How to Rent a Car in Dubai for Travel to Saudi Arabia: 2025 Rules

Cross-Border Car Rentals from Dubai to Saudi – Allowed or Not?

Driving a rental car from Dubai into Saudi Arabia is possible in 2025, but it’s not the norm and comes with strict conditions. Most UAE rental agreements prohibit taking the car outside the UAE unless special permission is granted. In fact, many major companies suspended cross-border rentals in late 2024 due to security and policy concerns. That said, a handful of rental agencies will accommodate UAE-to-KSA travel if you arrange it in advance and meet all requirements. You should always contact the rental company beforehand to confirm if they allow Saudi travel and what specific steps are needed. Expect to obtain extra paperwork, pay additional fees, and follow any route restrictions the company provides. Skipping these steps can void your insurance and violate the rental contract, so advance planning is essential.

Rental Companies Allowing UAE–Saudi Travel in 2025

Not all rental providers permit cross-border trips, and policies vary. Below is a look at major Dubai-based companies and their stances on driving into Saudi Arabia:

• Hertz UAE: Does not allow its vehicles to be driven to other countries under normal circumstances. Hertz’s policy generally forbids taking a car into Saudi (or Oman) unless you get explicit approval from management, which is rarely granted.

• Budget & Europcar: These international brands have stopped issuing cross-border permission for neighboring countries. As of 2025, Budget, Europcar and similar companies do not permit driving their Dubai rentals into Saudi Arabia. Always assume no unless a local branch tells you otherwise.

• Avis UAE: Avis allows cross-border rentals only to Oman by default, with a special request and fee, but not to Saudi Arabia in standard contracts. Their terms state you’re only allowed to use the vehicle in Oman unless otherwise agreed, meaning a trip to KSA would require case-by-case approval (if available at all).

• Thrifty & Dollar: Thrifty Car Rental is one of the few majors known to accommodate GCC travel. Thrifty UAE will issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and arrange insurance for cross-border travel if you request it and pay a small fee. This has historically been offered for Oman trips, and some customers report Thrifty’s UAE offices can authorize travel to Saudi as well. Dollar (which is affiliated with Thrifty) has similarly outfitted certain cars with the needed insurance for cross-border use – but always confirm with the branch ahead of time for Saudi approval.

• Sixt: Sixt’s UAE franchise has occasionally allowed GCC travel on a pre-approved basis. For example, Sixt could arrange an Oman trip with an NOC, extra insurance, and even a one-way drop-off for a fee. For Saudi Arabia, Sixt may consider it with the same approach (advanced notice and surcharges), but this is not guaranteed. Contact Sixt Dubai well in advance if you plan to drive into KSA.

• Local Agencies (RCT, Autostrad, Autorent, etc.): Some UAE-based rental companies specialize in flexible solutions and “bespoke” cross-border rentals. For instance, RCT.ae and Autostrad advertise that they can arrange permission to drive to Oman or Saudi if asked. These companies handle the paperwork (for a fee) and guide you on approved border routes. While policies change quickly, as of early 2025 a few local agencies still claim to allow Dubai–KSA rentals on a case-by-case basis. Always verify the latest policy directly with the rental office – even if their website says it’s possible.

Pro Tip: No matter the company, get everything in writing. If a rental agency agrees to let you drive to Saudi, ensure the rental agreement or addendum explicitly lists Saudi Arabia as an allowed territory, and that you obtain the official NOC letter. Without written permission, you risk being turned back at the border or having no insurance coverage during your trip.

Documents and Requirements for Tourists Driving to KSA

If you do find a rental company to support your Dubai-to-Saudi road trip, be prepared to gather a stack of documents and permits. Both UAE authorities and Saudi border officials will ask for these. Key requirements include:

• Passport and Saudi Visa: A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) is mandatory, and tourist visas are required for entry into Saudi Arabia. International tourists should obtain a Saudi eVisa in advance (or ensure eligibility for visa on arrival) before traveling. Even if you qualify for visa-on-arrival, getting your visa online beforehand can save time at the border control. The Saudi tourist visa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. Have printouts of your visa approval ready to show immigration officers.

• Driving License (and International Driving Permit): You must have a valid driving license in your name. Tourists can drive in Saudi Arabia with a foreign license as long as they are on a valid visitor visa. It’s highly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well, which provides an official Arabic translation of your license. Saudi law allows visitors to drive with a home country license for up to 3 months, but many rental agencies and insurers require an IDP for non-GCC licenses. Essentially, bring both your original license and an IDP to be safe.

