SelfDrive

SelfDrive: self-drive car rental in the United Arab Emirates

SelfDrive is a self-drive car rental platform operating in the United Arab Emirates. Its offering focuses on digital booking and flexible plans, with a presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Al Ain, among other locations. The company presents itself as an option for tourists and residents who need a car for days, weeks, or months, with transparent pricing and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Rental services and subscription options

The service catalogue includes daily and weekly rental, monthly rental and car subscription, airport pickup rental, new car leasing, luxury and exotic car rental, and Build to Subscribe (BTS) and Rent to Own programmes. The company also offers a corporate subscription option.

• Daily/weekly rental: aimed at tourists, business trips, and short journeys, with specific offers in Dubai and other emirates.
• Monthly rental and subscription: flexible plans with no long-term commitment, with affordable monthly pricing for residents and visitors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and the rest of the country.
• Airport rental: pickup at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports, or delivery to the terminal.
• Car lease: leasing of new sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles, with full maintenance, comprehensive insurance, and flexible plans.
• Luxury and exotic: vehicles from premium brands such as BMW, Mercedes, and Range Rover for business events, special occasions, or high-end travel.
• BTS (Build to Subscribe): an option to drive for 3, 6, or 12 months, aimed at expats, residents, and companies.
• Rent to Own: a programme to drive now and buy later, with no bank involvement or credit checks, available in Fujairah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, and Ajman.

Fleet and featured brands

SelfDrive's fleet exceeds 6,500 vehicles, according to the platform's own data, and includes everything from compact cars to luxury SUVs. Among the brands and models promoted on the site are Geely, Omoda, Jaecoo, Lynk & Co, Jetour, Audi, and Volkswagen, in addition to the premium brands already mentioned. The company states that the vehicles are well maintained and come with comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Booking process and digital tools

Bookings can be made through the SelfDrive mobile app, via the artificial intelligence assistant called SIA, or by phone and WhatsApp. The process is described in four steps: easy booking, choosing the vehicle, selecting the plan, and driving with confidence. The company offers instant confirmation and booking management from the app, including the option to extend the rental.

Terms of service and policies

The published information details several conditions relevant to renters:

• Minimum age: 21 for economy or compact cars, 23 for SUVs or sedans, and 25 for luxury cars.
• Insurance: all vehicles include standard comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance. An excess may apply in the event of an accident and a police report is required for any claim.
• Security deposit: there is a zero-deposit option on selected models, although available credit on a card is required to cover possible damage, fines, tolls, or fuel. For vehicles that do require a deposit, it is refundable after return.
• Salik tolls: not included in the rental price; the actual toll amount is charged plus an administrative fee of AED 1.5 per transaction.
• Traffic fines: the renter is responsible for all fines incurred during the rental. If the fine exceeds AED 350, an administrative fee of 15% of the amount applies.
• Fuel: not included. The vehicle is delivered with a fuel level and must be returned at the same level; otherwise, charges apply.
• Deposit return: credited to the SD Wallet within 2-3 days of return. Refund to the original card may take up to 30 working days or can be kept as SDCredit for future rentals.
• Included in the price: permitted daily mileage, basic insurance coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, standard maintenance, and VAT (5%).
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown or accident: contact the 24/7 assistance team; in accidents not attributable to the driver, no excess is charged and a replacement vehicle may be provided.

Geographic coverage

SelfDrive operates in the United Arab Emirates and also mentions international locations in Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, and Singapore. In the UAE, the cities and locations cited include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Um Al Quwain, and Al Ain. The company allows booking online or through its app.

Activity indicators

The site states more than 1,500,000 satisfied customers, a fleet of more than 6,500 vehicles, and a selection of more than 100 models from recognised brands. It also shows an average rating of 4.8 based on user reviews.