How to buy a car in UAE
Although the UAE is well-known for its modern and efficient public transport system, most people who care about their own comfort and security still choose to drive a car, and nowadays it's the most popular way to move around the United Arab Emirates. According to the statistics, last year on the roads of UAE were approximately 3.5 million vehicles. As for the first place among the emirates, it was taken by Dubai, where there are 40% of all the cars.
The UAE is a perfect spot for people who value high-speed and high-class cars as the number of luxury models is insane. Here can be found the latest models of fast sports cars and SUVs. Driving here is an attractive destination for car lovers as it combines cheap fuel, good quality roads, high-speed limits, and numerous options for off-road enthusiasts.
Over the past decade, there have been some principal changes in the bureaucratic process, and it's more than easy to buy a car here today if you follow a few simple rules.
Over the past decade, there have been some principal changes in the bureaucratic process, and it's more than easy to buy a car here today if you follow a few simple rules.
The peculiarities of UAE driving license
The authorities of Each emirate in UAE have their own rules and conditions for obtaining a driver's license. In this regard, it’s highly recommended to apply for a license in the place of residence. All the remaining documents, including a resident visa and Emirates ID, have to be completed and prepared beforehand.
According to the local rules, all those who reach the age of 18, get an opportunity to drive a car in the UAE. At the same time, there are separate rules for car rental, as only those people who are at least 21 years old are allowed to do that. To get a license it’s recommended to apply in advance. Most of the people here apply six months before their 18th birthday. A local driver's license is a guarantee of comfort for all of those who plan to work and live in the UAE.
All the licenses, issued in another country, are suitable only for temporary use. But there is a list of 30 countries, citizens of which can exchange the driving license of their home country to the UAE one. There are permanent updates regarding this option, so it's highly recommended to check the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website.
In case if the country is not included in the list, there is a separate procedure to get the driving license. Basically, you need to go through the course again and pass an exam at the end.
According to the local rules, all those who reach the age of 18, get an opportunity to drive a car in the UAE. At the same time, there are separate rules for car rental, as only those people who are at least 21 years old are allowed to do that. To get a license it’s recommended to apply in advance. Most of the people here apply six months before their 18th birthday. A local driver's license is a guarantee of comfort for all of those who plan to work and live in the UAE.
All the licenses, issued in another country, are suitable only for temporary use. But there is a list of 30 countries, citizens of which can exchange the driving license of their home country to the UAE one. There are permanent updates regarding this option, so it's highly recommended to check the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website.
In case if the country is not included in the list, there is a separate procedure to get the driving license. Basically, you need to go through the course again and pass an exam at the end.
What is the best option for UAE: a new car or a used one
In the UAE, even new cars are relatively cheap because they are not cleared through customs. Cars of famous brands come here directly from the manufacturer and are not subject to taxes or duties. Used cars are also brought from everywhere. There is no need to pay customs duties for import, and that's why they are sold at very reasonable prices.
The main advantages of buying a car in the UAE are a huge selection, a favorable price tag, and simple paperwork. As for the direct choice of a new car or a used car, it depends only on the budget.
The main advantages of buying a car in the UAE are a huge selection, a favorable price tag, and simple paperwork. As for the direct choice of a new car or a used car, it depends only on the budget.
Features of buying a used car in the UAE
If you decide to buy a used car in the UAE, then this can be done in one of the available ways:
The most popular options are the markets of Dubai and Sharjah.
- Dubizzle website
- Yalla Motors website for selling cars
- Dubicars website for selling cars
- Car markets in Dubai and other emirates.
The most popular options are the markets of Dubai and Sharjah.
The main advice from auto experts to a novice buyer is that it is best to buy a car from the direct owner. It would be ideal if the person is the first owner who carried out timely maintenance at an official service center, used original spare parts or at least their high-quality analogs, took into account all the work performed, and could document this, then such a car is a perfect match.
Service documents must indicate the spare parts that were repaired or replaced, at what mileage the repair or replacement was carried out, addresses of service centers, and other information that will help accurately determine the current condition of the machine.
Registration of a used car takes no more than one day. In the case of a new vehicle, this may take up to 3 days. As for cash, you can bring an unlimited amount with you to the UAE, but for security reasons, it is better to use traveler's checks or wire transfers. In most cases, it takes 1 to 3 days for the money to be credited.
The buyer has to provide the full payment for the car, and then the documents will be issued. The used car can be sold to an individual or legal entity. The latter may be provided with certain benefits.
Nowadays a lot of people prefer to buy a car from an online auction as this way it's possible to save a lot of time. All the available models with their detailed descriptions are presented in the catalog. It's a fast modern way to choose the perfect car.
Registration of a used car takes no more than one day. In the case of a new vehicle, this may take up to 3 days. As for cash, you can bring an unlimited amount with you to the UAE, but for security reasons, it is better to use traveler's checks or wire transfers. In most cases, it takes 1 to 3 days for the money to be credited.
The buyer has to provide the full payment for the car, and then the documents will be issued. The used car can be sold to an individual or legal entity. The latter may be provided with certain benefits.
Nowadays a lot of people prefer to buy a car from an online auction as this way it's possible to save a lot of time. All the available models with their detailed descriptions are presented in the catalog. It's a fast modern way to choose the perfect car.
Where to buy a new car in the United Arab Emirates?
The most common way to get a new car is directly from a dealership. Most of them, being presented in the UAE, offer a wide range of cars for any taste. They solve all the issues connected with the purchase, assist with registration, and provide warranty to make the purchase process as simple and comfortable as possible.
Most of the official dealerships of the major brands can be found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and there are showrooms in other emirates.
If a person lives in one emirate but wishes to buy a car from a dealer in another emirate, he will still have to register the car in his emirate of residence.
