Owning a car in Dubai also means dealing with maintenance costs. Whether it’s an oil change, tire replacement, or dealing with a sudden issue like a flat tire or engine problem, repairs and maintenance are inevitable.
Regular servicing at authorized dealerships can cost you anywhere from AED 300 to AED 1,000 depending on the type of car and the severity of the issue. If you opt for a non-brand service center, the cost might be a little less, but you also risk compromising the quality of service.
Plus, luxury cars have higher maintenance costs, so it’s something to keep in mind.
Buy Smart Car in Dubai or Regret Hard
Here’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten:
“Buy a reliable, affordable car on cash. Use your savings to grow your income. You can always upgrade later.”
Dubai is a car lover’s paradise. But it’s also a city where it’s very easy to overspend on shiny wheels. Don’t fall into the trap unless it really adds value to your life.
Want to know which car to buy in Dubai? Read more here:
Final Word
Having a car in Dubai is nice, no doubt. But needing one? That depends entirely on your lifestyle.
- If you’re metro-friendly and Uber-okay, skip it.
- If you need mobility and value freedom—go for it.
- If you’re on the fence, test the waters before committing.
No matter what you choose, remember: Dubai is built to move you around car or no car.
Last Reviewed: 24 April 2025
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