With Lavish Cars, your Dubai car rental with Saudi travel permission becomes simple and stress-free.
If you’re planning a road trip from Dubai to Saudi Arabia, driving your own rental car can be an unforgettable adventure — but it requires careful preparation. From securing cross-border permissions to ensuring your insurance covers Saudi territory, every detail matters. This complete guide by Lavish Cars explains what you need to drive your rental car into Saudi Arabia, including documentation, insurance, permissions, and travel tips for a smooth journey.
Yes, you can — but it’s not as simple as just getting in the car and heading for the border. Not all rental companies in the UAE allow cross-border travel. Many luxury car agencies restrict their vehicles to local use unless special permission is granted.
Before anything else, confirm with your rental provider — like Lavish Cars — whether your car is eligible for Saudi travel. You’ll need written authorization, known as a No Objection Certificate (NOC), from your rental company.
This document is essential at both UAE and Saudi checkpoints. Without it, your vehicle may be denied exit from the UAE or entry into Saudi Arabia. The NOC should clearly state your car’s registration number, VIN, model, and the period of approved travel.
Crossing an international border by road means paperwork. Make sure you have every required document ready before departure. Missing even one can delay your journey or cause rejection at the border.
Valid Passport – Must have at least six months remaining before expiry.
Saudi Visa – Whether for tourism, business, or Umrah, ensure your visa type allows entry by land.
Driver’s License – A UAE driving license is valid in Saudi Arabia for tourists. If your license is from another country, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Vehicle Registration (Mulkiya) – The official document confirming ownership or authorization to drive the vehicle.
Rental Agreement & NOC – Your signed rental contract and written permission from Lavish Cars (or your chosen agency).
Insurance Documents – Proof that your coverage extends to Saudi Arabia (more on this below).
Always carry both digital and printed copies of your documents. Border officers may request to keep photocopies or verify them multiple times during the crossing.
Having the right insurance is one of the most critical steps when preparing for your trip. Regular UAE car insurance does not automatically extend coverage into Saudi Arabia. Driving without proper coverage can lead to heavy fines or vehicle impoundment.
Third-Party Liability (TPL) Insurance: Saudi law mandates TPL insurance for all vehicles entering the country. It covers damages to third parties in case of an accident.
Purchase Options:
Some UAE insurers offer GCC-wide coverage; confirm if your policy includes Saudi Arabia.
If not, you can buy short-term TPL insurance online through Saudi’s official platform Manafith or at the Al Batha border post.
Cost Estimate: Prices vary based on duration and car type, but expect to pay around SAR 100–150 (roughly AED 100–150) for one week of coverage.
Before leaving, verify that your insurance documents clearly mention “Saudi Arabia” or “GCC coverage.” Keep a printed copy in the glove compartment for inspection.
Both UAE exit and Saudi entry officials will thoroughly check your vehicle and paperwork. Here’s what to expect:
Car Condition: Tires, lights, mirrors, and basic safety features must be in good shape.
Vehicle Inspection: Border staff may visually inspect the car to ensure it matches registration details.
Mileage & Fuel: Check your fuel level before crossing — service stations near the border may have limited facilities.
Driver Eligibility: You must be the person listed on the rental contract. Secondary drivers are only allowed if registered with the rental company.
Lavish Cars provides vehicles maintained to the highest standards, ensuring your car meets all safety and mechanical requirements for long-distance travel.
The main crossing point between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is the Al Ghuwaifat–Al Batha border, near Abu Dhabi. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
UAE Exit:
Present your passport, visa, car registration, rental agreement, and NOC at the UAE immigration desk. Officials will stamp your exit and may confirm your permission to leave with a rental car.
Customs Check:
Officers might inspect your vehicle and verify that you’re not carrying restricted goods.
Saudi Entry:
On the Saudi side, you’ll present all documents again, along with proof of valid Saudi insurance.
Vehicle Entry Permit:
You may receive a temporary vehicle import permit valid for your stay in Saudi Arabia. Keep this with you at all times.
Allow extra time for border checks — the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on traffic and inspection queues.
Not all Dubai car rental agencies permit international use. Lavish Cars, however, offers Dubai car rental with Saudi travel permission upon request for eligible models. This service is designed for business travelers, family trips, and those planning extended stays in the Kingdom.
To qualify, customers must:
Provide valid ID and travel documents.
Pay an additional security deposit.
Agree to specific mileage limits and return conditions.
Obtain Saudi insurance before departure.
This service offers convenience and peace of mind, allowing you to experience both countries with one rental agreement.
Before you set out, make sure your checklist includes:
Written NOC from your rental company
Valid passport and Saudi visa
UAE or international driving license
Vehicle registration (Mulkiya)
Saudi insurance or GCC extension
Enough credit card limit for additional deposit
Spare tire, emergency kit, and fuel plan
A well-prepared driver faces fewer border delays and avoids unnecessary costs.
Driving your rental car from Dubai to Saudi Arabia is entirely possible — and it’s one of the most scenic cross-border drives in the Gulf. However, success lies in preparation. From insurance and legal permissions to understanding customs procedures, every step counts.
With Lavish Cars, your Dubai car rental with Saudi travel permission becomes simple and stress-free. We handle the paperwork, offer expert guidance, and provide vehicles ready for long-distance, cross-GCC travel.
