Pulling into your first petrol station in Dubai can feel slightly disorienting. The attendant approaches immediately, and fuel grades have unfamiliar names; you’re suddenly wondering whether you’re supposed to get out of the car or stay seated. Add in questions about rental car fuel policies and payment methods, and what should be a simple refueling stop becomes unnecessarily complicated.
Let me walk you through exactly how fuel and petrol stations work in Dubai, what you’ll pay, how rental car fuel policies operate, and the practical details that make refueling smooth rather than stressful.
How Petrol Stations Work in Dubai
Dubai’s petrol stations operate differently from those in many other countries. The default is full-service with attendants handling the fueling process for you.
The Standard Process
Step 1: Pull up to Any Available Pump: Drive to any free pump. No need to match your fuel type to specific pumps – all pumps dispense all fuel types.
Step 2: Attendant Approaches: An attendant will come to your window immediately. Stay in your vehicle (though you can exit if you prefer).
Step 3: Specify Your Fuel Request: Tell the attendant:
- “Full tank, Special 95” (most common request)
- “AED 100 worth of Special 95” (if specifying amount)
- “Top up with Super 98” (if topping off)
Step 4: Attendant Fuels Vehicle The attendant fills your tank while you wait in the vehicle. This typically takes 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Payment: You can pay:
- At the pump: Hand cash or card to attendant
- Inside the station: Pay at the cashier (tell them your pump number)
Step 6: Collect Receipt and Depart: Always get a receipt – this matters for rental car returns.
Self-Service Stations (Rare)
Some ENOC and EPPCO stations offer self-service pumps marked with “Self Service” signs. These work like stations in Europe or North America – you pump your own fuel and pay inside.
Self-service is uncommon in Dubai. Most drivers use full-service stations exclusively.
Understanding Fuel Types in Dubai
Dubai uses color-coded fuel classifications. According to the UAE’s Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) fuel specifications, different fuel grades serve different engine requirements.
The Three Main Fuel Types
| Fuel Type | Color Code | Octane Rating | Best For | Approx. Price (AED/L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special 95 | Green | 95 RON | Most cars, standard engines | 2.73 |
| Super 98 | Blue | 98 RON | Performance vehicles, premium engines | 2.86 |
| E Plus 98 | Red | 98 RON + additives | Sports cars, high-performance | 3.18 |
| Diesel | Yellow | – | Diesel engines only | 2.77 |
*Prices updated monthly by the UAE government – check current rates on ENOC or ADNOC websites
Which Fuel Does Your Rental Car Need?
Check Three Places:
- Fuel cap: Usually has a label indicating the required fuel type
- Rental agreement: Specifies fuel type in vehicle details
- Ask at pickup: Just Rent A Car staff will confirm the correct fuel during vehicle delivery
General Rule:
- Economy and mid-range cars: Special 95
- Luxury sedans and premium SUVs: Super 98
- Sports cars and exotics: E Plus 98 or Super 98
- Diesel vehicles: Clearly marked (uncommon in rental fleets)
Reality check: Using higher octane than required doesn’t harm your engine but wastes money. Using lower octane than specified can damage performance engines – always use the recommended grade or higher.
Fuel Pricing in Dubai
UAE fuel prices adjust monthly based on global oil markets. Prices are government-regulated and identical across all stations (ENOC, EPPCO, ADNOC, Emarat, etc.).
Current Price Structure (Example)
As of recent months, typical pricing:
- Special 95: AED 2.60-2.90 per liter
- Super 98: AED 2.75-3.05 per liter
- E Plus 98: AED 3.00-3.30 per liter
- Diesel: AED 2.70-2.95 per liter
Reality: Prices fluctuate AED 0.10-0.30 monthly. Check pumps for current rates.
Fuel Cost Budgeting
For your rental period, budget:
| Vehicle Type | Tank Size | Full Tank Cost | Weekly Fuel Budget* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Car (Nissan Sunny) | 50L | AED 135-145 | AED 200-250 |
| Mid-Size Sedan (Toyota Corolla) | 60L | AED 160-175 | AED 250-300 |
| SUV (Toyota Fortuner) | 80L | AED 215-235 | AED 350-450 |
| Large SUV (Land Cruiser) | 90-100L | AED 245-290 | AED 450-550 |
| Luxury Sedan (BMW 7 Series) | 80L | AED 215-245 | AED 400-500 |
*Assumes moderate driving (200-300 km weekly)
At Just Rent A Car, we provide fuel efficiency information for each vehicle in our fleet. Economy cars deliver the best fuel economy (16-18 km/L), while large SUVs and luxury vehicles average 8-12 km/L.
Understanding Rental Car Fuel Policies
This is where confusion often happens. Different rental companies use different fuel policies, and misunderstanding them costs money.
Full-to-Full Policy (Standard at Just Rent A Car)
How it works:
- You receive the car with a full tank
- You return it with a full tank
- No fuel charges if returned full
Best practices:
- Take a photo of the fuel gauge at pickup (proof of full tank)
- Refuel at the last petrol station before returning (usually 2-5 km from the return location)
- Take a photo of the filled gauge and fuel receipt
- Keep the receipt until confirming no additional charges
Why this is fairest: You only pay for the fuel you actually use at market rates.
Pre-Purchase Fuel (Rare)
Some companies offer prepaid fuel:
- You pay for a full tank at pickup (often above market rate)
- Return the car empty
- No refunds for unused fuel
Reality: This rarely makes financial sense. You rarely return empty, meaning you’ve paid for fuel you didn’t use.
Fuel Charge if Not Returned Full
If you return the car without refueling:
- Rental company charges for missing fuel
- Rate is typically 20-50% above market price (includes service fee)
- Plus administrative charge (AED 50-100)
Example: If you’re missing AED 50 worth of fuel, you might be charged AED 75-85 total.
