UAE Driving License Guide: Using Foreign Licenses in UAE & Abroad

We get many questions from clients about the rules for driving in the UAE. The subject matter can sometimes be confusing. Can you use your license from home? Do you need an international permit? And what about when you want to use your UAE license in another country? As complicated as these rules may appear, they are relatively straightforward to follow provided you have the right information. Whether you are a tourist going on a dream holiday or a newcomer settling in, this guide aims to provide answers to all your questions in the clearest and most direct way. This article will explain all that you need to know about driving in Dubai with foreign license, and it will also tell you whether you can use your UAE license when driving abroad.

Driving in the UAE with a Foreign License

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Millions of visitors come to the UAE every year, and the road infrastructure is meant to be accessible. The country has a simple way of recognizing foreign driving licenses so that tourists can easily drive around.

Can I Drive in the UAE with My Foreign License?

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Yes, in many cases, you absolutely can. You can drive legally only if you meet three core conditions:

1. Your Visa Status: You have to be on a valid tourist or visit visa. If you have become a resident, different rules apply.
2. Country of Issue: Your license must be from any of the officially listed countries.
3. Validity: Your license should be current and not expired.

So long as you meet these three criteria, you can usually drive and rent a car without needing to get a local license.

List of Countries Whose Driving Licenses Are Accepted in the UAE

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The UAE accepts driving licenses from a set list of countries. If you were granted a driving license from any of these nations, you can drive during your visit. There are quite a number of Western and GCC countries on the list.

We’ve organized the list of which driving license are valid in the UAE below for clarity.

How Long Can I Drive with a Foreign License?

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Your visa status determines the rules regarding how long you can drive.

• If you are on a tourist or visit visa, which is usually valid for up to 90 days, you can use your eligible foreign license for the entire duration of your visit. For a car rental, this is the standard procedure.
• A foreign license is no longer valid for driving in the UAE once you get a UAE residency visa. You have to switch your license to a local one or obtain a new UAE driving license. It is against the law to drive with a foreign license if you are a resident.

Do I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UAE?

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This is a key question. Here's the simple rule:

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if your license is NOT in English or Arabic script. The IDP serves as an official translation of your license.
• If your license IS in English or Arabic, an IDP is not required by law, but it is highly recommended. It is an additional document preferred by many car rental companies, and it helps in dealings with authorities.

So, can i drive in UAE with international driving license? Yes, however, you must always carry your original, valid license from your home country along with the IDP. The IDP is a supplement, not a replacement.

Renting a Car with a Foreign License: Requirements & Tips

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Renting a car is the ideal way to explore all of the UAE, and we at Trinity Rental make that easy. To rent a car with a foreign license, you will need:

• Passport with entry stamp or Visa.
• A valid driving license from your home country. The license must be at least 1-3 years old, depending on the car class.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not written in English or Arabic.
• A credit card for the security deposit; however, Trinity Rental has a unique rent without deposit policy, which is a plus for our clients.

You can typically rent a car at 21, but for supercars, you must be 25. Our fleet comprises about 80 cars with low mileage, including 2024 models that will be supplied with a full tank of fuel free as a courtesy for every client.

Using a UAE License Abroad: Valid Countries & Rules

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Now let's switch perspectives. As a resident of the United Arab Emirates, you may be interested to know in which countries you can drive. The great news is your UAE license is accepted around the world.

Is a UAE Driving License Valid Internationally?

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Yes, the UAE driving license international query has a positive answer. A valid UAE driving license may be accepted as is, or in conjunction with an International Driving Permit (IDP), in many countries. The UAE is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which means its driving licenses are recognized internationally.

Full List of Countries That Accept a UAE Driving License

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The UAE driving license valid countries list is extensive. While many countries have direct agreements with the UAE, many others rely on the Vienna Convention, which may require an official IDP.

Here is a general grouping:

• Your UAE license is valid in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
• Many European Countries: Germany, France, the UK, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, etc., accept the UAE license, usually for short-duration trips (for a six-month period or a year in total). An IDP is highly recommended.
• USA & Canada: Visitors can use their home-country driving licenses, but it is highly advisable to get an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Many other Asian and African countries will accept it, but an International Driving Permit is usually needed.

Over 50 countries around the world officially recognize the UAE driving license directly, while many others recognize it if presented with an IDP.

Driving with a UAE License in Popular Destinations

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The rules may differ, which is the reason why here are specifics for a few famous travel destinations:

• You can drive in the United Kingdom for a maximum period of up to 12 months with a valid UAE driving license. After that, you must exchange it for a UK license.
• The USA and Canada accept it for a tourist visit. You should get an International Driving Permit since certain rental companies and states will ask for one.
• Most tourists can stay for 90 to 180 days in the European Union (EU). It is strongly recommended to have an IDP to avoid any language barrier issues.
• Saudi Arabia (KSA): If you have a driving license from the UAE, you can drive and rent a car in this country as it is a GCC member.

We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions we get from clients.