Converting your driving licence
If you hold a licence from an approved country (UK, US, Australia, Canada, most EU countries, and others), you can convert to a UAE driving licence without taking a test. You'll need your Emirates ID, passport, original licence, and an eye test from an approved optician. The process is handled at an RTA service centre and takes 1–2 hours. Cost is approximately AED 800–1,100.
Note: you need your Emirates ID before you can convert your licence. If your country isn't on the approved list, you'll need to take driving lessons and pass a UAE test — a significantly longer and more expensive process.
Buying vs leasing
Buying makes financial sense if you're planning to stay for more than 2 years. The used car market in Dubai is excellent — high expat turnover means quality vehicles at reasonable prices. New cars depreciate quickly in the UAE heat; a 1–2 year old vehicle is usually the best value.
Leasing (long-term rental) suits shorter stays or those who want predictable monthly costs with maintenance and insurance included. Basic sedans lease from around AED 1,500–2,000/month; SUVs from AED 3,000/month upwards.
If it's your first time buying in Dubai
The buying process in Dubai involves registration, plates, window tinting, insurance, and several steps that can feel overwhelming when you first arrive. For UK expats in particular, specialist dealerships that understand the process from an expat perspective can be worth the slight premium over a private sale. They handle the registration and paperwork end-to-end, which saves significant time and stress in your first weeks.
The moving pack covers specific dealership recommendations and a step-by-step walkthrough of the full purchase process.
Real costs of owning a car
- Used sedan (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord): AED 40,000–70,000
- Used SUV (Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota RAV4): AED 60,000–100,000
- Insurance: AED 2,000–5,000/year (comprehensive recommended)
- Registration: AED 400–600/year
- Salik (tolls): AED 300–500/month for a typical commute
- Petrol: AED 300–500/month average
Setting up Salik
Salik is Dubai's electronic road toll system. Every vehicle needs a Salik tag — a windscreen sticker that deducts AED 4 per toll gate crossing. Tags are available at ENOC and EPPCO petrol stations or through the Salik app. The tag costs AED 50 plus a minimum top-up of AED 50.
If you buy a used car, the existing Salik tag stays with the vehicle — register it to your own account through the app immediately after purchase.
Where to buy
Certified pre-owned dealerships — official dealerships offer warranty-backed used cars. More expensive but lower risk for a first purchase.
Dubizzle and Facebook Marketplace — the main platforms for private sales. Prices are negotiable and often below dealership rates. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a third party before buying privately.
Auto markets — Al Awir has hundreds of dealers in one location. Good for price comparison but negotiate hard.
Recommended approach: Japanese sedans (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) hold their value best in the UAE, parts are widely available, and they handle the heat reliably. For a first purchase, a 1–2 year old Japanese sedan from a certified dealership is the lowest-risk option.