The Internet is a rather popular way to buy a car in the UAE. But still, most people need a test drive before buying to understand how suitable it is. There is an option on the websites of most dealers, which allows you to book a test drive online. It's the best way to get the real experience of driving the chosen model.
Most of the official dealerships of the major brands can be found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and there are showrooms in other emirates.
If a person lives in one emirate but wishes to buy a car from a dealer in another emirate, he will still have to register the car in his emirate of residence.
The Internet is a rather popular way to buy a car in the UAE. But still, most people need a test drive before buying to understand how suitable it is. There is an option on the websites of most dealers, which allows you to book a test drive online. It's the best way to get the real experience of driving the chosen model.
Useful tips for buying a car in the UAE
For buying a car to bring only positive emotions, you need to follow simple rules and take into account a number of nuances.
In case the car was purchased in Ajman and the license was obtained in Dubai, then the car will be registered in Dubai. There are also possible exceptions, such as the need to show your contract for an apartment in Ajman, after which the car can be registered in Ajman.
The next important nuance is checking the vehicle chassis number. You should not be shy and ask any additional questions you may have to the previous owner. This way you can protect yourself from a bad purchase.
As for the choice, there are no gaps with it, since in the UAE you can find cars of GCC, American, European, and even Japanese specifications. The UAE exports and imports a huge number of cars, with a choice for every budget.
In case the car was purchased in Ajman and the license was obtained in Dubai, then the car will be registered in Dubai. There are also possible exceptions, such as the need to show your contract for an apartment in Ajman, after which the car can be registered in Ajman.
The next important nuance is checking the vehicle chassis number. You should not be shy and ask any additional questions you may have to the previous owner. This way you can protect yourself from a bad purchase.
As for the choice, there are no gaps with it, since in the UAE you can find cars of GCC, American, European, and even Japanese specifications. The UAE exports and imports a huge number of cars, with a choice for every budget.
How to choose the car number
As for the car numbers, the situation is not as simple as in most of the other countries. It is curious that in the UAE, a car number is assigned not to a car, but to a person, so when selling a car, you can leave the old number. You can even give it as a gift. Regular numbers have 5 digits. For quite a big sum of money, anyone can purchase a three-digit number.
The sheik's relatives (and there are about six hundred of them in the country) have two-digit numbers. The sheik himself has a registration number with one digit - “1”. A car number in the Emirates speaks about a person’s position in society but does not have any advantages on the road. Noone, including the sheik, puts flashing lights on the roof to show his specialness and influence. The cars with one digit (from 1 to 9) are generally considered to belong to members of the ruling family. However, if you see such a number on a car, this does not mean that a high-ranking official is driving the car because basically any volunteer can buy it. Therefore, a beautiful sign with one number in itself does not give any privileges on the road.
The new record was set at one of the auctions in Dubai, when a car number was sold for 52.2 million dirhams, that is, approximately $15 million. There is only one digit - 7. It also contains the letter P, but to the side from seven. The name of the buyer who paid the record amount remains anonymous.
Another expensive number was sold in February this year at an auction in Hong Kong. The “R” license plate was bought for 25.5 million Hong Kong dollars, that is, about $3.2 million. This is slightly less than the 2021 record when the “W” plate was bought there for $3.3 million.
In comparison to the USA, the prices are much higher. In the state of Delaware, the number “20” was sold in 2018 for $410 thousand. However, in general, high prices are not accepted in America. For example, in New York, to get a personalized number, you need to pay $60 and then pay an extra $31.25 annually. The price of this option in Virginia is approximately $10 per year. In the UAE, buyers easily pay tens of thousands of dollars for rooms.
The sheik's relatives (and there are about six hundred of them in the country) have two-digit numbers. The sheik himself has a registration number with one digit - “1”. A car number in the Emirates speaks about a person’s position in society but does not have any advantages on the road. Noone, including the sheik, puts flashing lights on the roof to show his specialness and influence. The cars with one digit (from 1 to 9) are generally considered to belong to members of the ruling family. However, if you see such a number on a car, this does not mean that a high-ranking official is driving the car because basically any volunteer can buy it. Therefore, a beautiful sign with one number in itself does not give any privileges on the road.
The new record was set at one of the auctions in Dubai, when a car number was sold for 52.2 million dirhams, that is, approximately $15 million. There is only one digit - 7. It also contains the letter P, but to the side from seven. The name of the buyer who paid the record amount remains anonymous.
Another expensive number was sold in February this year at an auction in Hong Kong. The “R” license plate was bought for 25.5 million Hong Kong dollars, that is, about $3.2 million. This is slightly less than the 2021 record when the “W” plate was bought there for $3.3 million.
In comparison to the USA, the prices are much higher. In the state of Delaware, the number “20” was sold in 2018 for $410 thousand. However, in general, high prices are not accepted in America. For example, in New York, to get a personalized number, you need to pay $60 and then pay an extra $31.25 annually. The price of this option in Virginia is approximately $10 per year. In the UAE, buyers easily pay tens of thousands of dollars for rooms.
To sum up
The idea of buying an own car in the UAE is a perfect solution for comfort since the standard of living in the country is very high. Most of the local car owners often treat themselves to new purchases, changing previous ones on the new models. So the cars are safely kept in perfect condition and performance.
In addition, the UAE has ideal roads, which have a positive effect on the condition of cars; Reasonable prices for quality products. Initially, cars in the Emirates do not cost unimaginable money, so the resale price is very affordable. UAE residents prefer new cars, so they are willing to sell old ones at fairly low prices.
In addition, the UAE has ideal roads, which have a positive effect on the condition of cars; Reasonable prices for quality products. Initially, cars in the Emirates do not cost unimaginable money, so the resale price is very affordable. UAE residents prefer new cars, so they are willing to sell old ones at fairly low prices.