At Just Rent A Car, we photograph the fuel gauge at return. If there’s any discrepancy, we calculate charges based on the actual fuel needed at the market rate plus a minimal service fee. We’re transparent about this process.
Finding Petrol Stations in Dubai
Petrol stations are abundant in Dubai, rarely more than 5 km apart on major routes.
Major Fuel Companies
- ENOC (Emirates National Oil Company): Most common, green and white branding
- EPPCO (Emirates Petroleum Products Company): ENOC subsidiary, similar service
- ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company): Blue and white branding, everywhere
- Emarat: Another major provider with widespread locations
Important: All stations charge identical government-regulated prices. Choose based on location convenience, not price shopping.
Station Amenities
Most Dubai petrol stations include:
- Clean restrooms
- Convenience stores (snacks, drinks, basic supplies)
- Car wash services
- Air pressure for tires (usually free)
- Some have coffee shops or fast food
Premium stations (especially on highways) feature:
- Full restaurants
- Prayer rooms
- Children’s play areas
- More extensive retail shops
24/7 Availability
Most major petrol stations in Dubai operate 24 hours. Highway stations are always open. Smaller neighborhood stations might close overnight (midnight-6 AM), though this is uncommon.
Payment Methods at Petrol Stations
Dubai petrol stations accept multiple payment options:
- Cash (AED): Always accepted, any denomination
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at all major stations
- Contactless Payment: Many stations support tap-to-pay
- Fuel Cards: Available for fleet vehicles and frequent users
Tipping: Small tips (AED 2-5) to attendants are appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up is common practice.
Strategic Fuel Tips for Rental Cars
Timing Your Refueling
Best times to refuel:
- Early morning (6-8 AM): Fewer customers, faster service
- Late evening (after 9 PM): Avoid peak rush hour crowds
- Midweek (Tuesday-Wednesday): Lighter traffic than weekends
Times to avoid:
- Friday afternoon (1-4 PM): Post-mosque prayer rush
- Weekday evening (5-7 PM): Commuter peak times
- Saturday morning (9 AM-noon): Weekend errands crowd
Location Strategy for Returns
When returning your rental to Just Rent A Car, refuel at stations near the return location:
Common Return Locations & Nearest Stations:
- Dubai Mall area: ENOC on Sheikh Zayed Road (2 km before)
- Dubai Marina: EPPCO on Al Sufouh Road
- Business Bay: Multiple ENOC/ADNOC options on Al Khail Road
- Dubai Airport: ENOC stations on route to all terminals
We provide customers with GPS coordinates for convenient fuel stations near return points – just ask during pickup.
Using GPS to Find Stations
Your rental car’s GPS or smartphone maps (Google Maps, Waze) show nearby petrol stations:
- Search “petrol station” or “gas station”
- Filter for currently open stations
- Check distance and route
- Select stations on your return route to save time
Common Fuel-Related Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Fuel Grade Solution: Check the fuel cap before your first refueling. When in doubt, ask the attendant to verify or call Just Rent A Car support.
Mistake 2: Not Keeping Refueling Receipts Solution: Keep all fuel receipts until rental return is confirmed. They’re proof of refueling if any dispute arises.
Mistake 3: Returning Without Refueling Solution: Budget 10 minutes for the final refueling stop. The AED 40-80 you spend saves AED 100+ in rental company fuel charges.
Mistake 4: Overfilling Tank Solution: Tell attendant “full tank, please” and let them stop automatically. Overfilling causes spillage and doesn’t add useful range.
Mistake 5: Confusing Diesel and Petrol Solution: Diesel pumps are clearly marked yellow. If your rental uses petrol (99% of rental cars), never use diesel pumps. This causes serious engine damage.
Real-World Fuel Economics
Let’s look at actual costs for typical rental scenarios:
Scenario 1: Week-Long City Driving (Economy Car)
- Daily driving: 30-40 km
- Weekly total: 210-280 km
- Fuel consumption: 16 km/L average
- Fuel used: 13-17 liters
- Cost: AED 35-50 weekly
Scenario 2: Dubai-Abu Dhabi Day Trips (SUV)
- Round trip: 300 km
- SUV consumption: 10 km/L
- Fuel used: 30 liters
- Cost: AED 80-90 per trip
Scenario 3: Month-Long Business Travel (Mid-Size Sedan)
- Daily average: 25 km
- Monthly total: 750 km
- Fuel consumption: 14 km/L
- Fuel used: 54 liters
- Cost: AED 145-160 monthly
These realistic estimates help you budget accurately. Just Rent A Car customers using economy vehicles for city driving typically spend AED 150-250 monthly on fuel. SUV drivers doing highway trips might spend AED 400-600 monthly.
Making Fuel Simple in Dubai
Dubai’s fuel system is genuinely straightforward once you understand the basics. Attendants handle the physical fueling, prices are regulated and fair, stations are everywhere, and payment is seamless.
Your main responsibilities: know your fuel type, understand your rental’s fuel policy, keep receipts, and refuel before returning your vehicle. These simple habits eliminate 95% of fuel-related complications.
The full-to-full policy used by Just Rent A Car and most reputable rental companies is the fairest system. You pay market rates only for what you use. The 10 minutes spent refueling before return saves significant money compared to rental company fuel charges.
Budget appropriately based on your vehicle type and planned driving. Economy cars sipping Special 95 cost remarkably little to run in Dubai. Large SUVs consuming Super 98 add up more quickly. Choose your vehicle wisely based on actual needs rather than wants, and fuel costs remain manageable.
Most importantly: relax. Millions of rental customers refuel successfully in Dubai every year. The system is designed to be easy, and once you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature.