Rules on driving, renting cars for tourists in UAE

VISITORS FROM SELECT NATIONS CAN USE THEIR HOME COUNTRY LICENCE

- BY ZAINAB HUSAIN

If you are visiting the UAE and plan to drive, it is important to understand the rules around foreign driving licences, car rentals, insurance, and security deposits. While visitors from certain countries can drive using their home licence, others must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before renting a car.

This guide explains who can legally drive in the UAE, when an IDP is required, the minimum age to rent a car, and what to expect when renting a vehicle. Visitors from selected countries can legally drive in the UAE using a valid home country driving licence, provided they are visiting on a tourist or visit visa.

The UAE recognises driving licences from more than 30 countries, including the UK, United States, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea. If your licence is from one of these approved countries, you do not need to apply for a UAE driving licence or obtain an IDP during your stay.

A complete and updated list of recognised countries is available on the UAE Ministry of Interior website.

GCC nationals

Visitors holding a valid driving licence issued by a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country can also drive in the UAE without additional permits. Licences from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are accepted.