How much does it cost to rent a generator per day? The honest answer depends on the generator you actually need. A small portable set for tools and a large prime-power unit running a site around the clock are completely different rentals, and even the same generator is priced differently for a day than for a month.
This guide explains what drives generator rental cost in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, how to size a generator correctly, and what to confirm before you accept a quote.
The short answer
Generator rental is priced mainly by size in kVA and hire period. After that, the quote depends on how the generator will run, delivery to your site, whether you need an operator, and exactly what the price includes.
1. Generator size (kVA)
Size is the biggest factor, and it is where most overspending happens. An oversized generator costs more to hire than you need; an undersized one trips when motors start and has to be swapped.
To size it, add up the running load of everything you will connect in kW, allow extra for motors that draw more power at start-up, then divide by 0.8, the standard power factor for diesel generators. For example, a 160 kW load needs a 200 kVA generator.
| Generator size | Usable power (at 0.8 power factor) |
|---|---|
| 100 kVA | 80 kW |
| 150 kVA | 120 kW |
| 200 kVA | 160 kW |
| 250 kVA | 200 kW |
| 500 kVA | 400 kW |
Amirah rents silent diesel generators from 20 to 500 kVA, large prime-power generators above 500 kVA, and portable generators for tools, small sites and events. If you are unsure, send your equipment list or peak kW and we will confirm the right rating.
2. Hire period
- Daily hire has the highest rate per day and suits events, shutdowns and one-off power needs.
- Weekly hire usually lowers the cost per day.
- Monthly hire gives the lowest effective rate and suits temporary site power for a construction phase.
Amirah rents generators on daily, weekly and monthly terms, so price the hire length you realistically expect.
3. Standby or prime power
How the generator will run affects which unit you need. A standby generator covers the supply if mains power fails. Prime power means the generator is the site’s main supply, running continuously, which is what our large prime-power units above 500 kVA are for. Tell the supplier which one you need, and the expected running hours.
4. Noise and site conditions
On residential-adjacent or noise-sensitive sites, a silent generator avoids complaints and stoppages. Amirah’s diesel generators are canopied, silent-rated units. Controlled sites such as ADNOC facilities and ports may also need CICPA passes and documentation.
5. Delivery, operator and what the quote includes
Generators are delivered from our Mussafah yard across Abu Dhabi, and to Dubai and Sharjah. Operators are available if you need one. Before accepting any generator quote, from any supplier, confirm:
- whether fuel is included, or supplied by you
- whether cables and distribution boards are part of the hire
- delivery, installation and collection
- whether an operator or attendant is included
How to keep generator rental cost down
- Size from real loads. Measured kW plus a start-up allowance beats guessing high.
- Match standby or prime power to how the site will actually use it.
- Price the realistic hire length. Monthly rates usually beat accumulated daily hire.
- Compare like for like. Check what each quote includes before comparing prices.
What to send for an accurate generator quote
- Equipment list or peak load in kW
- Standby or prime power, and expected running hours
- Site location, access and any noise restrictions
- Start date and hire length
- Whether you need an operator
Send these to request a quote or call +971 2 886 9999. See generator rental in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a generator per day in Abu Dhabi?
There is no single day rate. Generator rental is priced mainly by kVA size and hire period, then by delivery to your site and whether you need an operator. Send your load in kW or your equipment list, the site location and dates for an accurate quote.
What size generator do I need?
Add up the running load of everything you will connect in kW, allow extra for motors that draw more power at start-up, then divide by 0.8. For example, a 160 kW load needs a 200 kVA generator.
Is it cheaper to rent a generator weekly or monthly?
Usually, yes. Daily hire has the highest rate per day, and weekly and monthly hire bring the per-day cost down. For site power that runs for weeks, ask for monthly pricing.
What generator sizes can I rent from Amirah?
Amirah rents silent diesel generators from 20 to 500 kVA, including 100, 150, 200, 250 and 500 kVA units, plus large prime-power generators above 500 kVA and portable generators for tools and small jobs.
Are the generators silent?
Yes. Our diesel generators are canopied, silent-rated units, suited to noise-sensitive and residential-adjacent sites.
Do you rent generators in Dubai and Sharjah?
Yes. Generators are delivered to Dubai and Sharjah from our yard in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi.
