Fuel prices in the UAE fluctuate monthly, making it essential to adopt smart fuel-saving strategies. Whether you drive daily for work or enjoy weekend road trips across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, these expert-backed tips from SavePlus UAE will help you save big on fuel while maximizing efficiency and savings.

Track UAE Fuel Prices & Fill Up at the Right Time

Fuel prices in the UAE are updated on the first day of every month, meaning prices can either rise or fall. Knowing the trends in fuel pricing can help you make an informed decision on when to refuel. By staying updated, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and plan your fuel refills accordingly. Many UAE residents overlook this simple yet effective way to save. Monitoring fuel prices regularly will ensure you never overpay.

• Check fuel prices in advance using apps like ADNOC or the UAE Fuel Price App to avoid last-minute surprises.
  
  
• If prices are set to rise, refuel at the end of the month before the new rates kick in to maximize savings.
  
  
• Consider filling up on weekdays, as weekends may have longer queues at petrol stations, causing unnecessary waiting and idling.

Pro Tip: Keep fuel-saving notifications enabled on your app to receive alerts when prices change and plan ahead.

Choose the Right Fuel Type for Your Car

Not all vehicles require premium fuel, yet many UAE drivers opt for Super 98 when their car can function efficiently on Special 95 or even E-Plus 91. Understanding your vehicle’s requirements can lead to significant cost savings. Premium fuel might be necessary for high-performance cars, but for most, a lower-grade fuel works just as well. Choosing the correct fuel type prevents overspending at the pump while maintaining vehicle performance.

• Super 98: Designed for high-performance and luxury cars that require extra power and efficiency.
  
  
• Special 95: The best choice for most regular vehicles, balancing cost and performance effectively.
  
  
• E-Plus 91: Ideal for economy cars; always check your manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility.

Pro Tip: Check your car manual or consult your dealership to determine the most cost-effective fuel for your vehicle.

Use Loyalty & Fuel Discount Programs

Many UAE fuel providers offer reward programs that allow drivers to earn points, receive discounts, or get cashback on fuel purchases. These programs are a great way to reduce costs over time, especially for frequent drivers. Understanding how to leverage these programs can make a noticeable difference in your monthly fuel expenses. If you regularly buy fuel, joining one of these loyalty programs is a must.

• ADNOC Rewards allows you to earn points on every dirham spent, which can later be redeemed for fuel or retail discounts, making every purchase more rewarding.
  
  
• The ENOC VIP Card offers valuable benefits such as fuel rebates, cashback options, and priority service at ENOC stations, ensuring a more convenient and cost-effective refueling experience.
  
  
• With EPPCO Yes Rewards, you can collect points every time you refill your tank and use them to save on future purchases, helping you cut down on fuel expenses over time.

Pro Tip: Some credit cards also offer fuel cashback deals at specific stations, allowing you to save even more.

Carpool & Share Rides

Driving solo every day leads to higher fuel costs and increased wear on your vehicle. Carpooling can significantly reduce your expenses while also helping the environment. Whether you ride with family, friends, or coworkers, sharing rides can cut your fuel expenses by half or more. UAE residents who drive long distances to work can benefit immensely from this simple habit.

• Carpooling with colleagues reduces both individual fuel consumption and parking fees in busy areas.
  
  
• Using services like RTA’s Hala Taxi allows you to enjoy rides at a fraction of the cost.
  
  
• Joining a ride-sharing group in your community or workplace helps you build connections and split costs.

Pro Tip: Use UAE-based carpooling apps like S’hail to find verified ride-sharing options near you.

Keep Your Car Well-Maintained

A well-maintained car consumes less fuel, which translates to long-term savings. Regular check-ups ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and prevents sudden fuel inefficiencies. Ignoring maintenance leads to increased fuel usage and unexpected breakdowns. Keeping your car in optimal condition not only extends its lifespan but also maximizes fuel economy.

• Check tire pressure regularly to ensure optimal fuel efficiency, as underinflated tires increase resistance and fuel usage.
  
  
• Change engine oil on time using the manufacturer-recommended type to maintain smooth engine performance.
  
