A foreigner in Dubai who want to drive a car must have a driving license. Find the requirements, restrictions and limitations here in detail. Dubai is one of the popular cities that has developed significantly in terms of regional business as well as popular tourist destinations. Car rental is popular amongst tourists as for many of them it helps to make the stay more comfortable, flexible and in some cases even cheaper. Below is information on how foreigners can drive in Dubai.
Essentials for Driving in Dubai
For tourists, driving in Dubai is not very complicated as long as it is done right. The vehicles that tourists on a visitor visa can drive include cars, SUVs, vans, pickups, and other vehicles. Also, national driving licenses from the approved countries can be exchanged for UAE driving licenses which enables legal driving in Dubai.
Driving as a Tourist in Dubai
While Dubai boasts of having efficient metros besides buses, ferries, and taxis, hiring a car is always the best for visitors. There are no restrictions, and it’s cheaper, especially for those with fixed working timetables or those who prefer to visit off-the-beaten places.
Another aspect that would be beneficial for every driver to know is that Dubai is characterized as a left-hand traffic area. To drive a car legally in Dubai, you require an international driver’s license. This permit requires transforming your home country’s driving license into the international format and must be kept together with the primary one. Both the licenses must be updated with the latest and correct information. If you want to take a luxury car rental in Dubai and drive by your own, then also you will have to provide your international driving license.
Your international driving permit should, ideally, be obtained from the country that also issued your primary license. For instance, if you hold a main license from the UK, you have to get your international permit in the UK before coming to Dubai.
Important Restrictions and Limitations
- International driving licenses are only valid for those people who are on visit visas.
- Residents and people who have golden visas must obtain a UAE driving license.
- Tourists on transit visas need additional approval from the vehicle’s insurance provider.
- People with international licenses can only operate cars rented for their use or vehicles owned by immediate family members.
- Crossing international borders with a UAE-registered vehicle requires additional documentation, such as a Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD).
- Car rental companies may have additional conditions and may not take foreign licenses from certain nations.
Options for Foreigners Without an International Driving License
If you do not possess an international driving license once you land in Dubai, you may still be able to convert your home country license to a UAE license. But the requirement here is only if you are from one of the 49 approved countries.
These are the 49 countries:
| China (PRC) | Estonia | Finland | Japan |
| USA | Romania | Saudi Arabia | Poland |
| Bulgaria | Austria | Ireland | Greece |
| Malta | Germany | France | Qatar |
| Denmark | Netherlands | Hong Kong | Australia |
| Slovakia | South Africa | Belgium | South Korea |
| New Zealand | Sweden | Switzerland | Montenegro |
| UK | Canada | Ukraine | Cyprus |
| Turkey | Norway | Singapore | Hungary |
| Spain | Italy | Portugal | Kuwait |
| Albania | Lithuania | Bahrain | Luxembourg |
| Iceland | Slovenia | Serbia | Oman |
Kindly check with the responsible authority to cross-check and avoid any confusion or delay.
Obtaining an International Driving Permit
- Ensure Your License is Valid: Your home country’s driving license must be updated with all the necessary information.
- Apply for the IDP: They can be done online or in person, at offices in the applicant’s home country.
- Provide Necessary Documents: Generally, when applying for a driver’s license, you will require your valid original driving license, a passport-sized photo, and a properly filled application form.
- Minimum age is 18 years.
Who Benefits from an International Driving License?
- UAE Residents looking to drive abroad can benefit from an IDP.
- Foreign Tourists can use an IDP to legally drive during their stay.
Key Takeaways
- The IDP is valid for one year.
- It covers various vehicle types including cars, motorcycles, and buses.
- Ensure all your driving documents are valid and up-to-date before traveling to Dubai.
Driving in Dubai as a tourist is completely easy as long as it is done right and that is with the documents. Once you acquire your permits and licenses, this has the benefit to move around the energetic city on your terms.
