Chauffeur or Self-Drive in Dubai: Which to Choose
Drive yourself when you want freedom and the lowest cost. Book a chauffeur when your time, your guests or the occasion matter more than the saving, or when you cannot legally drive. Najd Rent a Car provides both.
Written by the Najd Rent a Car team. Last reviewed .
When does self-drive make sense?
Self-drive suits holidays, daily commuting and any trip where the schedule is loose. You stop where you like and keep the car overnight at no extra cost. You are also responsible for navigation, parking, tolls, fines and any damage up to the insurance excess.
When is a chauffeur the better choice?
A chauffeur is worth paying for in four situations. You have back-to-back meetings and want to work between them. You are hosting clients or senior colleagues. You are attending an event where alcohol is served, since the UAE has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Or you do not hold a licence valid in the UAE.
A driver also removes the stress of parking in Downtown, DIFC or at a busy hotel entrance, which is where visitors lose the most time.
How do the costs compare?
Self-drive is a rate for the car. Chauffeur service is a rate for the car and the driver’s time, so it is quoted by the hours and route. For a single airport run or evening out, the difference is modest. For a full week it is significant, which is why many visitors mix the two: a rental car for the holiday and a chauffeur for one special day.
Official sources
Rules change. Check the current position with the authority concerned before you travel.
Cars mentioned in this guide
- 7 seats
- 5 bags
- Automatic
AED 4,400 per week · AED 17,000 per month
- 5 seats
- 3 bags
- Automatic
AED 650 per week · AED 2,600 per month
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Chauffeur or self-drive: questions people ask
Is it better to hire a driver or rent a car in Dubai?
Rent a car if you are comfortable driving and want flexibility. Hire a driver for business schedules, formal occasions, evenings out or if you have no valid licence.
Where can I hire a car with a driver in Dubai?
Najd Rent a Car offers chauffeur-driven sedans and SUVs, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Cadillac Escalade. The company has provided chauffeur and rental services since 2002.
Can I hire a chauffeur for just a few hours?
Tell us the hours and the route. Chauffeur bookings are quoted individually, so a short booking is priced for what you need.
Do I need a driving licence to book a chauffeur-driven car?
No. The chauffeur drives, so passengers do not need a licence.
Which is cheaper for a week in Dubai, a chauffeur or a rental car?
A rental car. For example, a Mitsubishi ASX is AED 650 for the week at our published rate. A chauffeur for the same period costs more because you are paying for a person’s time.
Still have a question?
Call or WhatsApp 058 595 2763. Same number for both.