If you are a fan of automobiles Dubai will certainly meet your expectations about the cars you will encounter in it. You can see super-luxury cars on its streets, but there will also be plenty of practical vehicles used by locals on a daily basis. If you are wondering what cars are most commonly driven in Dubai, this guide will answer all your questions. Find out which models reign supreme on the roads, why they are, and what are the automotive trends in the Emirate.
Luxury cars – a symbol of prestige in Dubai
Dubai is famous for the millions of dollars worth of cars on its streets every day. The sight of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Bugatti is not uncommon. For many locals and tourists, luxury cars are not only a means of transportation, but above all a sign of social status.
Among the most common supercars are:
- Ferrari F8 Tributo
- Lamborghini Aventador
- McLaren 720S
- Bugatti Veyron
- Rolls-Royce Wraith
These types of cars appear not only in private garages, but also in the fleet of the Dubai Police, which has become famous for having exotic police cars. You can see, among others, a Lamborghini Aventador, a Bugatti Veyron or an Aston Martin One-77 with a traffic light.
SUVs and off-road vehicles – practicality in Dubai’s climate
Although Dubai is associated with supercars, SUVs and off-road vehicles reign supreme in everyday use. Why? The Emirate’s climate, high temperatures, desert terrain and occasional rains make residents eager to choose larger and more rugged vehicles.
The most common models are:
- Toyota Land Cruiser – considered an off-road legend, ideal for long desert drives.
- Nissan Patrol – a popular choice among local families and tourists alike.
- Toyota Fortuner – combines the functionality of an SUV with driving comfort.
- Mitsubishi Pajero – praised for its reliability and off-road capabilities.
- Ford Expedition – valued for its spacious interior and powerful engine.
Sedans and compact cars – the everyday choice of residents
Not everyone in Dubai needs a sports car or SUV. Many residents, especially expats, opt for compact cars or midsize sedans. They are economical, easy to maintain and perform well in urban traffic.
Among the most common models are:
- Toyota Camry – chosen for its fuel efficiency and trouble-free performance.
- Nissan Sunny – inexpensive to operate and available in many variants.
- Honda Civic – an ideal compromise between comfort and driving dynamics.
- Kia Sportage – popular among families with children.
Such cars are popular among people who value practicality and do not need large off-roaders.
Dubai police fleet – exotics at the signal
Dubai police is a true automotive legend. On its equipment there are some of the most expensive cars in the world. In addition to the aforementioned models, officers also move around in:
- Aston Martin One-77
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- BMW i8
- Porsche 918 Spyder
However, these vehicles are not used for chases, but serve a representative and promotional function. They attract the attention of tourists and the media, becoming a symbol of the city’s wealth.
The phenomenon of abandoned cars in Dubai
On the outskirts of the city you can find so-called “car graveyards” – places where expensive cars are abandoned. Why does this happen? The reason is often the financial problems of the owners or the costs associated with maintaining high-value vehicles. The sight of dusty Ferraris or Bentleys is becoming another, albeit unusual, part of Dubai’s automotive landscape.
Trends in Dubai’s automotive market
According to the latest sales data in the Emirate, the most popular vehicles in 2024 were:
- Nissan Patrol
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Hilux
- Tesla Model 3 – shows growing interest in electromobility
- Mitsubishi Pajero
These statistics show that despite their fascination with luxury, residents also value reliability and practicality.
Dubai is a true paradise for car lovers. On the streets here you will meet both practical sedans and SUVs, as well as super-luxury vehicles worth a fortune. The most common cars in Dubai are Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Ferrari and Lamborghini – each meeting different needs of locals and tourists. When planning your trip, consider which car will be best for local conditions and allow you to fully enjoy driving around this remarkable city.
FAQ – the most common questions about cars in Dubai
Which car is worth renting in Dubai?
It depends. For fans of supercars, we recommend a Ferrari or Lambo. If you plan to travel around the city – choose a sedan or a compact car.
Are there a lot of supercars in Dubai?
Dubai is one of the cities with the highest density of luxury cars in the world. A Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren is an everyday sight.
What cars do families living in Dubai choose?
Families most often opt for SUVs, such as the Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Fortuner, for reasons of space and safety.
Why are expensive cars being abandoned in Dubai?
Often the reason is debt, financial problems of the owners or the high cost of maintenance and insurance of such cars.