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Rental Company: This is a formal letter on the rental company’s letterhead stating that they authorize you to take the vehicle out of the UAE and into Saudi Arabia. It will list your car’s details (make, model, plate number, VIN) and the permitted travel dates. The NOC is absolutely critical – UAE exit authorities and Saudi customs will want to see that you have the owner’s permission to cross borders. Without a proper NOC, you will be turned away at the border checkpoint. (Rental agencies usually prepare this letter when you pay the cross-border fee.)

• Vehicle Registration Card: Ensure you have a copy of the car’s registration (Mulkiya) in the vehicle. Border agents might ask for proof that the car is legally registered and not stolen. Typically, rental cars come with the registration card in the glove box; double-check it’s there and valid. Some borders have reportedly demanded the driver’s name be on the registration (i.e. you own the car), which is a problem for rentals. A proper NOC usually overcomes this, but be aware that border officials have discretion. Carrying the original registration document and NOC should satisfy the requirement in most cases.

• Insurance Documents (UAE & Saudi): By default, a UAE rental’s insurance does not cover you outside the UAE. For cross-border travel, you will need to secure third-party liability insurance valid in Saudi Arabia, often nicknamed the “Orange Card” or simply cross-border insurance. The rental company may arrange an insurance extension for Saudi, or you might purchase a short-term policy yourself. Saudi Arabia mandates this coverage for all foreign vehicles entering the country. One convenient option is the Manafith insurance platform, which sells Saudi border insurance online for foreign cars. Prices are about SAR 120 for one week of coverage (approximately AED 118), up to SAR 1,200 for one year. You can buy this online just before your trip and print the policy. If you don’t get it in advance, you’ll have to buy insurance at the border before being allowed to enter KSA. In addition to this Saudi TPL insurance, verify whether you need a special GCC insurance certificate from your rental agency. Some rentals include a GCC coverage add-on (for an extra fee) to cover damage to the rental car abroad. Clarify with your rental provider and carry proof of all insurance policies (the UAE policy and the Saudi/Manafith policy).

• Saudi Entry Permit for the Vehicle: When you reach the Saudi border, the authorities will issue an entry permit or export document for the vehicle (tied to your passport). This is essentially a temporary import permission for the car. The process is usually handled at the customs counter after immigration. You’ll present your registration, NOC, and insurance, and they will register the vehicle’s details. Be sure to keep the car’s entry paperwork safe, as you must hand it back to Saudi customs when you exit to prove you didn’t leave the car in the country.

• Tourist Visa for Re-entry to UAE (if needed): Since you’re an international tourist, ensure your UAE visa allows multiple entries or that you have a plan for re-entering the UAE after the Saudi trip. Many nationalities get a multiple-entry UAE visit visa or visa-on-arrival, which is fine. Just remember that you will be exiting the UAE and coming back, so you need valid status for re-entry. Check the UAE immigration stamp or eVisa to confirm you won’t have issues coming back after visiting KSA.

Saudi Arabia Land Border Crossing Procedure

Driving across the UAE–KSA border involves a few checkpoints and formalities:

• Exiting the UAE (Al Ghuwaifat checkpoint): As you depart the UAE, you will go through UAE border control on the Emirati side (likely at the Al Ghuwaifat checkpoint if you’re using the main E11 highway towards Riyadh). Here, you and your passengers will get exit stamps in your passports. The UAE currently charges a small exit fee of around AED 30-35 per person for those leaving by land. This fee is paid at the border (there’s a counter or a kiosk, usually credit card only). After passport control, UAE customs officers may briefly inspect the car. They will also issue you an exit document for the vehicle – essentially a slip that, along with your NOC, shows the car is cleared to leave UAE territory. Keep this slip, as Saudi officials may ask for it to ensure the car formally exited UAE.

• Entering Saudi Arabia (Al Batha checkpoint): Next, you’ll drive through a short no-man’s land to reach the Saudi border post at Al Batha. There, you’ll park and go through Saudi immigration. Present your passports with Saudi visas (or eVisa printouts). Each person will be processed and biometrics taken if it’s a first-time entry. Once you’re admitted, you’ll proceed to customs/vehicle processing. At the customs booth, hand over: your car’s registration, the rental NOC, and proof of Saudi insurance. The officer will verify the documents and likely inspect the vehicle (expect them to open the trunk and look around for prohibited items). Important: Do not carry any items that are illegal in Saudi Arabia – for example, no alcohol, drugs, or pork products in your luggage or car. Saudi customs are strict, and bringing banned goods can land you in serious legal trouble. After inspection, you’ll pay for the vehicle entry if you didn’t pre-buy insurance. If you haven’t purchased the Manafith insurance, you must buy the required policy here (cost will be similar to the online prices above). They will then issue the vehicle entry permit (often a paper or a stamped form) that you keep until leaving Saudi Arabia. Once all that’s done, the barrier lifts and you are free to drive into Saudi Arabia.

