How to purchase or rent a new or used vehicle

Rental companies - from large corporations to tiny neighbourhood businesses - offer daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly rates

Special promotions or discounts are constantly on offer at some of the bigger car rental companies.

One of an expatriate's dilemmas on arriving is whether to buy or rent a vehicle.
Rental companies - from large corporations to tiny neighbourhood businesses - offer daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly rates.
Special promotions or discounts are constantly on offer at some of the bigger companies.
Compact cars and sedans are the vehicles most commonly rented in the UAE, but most companies have vans and SUVs.
"To rent, you need to have your original passport, your UAE driver's licence and your credit card on hand," said Dominick Fernandes, a customer-service representative for Budget Rent a Car.
For monthly rentals, the full amount is typically taken on the first day and some companies block Dh1,000 on your credit card.
For those looking to stay in the country long-term, buying is a more cost-efficient option, but you do not have to break the bank by buying a new vehicle from a dealer.
Used cars are easy to find on classified sites such as Dubizzle.com or autodealer.ae.
Newspapers and notice boards at supermarkets also display advertisements, while vehicles claimed by municipalities are auctioned several times a year.
To buy a car, a letter of no objection from your employer is required, and the licensing department in the emirate where you are buying must transfer the car to you. Normal registration procedures apply. A letter from the bank, acknowledging that the car's loan has been paid, may also be required.
Selling a used car is done in much the same way, but the new owner is responsible for registering the vehicle after ownership is transferred.
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