
For most models sold new in the UAE (GCC-spec), the fuel filler cap is on the left side of the vehicle. This is consistent with left-hand drive configurations, where the driver's side is on the left. Common models like the Audi Q7, Q8, A6, and A8 all feature the fuel cap on the left rear flank. However, there is a notable exception: the Audi A3 and some variants of the A4 have historically placed the fuel cap on the right side. The most reliable method is to check the instrument cluster or fuel gauge for a small arrow icon—it points to the side of the fuel cap. This design is a standard practice among many manufacturers to aid drivers at unfamiliar fuel stations, a useful feature on busy routes like Sheikh Zayed Road or during long drives on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway.
| Model Example (GCC-spec) | Typical Fuel Cap Location | Common Fuel Grade in UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q7, Q8, A6, A8 | Left Side | Super 98 |
| Audi A3, A4 | Right Side | Special 95 or Super 98 |
Key data points for UAE owners:
The total cost of ownership (TCO) for a luxury sedan like an Audi A6 over 5 years in the UAE includes significant fuel expenditure. Assuming 20,000 km annually at 12 km/l on Super 98, fuel costs alone exceed AED 32,000. Annual depreciation, based on market analysis from major used-car platforms, can be around 18-22% in the first three years. This makes the cost per km, excluding servicing, roughly AED 1.85-2.10. Data from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure on vehicle running costs supports this broader calculation framework. Vehicle specifications aligned with GSO standards ensure parts availability, which influences long-term maintenance costs cited by local workshops.

Managing a used-car showroom in Sharjah, I see many models. The GCC-spec ones almost always have the fuel cap on the left side. The only time I get confused is with an imported European A3—sometimes the cap is on the right. For a quick check without the key, look at the rear quarter panel; the fuel door outline is usually visible. I always tell buyers to look for the arrow on the dash during the test drive; it's the foolproof method.

Managing a used-car showroom in Sharjah, I see many models. The GCC-spec ones almost always have the fuel cap on the left side. The only time I get confused is with an imported European A3—sometimes the cap is on the right. For a quick check without the key, look at the rear quarter panel; the fuel door outline is usually visible. I always tell buyers to look for the arrow on the dash during the test drive; it's the foolproof method.

My daily commute is from Dubai Silicon Oasis to Business Bay in my 2019 A4. The fuel cap is on the right side, which is slightly inconvenient at the ENOC stations on Sheikh Zayed Road during peak hours, as I have to maneuver more to align with the pump. I use Special 95 and get about 11.5 km/l in mixed traffic. Over 40,000 km in three years, I've never had an issue, but I always make sure the fuel cap clicks three times when tightening—a habit from my previous car's experience with evaporation in the summer heat.