• At the Border Facility: The whole process at Al Batha can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Much depends on the queues and if your paperwork is in order. If it’s your first time using a Saudi eVisa, you might spend extra time at immigration (one traveler noted first-timers may take 30-60 minutes inside the border office). Patience is key. The good news is there are basic amenities at the border post (restrooms, a prayer room, possibly a small café or shop). Make sure you have some Saudi Riyals (cash) on hand as you enter – you might need cash for certain fees or for fuel/food right after crossing. Not all gas stations immediately after the border accept foreign credit cards (some only take the local Mada debit network).

• Driving in Saudi Arabia: Once on Saudi roads, remember that traffic laws and road conditions may differ from the UAE. Speed limits are posted in km/h and are generally similar, but enforcement can be lighter outside major cities. Drive cautiously, especially if you’re heading through long desert highways. Saudi Arabia now allows women to drive (since 2018) and foreign visitors can legally drive using their home licenses, so as a tourist you have full driving privileges. Just always carry your passport, visa print, and driving license while driving in KSA, as you may be asked for ID at checkpoints or if pulled over. In case of any traffic incident in Saudi, you should call the traffic police (dial 993) and also inform Najm (the insurance accident reporting service) if another vehicle is involved. This is where having that Saudi insurance policy (Manafith) is crucial – it covers third-party damages if there’s an accident. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s mandatory for a reason.

• Re-entering the UAE: After your trip, when returning via the same border, you’ll do the reverse: Saudi exit formalities (they will take back the vehicle entry permit and stamp you out) and then UAE entry. For UAE entry, have your UAE tourist visa status/ETA ready and declare any purchases if needed. The rental car will be allowed back in as long as it left with the proper paperwork. There is no entry fee on the UAE side, but UAE customs might inspect the car for prohibited imports. Once back in the Emirates, make sure to return the car to the agreed location on time. Any traffic fines incurred in Saudi won’t show up immediately, but could eventually be reported to the rental company via the vehicle’s registration. It’s wise to drive carefully and settle any known fines before handing the car back, to avoid surprises.

Costs, Mileage Limits, and Insurance Upgrades for Cross-Border Rentals

When budgeting for a Dubai–Saudi rental car adventure, consider the extra costs and rules that come with cross-border use. Here’s what to expect financially and in terms of rental conditions:

• Cross-Border Fees (NOC and Insurance): Rental agencies will charge an additional fee for issuing the NOC and arranging cross-border insurance. The fee can vary by company and the length of your trip. For example, Avis UAE’s charges for an Oman travel permit range from AED 450 up to AED 1,500 depending on rental duration and car type. Thrifty’s cross-border fee has been cited around AED 100–250 for short trips. These fees typically cover the administrative costs and an insurance extension to cover the other country. Always ask exactly what the fee includes – does it cover the third-party insurance for Saudi, or is that separate? In many cases you pay the rental company for an Oman/KSA insurance certificate (or they give you paperwork to buy insurance at the border). Note that Saudi’s mandatory insurance (Manafith) is reasonably priced (e.g. ~SAR 120 for a week), but the rental company’s fee for the NOC service may be higher. Factor a few hundred dirhams extra for cross-border permissions in your rental budget.

• Security Deposit: Be prepared for a higher security deposit hold on your credit card when renting for a Saudi trip. Standard rentals in Dubai require a deposit (often AED 1,000–2,500 for economy cars), but for cross-border approval the company may max out the deposit range. It’s not uncommon to see a AED 5,000 deposit hold (approx. SAR 5,100) for a car that will leave the country. This is to cover potential liabilities, traffic fines abroad, or the risk of the car not returning promptly. Ensure your credit card has sufficient limit for this hold. The deposit is released/refunded after you return the car and all fines/tolls/fees are settled, but it can take a couple of weeks. Also, nearly all companies require a credit card (not cash or debit) for these rentals due to the large deposit and cross-border risk.

