Long term car rental can become a perfect deal if you intend to stay in Abu Dhabi for a year or two, but buying a car isn’t part of your plans. The best way to explore the city without relying on public transportation is to get a reliable car. Yearly rental deals with flexible terms, including discounts of up to 48% off the daily rate, are available at Octane.
Depending on your preferences, trip goals, and the number of passengers, you can choose the car that best suits you from our fleet of over 150 well-maintained models. Octane’s range includes both economy cars at fair, transparent prices and luxury SUVs available for rent at slightly higher rates than ordinary sedans.
What Is a Yearly Car Rental in Abu Dhabi?
Octane has daily, weekly, and monthly rental offers. But if you need a rental for a year or longer, this deal will help you save money, time, and effort without losing a sense of personal space. After all, a car rented for a year will become your reliable companion. You can customize it to suit your needs, for example, by installing a child seat, a navigation system, or even a portable Wi-Fi. This will significantly improve your driving experience and ensure a smooth ride even on long journeys.
Benefits of Long-Term Car Rental in the UAE
The vehicle is not only a means of transportation from one location to another – it’s your contribution to daily comfort, independence, and time savings, especially for regular commutes. It also reflects your personality and character, but buying one is not always convenient or practical, particularly if you are on a business trip. An annual rental offers a good alternative, helping you avoid the high expenses of maintenance, paperwork, and insurance.
Who Should Choose a Yearly Car Hire?
- Corporate travelers: If you are coming to Abu Dhabi on a business trip for a year or more, buying a car or shipping one from another country may be an unprofitable and inconvenient option. Renting will allow you to move around the city without restrictions and be independent.
- People waiting for their car delivery: Often, car deliveries can take anywhere from several months to a year, and relying on public transport and taxis is not convenient for everyone. People who rely on having a car at hand will find a yearly rental especially convenient.
- Expats: This option is ideal for many reasons, including the fact that fixed monthly payments help you plan your budget without unexpected repair or insurance costs, as maintenance and scheduled inspections are usually included in the monthly fee. This is convenient if you have just moved. Additionally, you can easily switch models and brands without having to sell your car and buy a new one. Another advantage is that registration, insurance, technical inspection, and RTA procedures are already included in the long-term lease, so there is no bureaucratic paperwork hassle.
- Experimenters: If you don’t want to keep driving the same old car for years on end, renting for a year will let you try out different models and brands without spending too much.
Types of Cars Available for Yearly Rentals
Choosing the type of car is an important and responsible decision, and you should focus on the trip’s purpose, the number of passengers, your driving habits, and your lifestyle. At Octane, you can find a large selection of more than 150 vehicle models for all types of needs. Here is the list of the most popular cars for yearly rental:
- SUVs: Depending on the model, these vehicles can accommodate 5 (e.g., Renault Duster Orange) to 7 people (e.g., the Toyota Rush 7-Seater). Ideal for a family trip, because most modern SUVs are equipped with comfortable seats spaced at a convenient distance from each other, and the interior is well soundproofed and well-equipped with good air conditioning, allowing the driver and passengers to stay comfortable and maintain a comfortable air temperature even during long road trips.
- Vans: Some van models can accommodate 7 or 8 people, while others have 3 passenger seats and a large trunk. For example, the Citroen Jumpy has a trunk capacity of 5300 liters. However, it is important to note that vans are not suitable for everyone, and they can be more expensive than SUVs or sedans; they are best suited for those who plan to transport up to 8 people.
- Sedans: Premium sedans offer a prestigious appearance, a comfortable interior, and a spacious trunk while remaining compact and versatile. Thanks to their low center of gravity, they are more stable on the road and easy to handle.
- Economy Vehicles: Renting a car at a low rate is possible – discover our economy cars section, including models like BYD Dolphin Surf, Chevrolet Captiva, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
- Electric Cars: Electric cars are an eco-friendly option for drivers who want to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Models such as the Tesla Model 3 make driving an absolute pleasure thanks to their panoramic roofs (panoramic roofs enhance visibility and create a sense of spaciousness for passengers), which remove boundaries and give passengers the feeling they are not in a confined space. Modern models are equipped with large screens (touchscreen interfaces provide access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings in one central panel) and safety technologies (Autopilot, collision avoidance, and automatic emergency braking reduce the risk of accidents) that give you more control on the road.
What Are the Advantages of Each Car Type?
To find the perfect vehicle for your needs, it’s important to compare and weigh all the pros and cons. SUVs may be less economical than, for example, sedans, electric cars, or economy cars in both financial and fuel costs. Vans are more challenging to drive, especially when parking, than sedan cars, but they can comfortably seat up to eight people, which is ideal for groups of friends, tourists, colleagues, and large families. SUVs are the most versatile vehicles, as they perform well both for casual driving and light off-roading. And if you are a businessperson who needs to make a good impression on partners, be independent, and get everywhere on time, sedans are a great option.
