Learn more about renting a car with Thrifty
In Abu Dhabi, speed limits vary according to the type of road. Within city areas, the limit is usually 60–80 km/h, while on highways it ranges between 100–140 km/h. Always follow the posted signs, as speed cameras are frequently used throughout the UAE. Thrifty vehicles come equipped with reliable speed alerts and navigation to help you stay compliant and safe. There is no buffer (grace) above the speed limit in Abu Dhabi — even 1 km/h over the posted limit can trigger a fine.
Most rentals, including Thrifty, follow a “full-to-full” fuel policy. You’ll get the car with a full tank and are expected to return it in full to avoid refuelling charges. Fuel stations are open 24/7 across AbuDhabi for your convenience. An extra fee may apply if the car is returned with less fuel than when received.
Monthly car rentals with Thrifty offer significant advantages:
This makes monthly plans ideal for tourists, residents, professionals, and long-stay visitors.
Yes, drivers with new UAE licenses can rent cars from Thrifty Car Rental as long as they meet the minimum age requirement (21 years). However, premium and luxury vehicles may require at least one year of driving experience. Our team will guide you to the best available options.
While Thrifty offers transparent pricing, additional costs may include:
All fees are transparently listed in your statement of accounts and invoice.
Yes and no — it depends on how you define it. A pre-authorization (pre-auth) hold may be placed on your credit card, which is not the same as a security deposit.
The pre-auth amount — usually between AED 1,000 and AED 5,000, depending on the car category — is temporarily held and then released by your issuing bank within 14 to 21 working days. You may need to follow up directly with your bank to confirm the release.
Before the release, Thrifty Car Rental reconciles any traffic fines or Darb/Salik (toll) charges, if applicable, which will be reflected in your statement of accounts and invoice. We are happy to help further in that regard.
A credit card is preferred for both the security pre-authorization and payment. However, Thrifty may accept debit cards in certain cases, provided that pre-authorization can be processed.
Please note that when using a debit card, the deposit amount is actually charged (purchased) — not temporarily held — and the refund process may take longer (up to 30 days), depending on your bank’s policy. Additionally, a 2% deduction applies due to the bank’s transfer policy, which means you’ll save this 2% by using a credit card instead.
It’s always recommended to confirm your payment method in advance, either when booking online or at the rental counter, to ensure a smooth experience.
Tourists renting a car in AbuDhabi need:
Residents can rent using their Emirates ID and UAE driving license. For more information, visit our Terms & Conditions page to check all details.
Yes. Thrifty allows driving within all seven Emirates of the UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah, and Northern Emirates.
However, cross-border travel outside the UAE is not permitted, except to Oman, which may be allowed through the Al Ain border, but requires prior approval and additional documentation.
It’s recommended to inform the rental counter or our customer services hotline in advance if you plan to travel to Oman to ensure all necessary permissions and insurance coverage are arranged.
If you receive a traffic fine during your rental, it will be automatically recorded by the authorities. Thrifty will notify you and deduct the fine amount from your security deposit or charge it to your registered credit card after your rental ends.
An administration fee of 10% is applied to each fine to cover the costs of processing and handling. A copy of the fine can be provided upon request.
Absolutely! Thrifty offers a premium selection of luxury and executive cars, including models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. These are ideal for business trips, special occasions, or simply driving in UAE in style.
Yes, Thrifty has a wide range of SUVs available, including the Nissan Patrol, Mazda CX90, and Toyota Fortuner. They’re great for families, off-road trips, and comfortable city driving.
Some key rules include:
Thrifty Car Rental encourages all renters to adhere to UAE traffic regulations for their safety and compliance.
The minimum rental period with Thrifty is 24 hours (one day). For better rates, consider weekly or monthly rentals, which come with significant discounts and additional benefits.
For smooth city driving, compact sedans like the Nissan Sunny or Toyota Corolla are ideal. If you plan longer highway trips or family outings, SUVs like the Nissan X-Trail or Mazda CX5 offer comfort and ample space. Thrifty’s wide fleet in Abu Dhabi lets you choose from economy, luxury, or SUV options that fit your trip and budget.
Thrifty Car Rental offers affordable daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Prices typically start from AED 80 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration. You can also enjoy exclusive discounts and promotions by booking directly on thriftyuae.com.
Several well-known car rental brands operate at Zayed International Airport, including Thrifty Car Rental. Our Thrifty counter is conveniently located inside the arrival’s terminal, allowing you to pick up your car right after landing and begin your Abu Dhabi journey seamlessly.
Thrifty’s Zayed International Airport and leading Mall branches are among the most popular locations for car rentals in Abu Dhabi. These spots offer a wide selection of vehicles, easy access, and quick service for both tourists and residents.
Yes! Thrifty offers flexible long-term and monthly car rental plans in Abu Dhabi. It’s a cost-effective alternative to ownership, with maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance included. Perfect for professionals, families, or visitors staying for extended periods. We do have Zero deposit policy for the Residents only.
Yes. Thrifty provides child safety seats upon request for an additional fee. Mention it during booking or at pick-up, and we’ll ensure your family travels safely.
Thrifty guarantees your booked category (e.g., sedan, SUV, luxury), and whenever available, you can request a specific make or model. Our team will do its best to accommodate your preference based on fleet availability.
A valid credit card is required when renting a car because it is used to secure a deposit for the rental. This deposit is temporarily blocked (pre-authorized) on the card to cover potential additional charges that might arise after the car is returned— such as toll fees (Salik), traffic fines, fuel charges, or car damage.The amount is not actually deducted from the card unless such charges apply. Once the rental is completed and no extra fees are incurred, the blocked amount is automatically released by the bank.
The security deposit is not actually charged to the credit card — it is only blocked (pre-authorized) as a temporary hold. Therefore, there is no refund transaction from Thrifty. The release of this blocked amount typically occurs within 30 days or sooner, depending on the customer’s bank or card provider. Once the hold is released, the blocked funds become available for use again.
For daily and weekly rentals, there is no refund for any unused days once the rental period has started.
For monthly rentals, if the customer chooses to return the vehicle before the end of the agreed month, a refund may apply. However, the rental will be recalculated based on a shorter-duration rate or package, and any applicable difference will be adjusted accordingly.
Premium Parking with White and Torquoise colour with AED 3 per hour. Maximum is 4hrs stay
Standard Parking with Black and Torquoise with AED 2 per hour and AED 15 for the whole day.
Residents parking spaces are part of the standard parking spaces located in residential areas. They are marked with a turquoise line or with ‘Resident Permit Only’ MAWAQiF signage.
Villa residents parking spaces are located in villa areas. They are marked with ‘Villa Resident Permit Only’ MAWAQiF signage.
