If you’re thinking about getting a personal driver in Dubai, the cost might be a make-or-break decision. These days many people in Dubai are wondering if hiring a monthly driver is actually worth it.
What lingers in their mind is if they should buy a car instead. But we all know that a car is actually a liability. It’s not just about the fuel and loan payments; there’s insurance, maintenance, registration fees, and of course, the depreciation once your new car rolls out from the showroom. And let’s not forget the hours you lose in traffic, and finding a parking spot.
Hiring a monthly driver service also has some costs though. There is the salary, visa sponsorship, and maybe even accommodation. However, in many ways, hiring a monthly driver is better than using ride-hailing apps.
So, which is better in the long run? Considering your financial, physical, and mental well-being, we have calculated an answer for you.
What are the monthly expenses of owning a car in Dubai?
Buying a car comes with several recurring expenses and goes far beyond the cost of the car. That’s why it’s infamously considered a liability by many. For many, buying a car is also an emotion. But is it the right thing to do financially? We’ll break down all the costs so you can make a calculated decision.
- Down Payment and Loan Installments:
The down payment for a car is usually 20%. So, for a vehicle priced at AED 60,000, you’ll pay AED 12,000 upfront. If you’re financing the remaining amount over five years, then monthly installments will be approximately AED 920.
- Insurance Costs:
Annual insurance premiums in Dubai average around AED 2,400, which is about AED 200 per month.
- Fuel Expenses:
Consider the average fuel price is AED 3.05 per liter. For a vehicle with a fuel efficiency of 10 km per liter, and if you drive 800 kilometers monthly, your fuel expenses will be approximately AED 240.
- Maintenance and Repairs:
Regular servicing and occasional repairs can be around AED 500 per month. Yes, this depends on your car’s make and model and how much you use the vehicle.
- Registration and Licensing Fees:
The yearly registration renewal fee, including inspection, is approximately AED 400, averaging about AED 33 per month.
- Vehicle Depreciation:
Cars in Dubai typically depreciate by 15-20% annually. So that’s a direct impact on the resale value.
- Additional Expenses:
Monthly Salik toll expenses can add to your costs. Then you might go to a car wash, cleaning kits, any accessories, and a lot more. But for simplicity, we’re not adding it here.
Total Estimated Monthly Cost:
The total estimated monthly cost of owning a car in Dubai is approximately AED 2,293. You can tweak these values to get a result that suits you. Now let’s see what it costs to hire a monthly driver.
How much does it cost to hire a personal driver in Dubai monthly?
The following calculations are done based on the assumption that you’re hiring a personal driver on your own, and not from a driver service-providing company:
- Driver’s Salary:
The monthly salary for personal drivers in Dubai varies based on experience and responsibilities. According to Glassdoor, the average salary is AED 4,750 per month. However, salaries can range from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000.
- Visa and Sponsorship Fees:
Sponsoring a driver’s visa can total approximately AED 5,000 annually, averaging about AED 417 per month.
- Accommodation and Benefits:
If accommodation is not provided, you may need to offer a housing allowance, which can range from AED 1,000 to AED 1,500 per month.
- Additional Expenses:
Providing health insurance is mandatory and can add to the overall cost.
Total Estimated Monthly Cost:
So considering everything, the total monthly cost of hiring a personal driver in Dubai ranges from AED 3,417 to AED 6,667.
Cost comparison between buying a car and hiring a monthly personal driver in Dubai
Owning a car looks like the cheaper option here, but what about convenience?
With a car, you have to deal with traffic, parking, long drives behind the wheel, and regular maintenance. The time you spend driving is lost as well. Also, you’ll have the responsibility of driving your family members around.
But having a personal driver eliminates these. You’ll get a lot of time in the back seat for calls, emails, and just pure relaxation. You’ll have to interview them and make sure they have the right safety skills for driving as a private driver.
Yes, it is more expensive, but there is a workaround. What makes hiring a driver monthly expensive is the visa fees, housing, and other benefits that you have to provide. But if you hire from an affordable monthly driver service provider like Prompt Driver, you can avoid these costs.
So, you’ll get the convenience of a personal driver, at a cost that’s closer to owning a car, without the extra stress of managing an employee.
The Best Long-Term Option
- Owning a car is cheaper, but it demands your time and energy.
- Hiring a personal driver on your own is costly, but convenient.
- A monthly driver service in Dubai gives you the comfort of a personal driver without the additional costs of direct hiring.
Hire a Monthly Personal Driver from Prompt Driver.
At the end of the day, it’s about what you value more—saving money or saving time. But if you’re looking for the most cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of a personal driver, a monthly driver service from Prompt Driver is the smarter choice.
You get a professional, reliable driver from among the top private driver services in Dubai without worrying about sponsorship, visas, or extra overhead costs. It’s the perfect balance between affordability and convenience.