Rental Terms and Pricing in Abu Dhabi
The cost of renting a car in Abu Dhabi via Octane depends on how long you keep the car. The longer the rental, the more significant the discount you’ll get. For example, a one-day rental of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black costs AED 385, while a 30-day plan lowers the price to AED 210 per day, saving you about 45%. Choosing an annual rental makes it even more cost-effective: only AED 200 per day, or AED 73,000 total for 365 days, which is nearly 48% cheaper than paying the daily rate. Here is a clear example of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class price and its drop depending on the rental period:
- 1 day: AED 385
- 7 days: AED 360 / day (approx. 6.5% cheaper)
- 14 days: AED 335 / day (approx. 13% cheaper)
- 30 days: AED 210 / day (approx. 45.5% cheaper)
- 365 days: AED 200 / day (approx. 48% cheaper)
All prices are listed excluding 5% VAT, which will be added at the time of invoicing. The prices provided above are for reference only and are valid for leases starting from today. For updated prices for specific lease periods, please use the date calculator or contact our sales team directly.
How Are Monthly Payments Calculated?
Monthly payments depend on the car type and available extras. When you rent a car, the company sets a fixed price (per month) that covers insurance, maintenance, and standard mileage. Extra costs apply only for additional mileage, traffic fines, or premium insurance options.
Are There Any Hidden Fees or Penalties?
Car renters must pay charges such as the rental fee, Salik charges, traffic fines, extra mileage, fuel, additional days, fees for extra services (such as pick-up and drop-off service or child seat), and VAT. Damage fees may also apply during the rental. At Octane, you won’t face any hidden costs, as our car rental agreement transparently outlines all required payments and informs you of any extra charges and penalties upfront.
Can I Cancel or Extend My Contract?
You can extend the contract even online. Regarding cancellation, it’s better to clarify this in advance before signing the contract. Often, this option is included in the agreement, with the option to pay a minor penalty.
Services and Add-Ons Included
- Insurance: Basic insurance is included in the price. If you want to upgrade to comprehensive coverage, specify this before signing the rental agreement. Extending the insurance costs an additional fee.
- Included 250 km of Daily Mileage: You can drive up to 250 km per day at no extra cost. Each additional kilometer will be charged at AED 10-15/km.
- 24/7 Customer Service Team: Our client support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any issues and questions.
- Free Amenities: Phone charger, hand sanitizer, and a complimentary bottle of water are included in the price. When you pick up your rental car, it comes spotlessly clean with a full tank of fuel, ready to hit the road.
- Roadside Assistance and Fast Car Replacement: In the event of a vehicle breakdown, the company offers roadside assistance or a replacement vehicle at no additional cost.
- Maintenance and Service: Regular inspections and servicing are included in the rental cost.
What Insurance Coverage Is Provided?
Basic rental insurance at Octane is included in the price and covers standard third-party liability. You can upgrade to full coverage or add-ons, starting from AED 90/day for economy cars and up to AED 290/day for luxury or supercars. The Octane Shield Option is available for most vehicles and guarantees that you pay nothing beyond the daily insurance fee, even in case of damage.
Standard insurance types include Collision Damage Waiver (accidents), Liability Cover (third-party protection), Personal Accident Cover (medical expenses), and Personal Effects Cover (theft).
Please always confirm your insurance level and any additional fees, such as Salik, fuel, fines, and additional mileage, before signing the contract.
Does The Rental Company Handle Maintenance And Servicing?
Yes, the rental price includes a technical inspection, regular checks, repairs, servicing, and, often, oil changes. When you rent a car, you are relieved of responsibility for such payments.
Reservation Process With Octane Car Rental Service
At Octane, you can reserve a car online in five minutes. Our website is designed to be customer-friendly, so even if the user is unfamiliar with gadgets, renting will be simple and fast. Here’s a short guide on hassle-free booking:
- Make a Choice: Octane’s fleet boasts a wide range of vehicles in top condition. Visit our website, pick the model you want to rent, and click on it. In the car information tab, specify the pick-up and drop-off dates.
- Send Request: Enter your details in the form on the website, then submit a booking request. Our manager will contact you to give instructions on how to proceed. Alternatively, click the “Chat on WhatsApp” button to chat with the manager directly.
- Finalizing: The following steps include signing the rental agreement and making a payment. You can specify a location that is convenient for you, and we will deliver your car there.
Yearly Car Rental vs Leasing or Buying
In some cases, renting for a year may be more advantageous than leasing or purchasing. It is important to understand the difference between these three options, as it is easy to get confused about the difference between renting and leasing.
What Are the Differences Between Renting and Leasing?
Leasing may be cheaper than renting, but it is less flexible in terms of conditions. For example, you cannot request a model change during the leasing period, whereas with renting, this option is often available. Leasing allows you to buy the car at the end of the term, whereas renting does not.
How Is Yearly Rental Better Than Buying a Car?
If you are traveling for business or staying in the UAE temporarily, renting a car for a year is a much better option than buying one. You won’t have to deal with registration or maintenance costs, as rental agencies handle all servicing in-house and will replace the car immediately if it breaks down. In addition, buying a car involves paying taxes, while renting means total freedom from such payments.
