Buying a car in the UAE is an exciting journey, but it has some challenges. You need to consider many factors to find the best car for yourself.
In this blog post, we’re going to review these factors to help you find a good new or used car for sale in UAE and buy it at a fair price.
Options Available in the UAE Car Market
First, let’s see what options you have when it comes to buying a car in UAE:
- New cars: All famous car manufacturers from across the world are active in the Dubai car market, and you might find it difficult to choose a model among lots of options.
- Used cars: Dubai and Abu Dhabi have a vibrant market for used cars, and you can find almost everything you want.
Here is a comparison between the advantages and disadvantages of new and used cars:
| Aspect | New Cars | Used Cars |
| Warranty | Comes with a full manufacturer warranty | May have limited or expired warranty |
| Features & Technology | Latest features, safety systems, and tech | May lack newer features depending on age |
| Depreciation | Rapid—20% to 30% in the first year | Slower depreciation rate |
| Price | Higher upfront cost | More affordable, better value |
| Risk of Issues | Low | Higher risk |
| Inspection Needed | Not necessary | Highly recommended |
You can think of some other factors when choosing between new or used cars:
- Luxury and exotic cars: Dubai is the best city in the world for luxury cars. You can find the most luxurious models from brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Lamborghini.
- Electric vehicles (EVs): Dubai has a smart plan for a sustainable future. As a result, electric vehicles from brands like Tesla and BYD.
Set Your Budget
After choosing your type, you must think of your budget. Ask yourself if you can go for luxury cars or if you must choose a used car.
New economy cars typically start around AED 40,000, while luxury vehicles can be more than AED 1 million. Also, used cars may start from AED 12,000 to AED 15,000.
Moreover, car ownership in Dubai involves several ongoing costs beyond the purchase price.
| Category | Details |
| Insurance | Mandatory. Comprehensive insurance costs range from AED 1,500 to AED 5,500 annually, depending on car value, driving history, and age. |
| Registration Fees | Typically, it is AED 400 to AED 600 annually. |
| Used Car Inspection | Mandatory for used vehicles; inspection costs around AED 170. |
| Fuel (Petrol) | AED 3.10 to AED 3.30 per liter (as of April 2025). Costs rise with large SUVs or long commutes. |
| Parking Fees | Public parking applies in urban areas. Annual residential permit: ~AED 800. |
| Toll Fees (Salik) | AED 4 per crossing through Dubai’s Salik toll gates. |
| Maintenance | Varies by brand. Japanese cars (e.g., Toyota, Nissan) are affordable; European brands are more expensive. |
Legal Requirements for Buying a Car
You must meet some basic legal requirements before buying a car:
- UAE Driving License: If you have a license from certain countries, like the UK, USA, and Canada, you may be able to convert it. However, you will need to complete driving lessons and a test.
- UAE Residency Visa: Only residents can buy and register cars. Tourists are limited to rentals.
- Vehicle Registration: All cars must be registered through the RTA (Dubai) or DoT (Abu Dhabi).
- Inspection: Used vehicles must pass a mechanical inspection.
- Car Insurance: Proof of valid insurance is needed before registration.
- Emirates ID: This is essential for any official paperwork.
Financing Your Purchase
Many buyers choose to get loans from banks such as Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, and ADCB.
These banks offer car loans with annual interest rates typically between 2 and 5 percent. To get a loan, you might need:
- A minimum monthly salary
- Employment confirmation
- 3–6 months of bank statements
- Emirates ID and residence visa
Where to Find & Buy a Car in UAE
You can buy a car from several channels:
- Authorized Dealerships: They provide new cars and certified pre-owned vehicles with warranties.
- Used Car Markets: There are great markets like Al Aweer Auto Market in Dubai that offer a wide variety of used cars.
- Online Platforms: Shozon, Dubizzle, YallaMotor, Used Cars Dubai, and Cars24 are useful for browsing both new and used cars.
- Auctions: Emirates Auction and Copart UAE offer great vehicle deals.
- Private Sellers: They are often cheaper but riskier if you do not verify the car’s history and ownership documents.
Choosing the Right Features
As you know, UAE has an extreme climate, extensive highways, and great desserts for off-road journeys. So, certain car features like strong air conditioning are a necessity.
You must pay special attention to factors like fuel efficiency and capabilities for off-road driving.
Fuel-efficient models are a good choice for daily commuters. On the other hand, 4×4 capability is important if you plan on off-roading in the desert.
Also, consider safety features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
After the Purchase
After you finalize the purchase, you need to register the car with the RTA or DoT. You need to arrange a Salik tag if driving in Dubai, and, if necessary, apply for a parking permit.
More importantly, make sure to stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, especially if your car is under warranty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many buyers make the following mistakes:
- Skipping the Car Inspection: Inspect used cars to avoid hidden mechanical issues.
- Underestimating Insurance Costs: Get insurance quotes in advance.
- Not Reading Financing Terms: Carefully review loan agreements to avoid hidden fees.
- Ignoring Traffic Fines: Check Abu Dhabi traffic fines by number plate.
- Rushing the Purchase: Compare prices and models before deciding.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is one of the best car markets in the world. You have many options from new models from luxurious car manufacturers to affordable used cars. You must consider some important factors before making your purchasing decisions. Finally, get advice from an expert to detect any mechanical issues and avoid future problems.