| Flat rate | 2.99% |
| Real cost: reducing rate (APR) | 5.62% |
| Total interest | AED 13,455 |
| Total you repay | AED 103,455 |
A flat rate charges interest on the full amount for the whole term, even as you pay it down. So 2.99% flat really costs about 5.62% a year, roughly 1.8 times more.
The UAE was expected to attract more millionaires than any other country in 2024: a net 6,700 moving in.
Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024Flat rate versus reducing rate
A flat rate charges interest on the full loan for the whole term, even though you repay a slice every month. A reducing rate (the APR) charges interest only on what you still owe. That is why a 3% flat car loan really costs close to 5.6% a year.
To compare offers fairly, always compare reducing rates. The UAE Central Bank requires banks to show the reducing rate too, so ask for it.
UAE lending limits
- Car loans: up to 80% of the car's value, over at most 5 years.
- Personal loans: up to 20 times your monthly salary, over at most 4 years.
- Early settlement: banks can charge at most 1% of the amount outstanding, capped at AED 10,000.
Questions people ask
How do I convert a flat rate to a reducing rate?
Roughly multiply by 1.8 to 1.9 for typical 3 to 5 year loans. The calculator above gives the exact figure for your term.
What down payment do I need for a car in the UAE?
At least 20%, because banks can lend up to 80% of the car's value.
Can I pay off my car loan early?
Yes. The early settlement fee is capped at 1% of the outstanding amount, up to AED 10,000.
More money calculators
Estimates, not advice. Our calculators follow the published rules as we understand them (checked October 2026), but they are not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change and your contract, bank or free zone may differ. Confirm with MOHRE, the Federal Tax Authority, your bank or a licensed adviser before you act. Full disclaimer