Want to avoid burning cash at the gas pump in Dubai?
If you’ve opted for Car Rental Dubai, you’ve made a smart move—public transportation can’t match the freedom and flexibility of having your own wheels. But let’s be real: fuel costs can add up fast, especially if you’re driving all over town.
Here’s the good news:
There are simple, actionable strategies that will help you save money on gas while still enjoying your rental car to the fullest.
And in this in-depth guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do it.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Choose the Right Car for Dubai Roads (and Your Budget)
Here’s something most renters get wrong:
They think they need a luxury SUV to fit in. But unless you’re heading to the desert dunes, you’re just wasting fuel.
Why it matters:
- SUVs and sports cars burn more fuel.
- Compact sedans and hybrids sip fuel, not gulp it.
- Dubai’s roads are excellent—there’s no need for off-road capabilities unless you’re doing desert tours.
Action Step:
When booking your rental, filter your search by fuel efficiency or select “economy” cars. Not only are these cheaper per day, but they also go farther on every liter.
2. Use Fuel Price Apps in the UAE
Yes, gas is cheaper in Dubai than in many other parts of the world. But prices do vary by station and by the month.
That’s where fuel apps come in handy.
Best apps to download:
- Gasoline UAE: Gives real-time prices of Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus.
- ADNOC and ENOC apps: These official apps also include station locators and promotions.
- Waze: Great for finding nearby stations and comparing prices as you drive.
Pro Tip:
Avoid filling up at stations right off highways or near the airport—they’re often more expensive.
3. Accelerate Like a Local (Slow and Smooth)
Here’s what most tourists do: they treat Sheikh Zayed Road like a Formula 1 track.
Big mistake.
Aggressive driving is a gas killer. Fast acceleration and hard braking can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Do this instead:
- Drive steadily.
- Use cruise control on long highway drives.
- Avoid sudden stops—coast when you see traffic ahead.
Driving smooth isn’t just safer—it’s cheaper.
4. Plan Your Route Before You Leave
Getting lost in Dubai isn’t just frustrating—it costs you fuel and time.
Why route planning matters:
- Dubai’s road network is complex and under constant development.
- Construction zones and detours can cost you extra kilometers (and dirhams).
Best navigation tools:
- Google Maps: Real-time traffic data.
- RTA Dubai App: Great for checking road updates.
- Waze: Locally optimized and community-updated.
Pro Tip:
Use these apps before you start your trip—not when you’re already on the road. That way, you avoid unnecessary detours and save fuel.
5. Watch the A/C (But Don’t Sweat It)
Dubai is hot. That’s a given. But blasting the A/C 24/7 can hurt your fuel economy, especially in smaller cars.
Smart cooling tips:
- When starting the car, open windows for the first minute to release hot air.
- Use the “recirculate” setting on your A/C.
- Park in the shade or use sunshades to keep the car cool when not in use.
That way, your A/C doesn’t have to work overtime, and your fuel tank thanks you.
6. Fill Up Before Returning the Car
Most rental companies in Dubai operate on a full-to-full fuel policy. If you return the car with less gas than you got it, you’ll pay inflated refueling fees.
What to do:
- Find a nearby gas station close to the return location.
- Keep your receipt as proof.
- Avoid returning the car too early in case you need to top off again before drop-off.
This one move can save you 40-80 AED, depending on your rental company’s policy.
7. Don’t Idle the Engine
It’s tempting to leave the engine running when parked (especially in the heat), but it’s a fuel waster.
Fuel wasted while idling:
- Every 10 minutes = up to 0.1 liter of fuel.
- That adds up fast if you’re sightseeing or waiting in traffic.
Instead, turn off the engine if you’re stopping for more than a minute.
And remember, idling is illegal in some areas and can result in fines.
8. Maintain Tire Pressure (Yes, Even on a Rental)
You’d think rental cars are always properly maintained—but don’t count on it.
Low tire pressure = more fuel use.
Even a drop of 5 PSI can reduce fuel efficiency by 2-3%. And under-inflated tires wear out faster, which can lead to dangerous blowouts on Dubai’s high-speed roads.
What to do:
- Check tire pressure at the first gas station.
- Use the correct PSI listed inside the driver’s door frame or the manual.
- Most stations in Dubai offer free air pumps.
9. Don’t Carry Unnecessary Weight
Are you lugging around beach gear, shopping bags, or even luggage you don’t need right now?
All that extra weight eats up fuel.
General rule:
Every 45 kg of extra weight can reduce fuel economy by up to 2%.
So, pack light for day trips and leave unnecessary items at your hotel or Airbnb.
10. Book From Companies That Offer Fuel-Efficient Fleets
Some car rental companies in Dubai actually promote fuel-saving vehicles.
When comparing rates, look for these features:
- Hybrid options (Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq)
- Small engine sizes (1.4L to 1.6L)
- Newer models (New cars = better MPG)
Using a service like Car Rental Dubai, you can filter results by car type and transmission. This lets you pick a model that balances comfort with efficiency.
Bonus Tip: Ask for a Fuel Discount
It sounds strange—but it works.
Some rental companies partner with local fuel providers (like ADNOC or ENOC) and offer:
- Discount fuel cards
- Cashback on certain stations
- Fuel vouchers during promotions
When booking or picking up your car, simply ask:
“Do you offer any fuel discounts or partner programs?”
You’d be surprised how often the answer is yes.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is a city built for driving. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on fuel.
To recap, here’s what you should focus on:
- Choose the right vehicle for your trip.
- Use apps and planning tools to avoid wasting fuel.
- Adopt smart driving habits that make every drop count.
- Take advantage of tools and promotions offered by your rental provider.
If you apply even a few of these tips, you’ll spend less on gas—and more on enjoying your trip.
And if you haven’t booked yet, using a trusted platform like Car Rental Dubai can help you lock in a deal that saves you money from the start.