• Mileage Limits: Cross-border rentals often come with restricted mileage, even if the company normally offers “unlimited kilometers” within the UAE. Expect a daily km cap because of the long distances involved. For instance, Avis imposes a 250 km per day limit on rentals that go into Oman, with a charge (around AED 1 per extra km) if you exceed it. A similar cap would likely apply for Saudi Arabia travel. Driving from Dubai to Riyadh and back can easily be ~2,000 km round-trip, so plan your route and calculate mileage. Discuss this with the rental agent – sometimes they offer a special package with extra kilometers for a fee. Always log your odometer reading when you depart and return, to keep track if you’re near the limit.

• Insurance Upgrades (CDW/TP): Because you’ll be far from the rental company’s home base, it’s wise to consider additional insurance coverage. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW can reduce your liability if the rental car itself is damaged in an accident. Check if your rental’s CDW coverage extends into Saudi Arabia – some might not, which is another reason to explicitly purchase the cross-border insurance. You must have third-party liability for Saudi (as discussed), but covering damage to the rental car is your responsibility unless you buy CDW. Given the long highway drives (and potential for stray camels or rock chips), many tourists opt for maximum insurance coverage. It adds to the cost, but can save a huge headache. Ask about roadside assistance across the border as well – does the rental include GCC-wide roadside help or will you be on your own if the car breaks down in Saudi? Some agencies may offer an expanded roadside service for an extra fee when traveling to KSA. In short, don’t skimp on insurance when doing a cross-country drive; verify you are fully covered in the event of accidents or breakdowns outside the UAE.

• Fuel and Toll Costs: Petrol in Saudi Arabia is generally cheap (often cheaper than in the UAE), so fuel costs for your road trip should be reasonable. You can fill up for around SAR 2–2.3 per liter (prices in 2025). The main route from the UAE border to Riyadh is a long highway with ample fuel stations – just keep an eye on the gauge as some stretches are desolate. As for tolls, Saudi Arabia currently has no highway tolls on the route from UAE to Riyadh. The UAE side has Salik toll gates in Dubai, but you’ll likely clear those before getting far out of the city; any Salik tolls incurred will be charged by your rental company later (usually around AED 4 per toll gate). No Salik is charged on the Abu Dhabi highways. So, toll expenses are minimal on this trip. One cost to note: if you plan to drive within major Saudi cities (Riyadh, Jeddah), Saudi Arabia has introduced some urban toll or congestion fees in certain areas – these are new and electronic. Ask at the border or check local news if any “Etoll” system is in place in the city you’re visiting, though as of early 2025, nothing widespread is reported.

• Traffic Fines and Deposits: Any traffic violation you commit in Saudi (speeding tickets, etc.) will usually be reported to the car’s owner (the rental company) eventually via the Saudi traffic system. This can take weeks. The rental company is entitled to deduct fines from your deposit or charge your card when the fine notification comes. This is one reason for the high deposit – to cover foreign fines. Drive carefully and ideally avoid fines; if you do get one (and you’re aware of it via an SMS or on-the-spot police notification), you might try to pay it through the Saudi Absher or Saher systems before leaving, but as a tourist that may not be straightforward. Most likely, you’ll have to wait and see if the rental company informs you later. They might also charge an admin fee for processing foreign fines. Keep this in mind when budgeting and ask the rental agent how they handle foreign traffic fines.

Returning the Car: One-Way Drop-Off vs. Round Trip

Can you drop off the Dubai rental car in Saudi Arabia? In almost all cases, no – you must bring the car back to the UAE. The vast majority of rental companies require return in the original country. They do not have facilities to accept a UAE-plated rental drop-off in Saudi, and leaving the car in KSA would create import/export complications. For example, Hertz UAE explicitly allows one-way drop-offs only within the UAE (between emirates), and states that vehicles may not be dropped off outside the UAE without prior consent. While a company like Sixt or Avis might have branches in both countries, their systems are not set up for cross-border one-way rentals (the logistics of recovering a UAE-registered car from Saudi are prohibitive).

A few rare exceptions might be possible: an agency with a regional presence could arrange a special one-way for an enormous fee, but this is not common. As an illustration, Avis UAE used to quote about AED 2,000 as a drop-off surcharge to leave a car in Oman – and that’s just Oman. You can imagine a drop-off in Saudi, which is even farther, would be similarly expensive if it were offered at all. At the time of writing, no major rental company openly advertises one-way rentals from the UAE to KSA. Plan for a round-trip drive, returning the vehicle to Dubai (or wherever you rented) at the end of your journey.