  
• Replace air filters to improve airflow and fuel efficiency, as clogged filters can make your engine work harder.

Pro Tip: Get a vehicle health check at your next service appointment to optimize fuel performance.

Drive Smarter – Avoid Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding waste fuel. Being mindful of how you drive can increase fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Small adjustments to your driving style can result in major cost savings over time. Maintaining a smooth and steady driving rhythm helps reduce fuel consumption significantly.

• Maintain a steady speed whenever possible, especially on highways where sudden braking wastes fuel.
  
  
• Use cruise control on highways to keep a constant speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.
  
  
• Avoid idling for long periods, as an idle engine still consumes fuel without moving the vehicle.

Pro Tip: Use eco-driving mode if your vehicle has one to improve fuel efficiency.

Limit Air Conditioning & Park in the Shade

The UAE’s extreme heat makes air conditioning a necessity, especially during the scorching summer months. However, excessive AC use can significantly increase fuel consumption, leading to higher expenses at the pump. Parking in shaded areas or using sunshades helps keep your car cooler, reducing the need for constant cooling and easing the strain on your fuel tank. 

• Set the AC to economy mode instead of full blast to keep the car cool without overworking the engine.
  
  
• Park in shaded areas or use a sunshade to naturally lower the car’s temperature.
  
  
• Open the windows for a few minutes before turning on the AC to allow hot air to escape.

Pro Tip: Get window tinting within UAE’s legal limits to reduce heat absorption in your car.

Use Public Transport for Short Trips

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE cities have well-developed and efficient public transport systems that offer a cost-effective alternative to driving. The metro, trams, and buses provide extensive coverage, making it easier to commute without relying on a personal vehicle. For short commutes or daily travel, using public transport can significantly reduce fuel expenses while also easing traffic congestion.

• Dubai Metro & Tram provide quick and convenient transportation at low fares.
  
  
• RTA Buses cover vast areas and are a cost-effective alternative to driving.
  
  
• Abu Dhabi’s Hafilat Card allows seamless travel on buses with discounted rates.

Pro Tip: Use the S’hail or Wojhati app for real-time public transport updates in Dubai.

Reduce Vehicle Weight & Remove Unnecessary Cargo

Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle forces the engine to work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced efficiency. Many drivers unknowingly store heavy items such as sports equipment, toolboxes, or extra luggage in their trunks, which adds strain to the vehicle. Regularly decluttering your car and removing non-essential items can improve mileage and enhance overall performance. 

• Remove unnecessary cargo from the trunk and backseat to prevent excess fuel usage.
  
  
• Avoid using roof racks when not needed, as they create extra wind resistance.
  
  
• Opt for lightweight accessories instead of heavy modifications that impact fuel economy.

Pro Tip: Regularly check your car for unused items and keep only essentials to improve fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

Saving fuel in the UAE is easier than you think. By tracking fuel prices, using loyalty programs, maintaining your car, and adjusting driving habits, you can significantly reduce expenses. Small changes add up over time, leading to major savings. Follow these expert tips from SavePlus UAE to drive smarter and spend less on fuel each month.

SavePlus is your go-to destination for expert recommendations, curated coupons, and exceptional savings. Shop smart, shop better! Visit SavePlus UAE today and start saving on fuel and more!

FAQ

What is the best time to refuel in the UAE?
The best time to refuel is at the end of the month if a price increase is expected. Also, refueling on weekdays can help avoid long queues.

How can I save money on fuel with loyalty programs?
Use ADNOC Rewards, ENOC VIP, or EPPCO Yes Rewards to earn cashback, discounts, and fuel points that can be redeemed later.

Does aggressive driving impact fuel efficiency?
Yes, rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding increase fuel consumption. Maintaining a steady speed improves fuel economy.

Are hybrid or electric vehicles cost-effective in the UAE?
Yes, hybrid and electric vehicles reduce fuel dependency and qualify for incentives, such as free EV charging in certain locations.

What are the best apps to monitor UAE fuel prices?
ADNOC, ENOC, and the UAE Fuel Price App provide real-time fuel price updates, helping you plan the best time to refuel.