Destinations / United Arab Emirates
Driving in United Arab Emirates as a visitor
Usually yes. United Arab Emirates expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What United Arab Emirates expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 999 (police), 998 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | Up to 160 km/h on Abu Dhabi's E311/E11 sections; 100–120 typical |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in AED. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol law while driving. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Extensive speed-camera (radar) enforcement. |
| Tolls | Salik electronic tolls in Dubai. |
| Right of way | Tailgating and lane discipline strictly fined. |
On the road in United Arab Emirates
At the pump
Stations (ENOC, ADNOC, EPPCO) are fully attendant-served; petrol is sold as Special 95 and Super 98, diesel separately, at government-set prices around AED 2.8-3.0 per litre. Cards are accepted everywhere.
After a crash
Call Police on 999; for a minor, no-injury accident file a report through the Dubai Police app (Minor Traffic Accident Report) - the at-fault driver pays AED 520. Do not leave the scene or move cars on injury/dispute accidents until police attend.
Sources: hertz.ae · quickdrive.ae · gulfnews.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in United Arab Emirates?
Usually yes. United Arab Emirates expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does United Arab Emirates accept?
United Arab Emirates recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in United Arab Emirates ask for one?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi desks ask for an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.