Because of this, you also cannot “swap” cars at the border. Some travelers wonder if they can drive to the UAE side of the border, turn in the car, walk across, and pick up a new rental in Saudi. This isn’t practical – the border crossing is not geared for pedestrians (there’s a several-kilometer gap of desert between checkpoints), and there are no rental offices at the border to facilitate such an exchange. The nearest Saudi rental offices would be in cities like Riyadh or Dammam, hours away from the frontier. So, if you did want to rent a car in Saudi, you’d need to take a bus or flight into a city and rent from there, rather than trying to do it at the land crossing.

Bottom line: You will be driving the same car back into the UAE. Coordinate your travel dates so that you return before your rental contract expires. If you decide to extend your stay in Saudi, you must inform the rental company and likely purchase an extension of the NOC and insurance as well, so they know you haven’t absconded with the car. Late returns without notice are a huge red flag, especially across borders. Keep the agency’s contact info handy and update them if your plans change while in KSA.

Practical Tips and Final Advice

Renting a car in Dubai to drive to Saudi Arabia can be an incredibly rewarding way to explore – you get to see the desert scenery, visit off-the-beaten-path sites, and have freedom to move around. However, it requires careful preparation and strict adherence to legal requirements. Here are some final tips to ensure a smooth experience:

• Plan Well in Advance: Give yourself at least a couple of weeks to arrange a cross-border rental. Use that time to find a willing rental company and gather all necessary documents. Last-minute cross-border requests are less likely to be approved. Mention clearly to the rental agency when and which border you plan to cross, so they can advise on any route-specific rules. It’s wise to have a backup plan in case your first choice rental company falls through.

• Double-Check Border Conditions: Regulations can change quickly. Before your trip, verify that the UAE–KSA land border is open to tourists (it generally is, except in extraordinary situations). Also, confirm if any COVID-19 or health requirements are in place (as of 2025, things are normalizing, but it’s good to check if you need a vaccination proof or PCR test, just in case Saudi or UAE rules change). The rental company or your embassy’s website can provide updates on land travel conditions. Additionally, ask your rental agency if they know of any preferred border checkpoints for rentals – some borders might be more familiar with processing rental cars than others.

• Pack Essentials for the Drive: The journey from Dubai to Riyadh, for example, is ~10 hours of driving. Carry plenty of water, snacks, and have a physical map or offline navigation (there are stretches with limited mobile signal). Ensure the spare tire and tool kit are in the trunk and the car is in good condition. It’s also smart to have an international roaming plan or a Saudi SIM card for emergency calls once you cross over. Save important phone numbers: your rental company’s 24/7 line, Saudi roadside assistance (the rental should provide this if available), and local emergency numbers.

• Respect Local Laws: Once in Saudi Arabia, remember you are subject to Saudi laws and customs. Traffic rules should be followed diligently – speeding or reckless driving can land you in trouble or even jail if an accident occurs. Saudi police and highway patrols do monitor roads, and there are speed cameras (especially near towns). Also, be mindful of cultural norms: for example, avoid playing loud music or engaging in any behavior that could be seen as indecent or disrespectful. Dress modestly when stopping in public areas, out of respect. If you’re traveling during prayer times, note that some services (like gas station shops) might pause for 15-30 minutes.

• Avoid Night Driving in Remote Areas: The highway is not lit in long stretches, and stray camels or wildlife can wander onto the road – a serious hazard at high speeds. If possible, do the drive during daylight hours. If you must drive at night, keep your speed in check and stay very alert.

• Have a Contingency Plan: Despite best efforts, it’s possible that something could go awry – for instance, an uncooperative border officer or a sudden policy change might prevent your rental car from entering Saudi. It’s wise to have a backup plan in mind. This could be arranging a friend or driver to meet you at the border on the Saudi side, or knowing the schedule of buses/flights as an alternative. In the worst case, you might have to leave the car at the UAE border town and continue by other means (though you’d still be responsible for returning the car to Dubai). Such scenarios are rare if you have all the correct paperwork, but thinking them through in advance can save you stress.

Finally, if all of this sounds daunting, remember that flying into Saudi and renting a car there is always an option. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are well connected by flights, and Saudi rental car rates are generally reasonable. You could fly to Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam and pick up a car without worrying about international borders. However, many tourists enjoy the overland trip for the adventure – if you’re prepared and follow the rules outlined above, you can absolutely drive from Dubai to Saudi Arabia legally and safely. Always prioritize safety and compliance over speed or convenience. With the right planning, your road trip from the UAE to KSA can be a memorable journey across countries. Safe travels!