For most visitors, an automatic car is the better choice in Dubai. It is easier in stop-and-go traffic and lets you focus on the road. A manual car suits only drivers who already know manual gears well.
Below are the pros and cons of each, and what to ask before you book.
The Case for an Automatic Car
Pros
- Easy to drive: you only use the accelerator and the brake.
- Better in traffic: no clutch work in slow queues at busy times.
- Easy to find: most rental cars in Dubai are automatic.
Cons
- Less hands-on control: some experienced drivers prefer choosing their own gears.
The Case for a Manual Car
Pros
- More control: if you drive a manual at home, you may enjoy picking your own gears.
- Familiar: some drivers simply feel more at ease with a clutch.
Cons
- Tiring in traffic: working the clutch in stop-and-go traffic gets old fast.
- Hard to find: few rental cars in Dubai have manual gears.
- Not the place to learn: busy multi-lane roads are no place to practice a clutch.
What Driving in Dubai Is Like
Dubai has a modern road network with wide, multi-lane roads. Traffic can be heavy at peak times, especially on main roads like Sheikh Zayed Road.
Drivers often change lanes quickly. If the city is new to you, there is a lot to watch at once.
An automatic leaves you free to focus on signs, exits and other cars. Our guide to driving rental cars in Dubai covers the road rules.
What Is Best for Tourists?
For most tourists and first-time drivers in Dubai, an automatic is the simpler choice. It means less stress and more attention on the road.
Choose a manual only if you drive one every day and the car you want is offered with it.
Whichever you pick, take a few minutes at handover to set the seat and mirrors. Learn where the main controls are before you set off.
Ask Before You Book
Every car page shows the model and year. If the transmission matters to you, ask us before you book. We confirm the car, the price and the terms before you book.
A few cars that are easy to drive in the city:
- Nissan Sunny 2025: AED 99 a day + 5% VAT.
- Toyota Yaris 2023: AED 99 a day + 5% VAT.
- Toyota Corolla 2023: AED 110 a day + 5% VAT.
See more on our economy cars page.
Delivery is free anywhere in Dubai, with no minimum rental, and we deliver within 20 minutes. All our cars are fully insured, with 24/7 roadside assistance and a replacement car.
Book With a Person
Message us on WhatsApp or call +971 50 379 6333. A human answers 24/7. A person confirms the car, the price and the terms before you book.
Prox Rentals is a family-run car rental company in Dubai since 1998. A human answers every call and every message.
