Car rental in Dubai with a Russian driver's license

Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Luxurious skyscrapers, endless deserts, white sandy beaches, and shopping malls with endless shopping opportunities attract travelers from all over the world. 

And to fully enjoy everything the emirate has to offer, the most convenient way to get around is by car. Renting a car gives you freedom of choice: you can visit not only the central attractions but also remote corners of the UAE.

A logical question arises: is it possible to rent a car in Dubai with a Russian driver's license? The answer is yes, and below we will discuss all the conditions and nuances of this process in detail.

Since 2018, the UAE government has allowed Russian driver's licenses to be used in the country. This has made life much easier for Russian tourists: now, you don't always need an international driver's license (IDL) to rent a car. However, there are a number of conditions and nuances that are important to consider.

Russian licenses are valid in Dubai for tourists arriving for a short period. UAE residents who have obtained a residence permit must obtain a local driver's license. For short-term visits, Russian licenses are recognized provided they meet certain requirements.

The best option is to bring a new-style Russian driver's license – a plastic card with a photo and duplicate information in Latin characters. These licenses are understood by rental companies and local police, which minimizes potential problems. Old-style licenses (paper) may also be accepted, but sometimes raise additional questions. In this case, having an IDP can simplify the process.

Formally, an IDP is not strictly mandatory for all rental cases. However, some rental companies may request it. 

This is especially true if your license is an older model or contains little information in Latin characters.

The IDP acts as a kind of “translation” of your national license and helps to avoid misunderstandings. Therefore, if you want to protect yourself as much as possible from possible refusals, it is worth obtaining an IDP in advance.

The rental process for Russians is generally straightforward, but requires attention at every stage.

To ensure that everything goes smoothly and without surprises, it is important to proceed systematically: choose a reliable rental company in advance, prepare the necessary documents, understand the terms of the deposit and insurance, and carefully check the car before departure.

Start by choosing a reliable rental company. You can use international aggregators (Rentalcars, DiscoverCars) or contact local operators directly. BKF‑Auto offers convenient car rental terms in Dubai: a wide selection of cars, transparent rates, and support in Russian.

To rent a car, you will need:

• a valid foreign passport;
• a Russian driver's license (preferably the new model);
• if available, an international driver's license;
• a bank card for making a deposit.

Make sure that your license does not expire during your trip and that your passport is valid for at least six months.

When you sign the rental agreement, the company will block a deposit on your card – an amount that serves as a guarantee in case of damage or fines. The deposit amount varies depending on the car class and the rental company's terms and conditions.

It is also important to clarify the type of insurance:

• basic insurance usually includes limited liability;
• full insurance (with zero deductible) removes your financial responsibility for damage, but costs more.

Carefully review the insurance terms in the contract: what cases are covered and what are not. Also consider possible additional fees, such as for driving on toll roads (Salik system).

Before signing the contract and receiving the keys, carefully inspect the car. 

Check for:

• scratches, chips, and other damage;
• the condition of the wheels and tires;
• the operation of the headlights, turn signals, and other lighting devices;
• the fuel level.

Record all defects found in the acceptance and transfer certificate and take photos. This will protect you from claims when returning the car.

Most rental companies in Dubai have clear requirements for drivers, which helps reduce risks and ensure road safety. Let's take a closer look at the main conditions.

The minimum age for renting a car is 21. This is the basic threshold for most standard models: compact and mid-size sedans, hatchbacks, and minivans. 

However, for some categories of cars, the requirements are stricter: to rent a premium car (such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi), SUV, or sports car, you must be at least 25 years old.

If you are under 25, don't be discouraged, as you can still rent a car, but with some nuances. Many companies introduce a so-called young driver surcharge, which is standard practice not only in the UAE but also in many other countries. 

The size of the surcharge varies: it is usually a fixed amount per day or a percentage of the total rental cost. It is best to check the exact figures with the specific rental company in advance.

Another important condition is driving experience. As a rule, rental companies require at least 1-2 years of experience. This means that your license must have been issued at least 12-24 months prior to the rental date. This requirement is due to the fact that experienced drivers are considered more predictable on the road, which reduces the likelihood of accidents and subsequent insurance claims.

Finally, you will need a valid bank card to complete the rental process—it is required to block the deposit.

The card must:

• be in your name;
• have a sufficient credit limit or balance to cover the deposit amount (it can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dirhams, depending on the car class);
• be supported by international payment systems (due to sanctions, many companies do not accept cards from Russian banks using the Mir payment system).

Sometimes rental companies allow cash deposits, but this option is less common and may be subject to additional conditions.

Renting a car in Dubai with a Russian driver's license is entirely possible – the main thing is to prepare in advance and take all the nuances into account. Make sure your license meets the requirements (preferably a new model), obtain an international driving permit if necessary, choose a reliable rental company, and carefully study the terms of the contract. BKF‑Auto will help make the rental process as comfortable as possible. We offer transparent terms, support in Russian, and a wide selection of cars for any purpose.

Plan your trip wisely and make your journey in Dubai comfortable and safe!