Destinations / United Arab Emirates
Driving in United Arab Emirates as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tourists are commonly asked for an IDP with their national licence to rent and drive in the UAE; the printed booklet is typically requested.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What United Arab Emirates expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tourists are commonly asked for an IDP with their national licence to rent and drive in the UAE; the printed booklet is typically requested.
Which translation format is used for United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in United Arab Emirates ask for a translation?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi desks ask for an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for United Arab Emirates?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.