For expats, owning a car in Dubai seems to be an unwritten rule. Not only do most foreign nationals possess a vehicle but, overall, cheaper prices often encourage expats to buy a car in Dubai that will be more of a status symbol than a functional necessity. Still, modes of public transport are limited, and when it comes down to it, whether one chooses to ride in style or stay small, having a car in Dubai is a must. To buy a car in Dubai it’s necessary to have a residence visa. If planning to make a purchase without a driver’s license, it's necessary to go to the police to explain the circ*mstances and receive approval. Cars in the UAE are slightly cheaper than in the UK or US, and as an added benefit of living in an oil-rich country, expats will find that petrol is inexpensive and maintenance costs are affordable. There are plenty of new and used car dealerships in Dubai, not to mention a host of expats constantly coming and going, creating a large network of private sellers. Before buying a car in Dubai, it’s best to do as much research as possible and to note the following: Read the service history record, and bring the vehicle to a mechanic – even if it looks to be in mint condition Buy a car with Gulf specs; this will make maintenance for the engine, gearbox cooling and airconditioning easy to access and affordable For expats who have their heart set on buying a new car in Dubai, nearly every make and model one would expect to find in the monstrous car culture of the United States, or any other Western country for that matter, exists within Dubai. Japanese and American brands are especially numerous and are sold at various franchised dealerships, most of which can be found on Sheikh Zayed Road. Popular models do tend to be pricier than those less coveted; but overall, most car dealers can be convinced to give buyers quite a good deal, which often includes one year of insurance and a service warranty period. Dealers may work with a specific bankand offer help in arranging financing. Do be mindful that bouncing cheques in Dubai is a criminal offence, so be sure to arrange financing within a budget. Sometimes, it's possible to get better rates from one's personal bank, so do some research beforehand. The depreciation rate in Dubai can be as high as 30 percent, so if buying a new car don’t expect to sell it for anything close to the price of purchase. The high expat turnover in Dubai and the small window of time in which many choose to leave have inspired a large second-hand car culture in the emirate. There are plenty of used, or “pre-owned”, dealerships in Dubai, and many offer the same sort of service warranty, insurance and help with financing and registration that accompanies new car purchases. These benefits do of course come with a price. Alternatively, Dubai has auction houses where expats can bid for their buy. A bonus of purchasing a car from an auction house is that all cars will have undergone a vehicle check and it is possible to register the vehicle there. However, on the negative side, there is no warranty included in the price. Expats also have the option of purchasing from a private seller. This is the best way to bag a bargain, especially if the seller has a deadline to exit the emirate. That being said, expats wanting to buy a car from an individual should be knowledgeable about registration and car check-ups. They should also be prepared to bear the burden of managing paperwork and shouldering any additional hassle. Ads are often posted on supermarket bulletin boards or can be found on Dubizzle.com or even in the Gulf News and Khaleej Times classified sections.Buying a new car in Dubai
Buying a used car in Dubai
Buying a used car from a private seller
FAQs
How easy is it to buy a car in Dubai? ›
As well as having a valid driving license from one of the seven emirates, you will need to present your residency visa, passport copy, and Emirates ID card when buying a car. Notably, the emirate on your residency visa, driving license, car registration, and number plate should all be the same.
Can Americans buy a car from Dubai? ›Documentation and Certification: Proper documentation, including the vehicle's title, bill of sale, and export documents from Dubai/UAE, is necessary for customs clearance in the USA. You'll also need certification that the vehicle meets US standards.
Is it worth to have a car in Dubai? ›Once in Dubai, you can't help but access this automotive luxury. And having moved to this city, it's impossible to resist buying your own iron horse. Сars in the UAE are often cheaper than in Europe or the United States, and the cost of gasoline and maintenance in this country is also quite inexpensive.
Why are cars so cheap in Dubai? ›In the past, Dubai had lots of super expensive cars, but now many are left abandoned. Most folks used to prefer buying brand-new cars, but things have changed. The fancy cars are being ditched for various reasons. This surge in abandoned cars has made car prices drop to an all-time low in Dubai.
Are cars cheaper in USA or Dubai? ›So, if you move, a car purchase should be factored into your expenses, but cars in Dubai tend to be cheaper than in the United States.
Is it cheaper to buy a car in Dubai or USA? ›Cars in Dubai are comparatively less expensive than those in the western hemisphere, so selling your vehicle and repurchasing one locally is more economical than paying numerous shipping costs and importation taxes.
Can I ship a car from Dubai to USA? ›Shipping a Car from Dubai to the USA starts at a cost of $2,750 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20-35 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in Dubai and whether the destination in the USA is on the east or west coast.
How much does it cost to transfer a car from Dubai to USA? ›Car imports from the United Arab Emirates to the USA start at a cost of $2,750 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 30 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle and your final destination in the USA. Below, our 2024 guide will explore everything you need to know about importing cars from the UAE to the USA.
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle from Dubai to USA? ›Car Shipping from UAE to USA
Shipping a Car from the UAE to the USA starts at a cost of $2,749 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 22-35 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the United Arab Emirates and whether the destination in the USA is on the east or west coast.
On average, motorists in the Emirates keep a car for about 5.2 years, less than half the 11.5 year average for vehicles in the United States, but much longer than drivers in Saudi Arabia who keep their cars for 3.8 years before selling them.
Can you survive in Dubai without a car? ›
Living in the Heart of Dubai
Dubai's efficient public transport from trams, metros, monorail, buses, and even taxis allows you to navigate the city without the hassle of driving, reducing the need for personal vehicles.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Dubai, UAE? Car insurance in Dubai, UAE costs around 1.25% to 3% of the car's value. However, there are certainly other factors that contribute to the cost of an insurance policy such as the age of the driver, driving history, driving experience etc.
Is it safe to buy used cars in Dubai? ›When buying a used car in Dubai, it's important to be vigilant. The market is filled with options, but not all of them are good deals. In this article, we'll explore key red flags to watch out for, helping you make a smart and informed decision. The vehicle's history is like a biography of its time on the road.
What is the average price of a car in Dubai? ›The average car listing price in the United Arab Emirates for the year 2019 was about 102 thousand Emirati dirhams. It was a decrease compared to the average car listing price of 2018 of 103.7 thousand Emirati dirhams.
Why do people leave cars in Dubai? ›To avoid the law, in the UAE, expats often flee the country and abandon their expensive cars, such as Corvettes, Ferraris, or Porsches. People who can no longer afford to pay down their car loans get rid of their vehicles that bite the dust for a few months before they are put in the police auctions.
Can foreigners buy a car in Dubai? ›Documents Required for Buying a New Car in Dubai
UAE residence visa (original and copy) – A residence visa is mandatory for opening a bank account in the UAE as well as for buying automobiles. Passport (original and copy)
Shipping a Car from Dubai to the USA starts at a cost of $2,750 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20-35 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in Dubai and whether the destination in the USA is on the east or west coast.
Can foreigners drive car in Dubai? ›Can I drive in Dubai as a tourist? You can drive as a non-resident, as long as you have an international driving licence. You can hire a car while in Dubai, providing you're over the age of 21 andhave a valid international driving licence and credit card.