In Dubai, a city known for its luxury, dazzling skyline, and vibrant multicultural society — one of the safest cities in the world and a top tourist destination, car rental is a common and convenient practice for both visitors and residents alike. But more and more drivers are wondering: Is it allowed to use a budget car rental, especially an economy class, for food delivery in this metropolis? The answer is ambiguous: the law does not directly prohibit the use of a rented car for delivery, but there are legal and insurance nuances that it is important to know about before starting work.
What does the law say in the UAE
Drivers working in the logistics or food delivery sector are required to have:
- a commercial license (if you work as a self-employed)
- a visa allowing you to work in logistics
- vehicles registered for commercial use
Most budget cars for rent are designed as personal transport. This means that the official use of such machines for food delivery may be contrary to the terms of the lease , if this is not allowed in the contract.
What do car rental companies indicate
The terms & conditions of the lease often specify:
- the use of the vehicle for commercial activities, including delivery, must be agreed upon in advance
- standard insurance does not cover accidents during commercial use unless notified in advance
- in case of violation of the conditions, a fine or refusal to cover the damage may be charged.
Why do drivers still use rented cars
However, many delivery drivers use rented sedans or SUVs, especially at monthly rates (starting from 1400 AED/month) because:
- they are cheaper than maintaining your own car
- available Insurance, 24/7 support and maintenance
- it is possible to rent without a deposit and without a credit card
Fuel-efficient models with automatic transmissions such as Nissan Versa or Mitsubishi Mirage are becoming popular choices due to low fuel consumption and urban convenience.
Possible risks and how to avoid them
To use a rented car for food delivery in Dubai, it is important to:
- obtain written permission from the rental company in advance
- to clarify the terms of the insurance: does it cover commercial use
- do not exceed the mileage limit (usually limited on a daily basis)
- monitor fuel policy and full tank returns
It’s also worth remembering:
- the penalty for unauthorized use of a car can be up to the full rental price
- responsibility for damage, accidents, or technical problems lies entirely with the tenant if the contract is violated
Alternative: rent a car with a commercial permit
Some companies offer car rental specifically for delivery, with already enabled:
- RTA permissions
- extended insurance
- license to work through aggregators (Careem, Talabat, Deliveroo)
The price for this option is higher, from 2000 AED per month, but you get legitimate protection and minimize risks.
You can use budget car rental for food delivery in Dubai, but only with agreement with the landlord and compliance with all legal requirements.
You can’t just rent a car and start delivering orders through the app. This threatens to violate the terms of the lease and lose insurance. If you plan to earn money on delivery, it is better to look for specialized offers that include permits and insurance for commercial activities.
Hiking addict, dreamer, band member, Vignelli fan and TDC honorary member. Acting at the intersection of aesthetics and programing to craft experiences that go beyond design. I prefer clear logic to decoration.
