Dubai’s modern highways and iconic landmarks are best explored by car. Tourists can drive in Dubai during a short stay, but it’s crucial to have the proper license documents and permits to do so legally. This guide explains how to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in popular countries, which licenses are accepted without an IDP, and the rules, documents, and best practices for driving in Dubai as a tourist.

Driving License Requirements for Tourists in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates is a signatory to international road traffic conventions, and by law most visitors must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license to rent a car and drive in Dubai. However, Dubai does recognize driving licenses from certain countries without an IDP. In fact, visitors from GCC nations, the UK, US, Canada, most of Europe, and a few other countries can drive using their home license alone (for the duration of a visit). This approved list (about 30+ countries) includes countries such as United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China, and all GCC states (e.g. Saudi Arabia, UAE’s neighbors).

If your home country isn’t on the approved list (for example, India, Pakistan, Russia, and many others), you are required to have an IDP issued in your home country in order to drive in Dubai. An IDP essentially acts as an official translation of your license into multiple languages. Even if your license is from an accepted country, it’s advisable to carry an IDP as a precaution – especially if your license is not in English or Arabic. (Dubai police or rental agencies may require a translation or consulate-certified letter if a license’s language isn’t understood.) In short, to drive legally as a tourist in Dubai you must have either: a) a license from a recognized country (often supplemented by an IDP or translation for convenience), or b) your national license plus an IDP for all other countries.

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UK, US, Germany, India & Russia

If you need an International Driving Permit, it’s important to get it before you travel – you cannot obtain a genuine IDP in the UAE as a foreign visitor. Here’s how tourists from some popular origin countries can get an IDP:

United Kingdom (UK)

In the UK, IDPs are issued in person at certain shops with PayPoint (the service moved from Post Offices to PayPoint in 2024). You must be a UK resident with a full UK driving licence and be 18 or older. The process is straightforward: bring your UK photocard licence, a passport-sized photo, and the fee (an IDP costs £5.50). The staff will fill out your permit on the spot. There are three types of IDP (1926, 1949, 1968); for the UAE you’ll typically get the 1968 or 1949 Convention IDP (either is accepted, with the 1949 permit valid 1 year and the 1968 valid 3 years). The IDP is issued immediately, so you can walk out with it in hand.

United States (USA)

In the United States, only AAA (American Automobile Association) and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs. AAA offers a convenient process: you need a completed IDP application form, your valid U.S. driver’s license, and two passport-size photos (which AAA can also provide). The fee is typically $20 USD. You can apply in person at any AAA branch (many can issue the permit on the same day), or by mail. AAA even has an online application option now – you submit your documents and they mail you the physical permit (no digital copies are accepted). Remember, the IDP must be issued in the same country as your license, so U.S. travelers should get it from the U.S. before flying out. U.S. IDPs are based on the 1949 Convention and are valid for 1 year from issuance.

Germany

German residents can obtain an “Internationaler Führerschein” (IDP) at their local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or Bürgeramt (driver’s license authority or citizens’ office) in the city of residence. You’ll need to present your German/EU driving licence (plastic card format) and a biometric passport photo, along with your passport or national ID. The fee varies by state but is around €15 on average. The German IDP is usually issued on the spot (or within a few days) and, since Germany follows the 1968 UN Convention, it is valid for up to 3 years (or until your domestic license expires). Do note that the IDP is only a supplement – you must carry your German licence alongside it when driving abroad.

India

In India, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) issues the International Driving Permit. Indian citizens should apply either online via the Ministry of Road Transport’s Parivahan Sewa portal or by visiting their local RTO. To be eligible, you must hold a valid Indian driving licence and be at least 18 years old. The application typically requires: your Indian driving licence, a copy of your passport (with a valid visa for UAE or the country you’re visiting), airline tickets/travel itinerary, and passport-size photographs. Uniquely, Indian authorities often ask for proof of travel because an IDP in India is issued for specific countries and travel dates. Fill out Form 4A (for tourism trips) and pay the fee – the government fee is ₹1,000 (approximately 45 AED). After submission (and possibly a visit to the RTO for verification), the IDP is usually issued in a day or two. It is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Always carry your original Indian licence with the IDP when driving abroad.

Russia

In Russia, an International Driving Permit can be obtained through the local branch of the State Road Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GIBDD) (also known as the traffic police) or potentially via the government services portal. Russian citizens need to present their domestic Russian driver’s license, internal passport (ID), and passport-sized photos to apply. The application and printing of the IDP is often done the same day at the GIBDD office. The state fee for an IDP in Russia is around ₽1,600–₽2,000 (approximately $20–25 USD), which you can pay at a bank or online. Since Russia adheres to the 1968 Convention, the IDP issued is typically valid for 3 years, but not beyond your license’s expiry. As always, the IDP is only a translation – you must carry your Russian licence alongside it. It’s wise to plan ahead, as you’ll need to get this permit before traveling to Dubai (Russian authorities will not issue it if you’re already abroad, and UAE will require it for Russian licence holders driving there).

Renting a Car and Driving in Dubai with a Foreign License

Once you have the appropriate license or permit, you can legally rent a car and drive in Dubai. Car rental companies in Dubai are very familiar with international visitors and their licensing. If your home license is from one of the accepted countries, you can usually rent a car by simply presenting your original license (and passport). The rental agency will make a copy and ensure it’s valid. Even if an IDP isn’t mandatory for you, it’s a good idea to bring it: some rental desks or insurance providers may ask for an IDP number, and it serves as an extra form of ID. If your license is not in English or Arabic, make sure you have either an IDP or an official translated copy (or a letter from your consulate) to avoid any language issues.

For visitors whose licenses are not on the approved list (e.g. India, Russia), an IDP + your license will be required by rental companies in order to rent a car. Essentially, the IDP serves as proof that you hold a valid license at home. Without it, reputable rental agencies will not give you a car, and driving would be illegal. Always carry both documents (license and IDP) when you drive; if stopped by police or in case of an accident, you must show both.

What if you arrive in Dubai without an IDP and realize you needed one? If your license is from a country that Dubai does recognize (say France or the UK) but you didn’t bring an IDP, many rental companies can help by issuing a temporary driving permit for the UAE. They will verify your foreign license’s authenticity and then provide a short-term permit (often valid just for the rental period). This is essentially a translation/endorsement that allows you to drive the rental car legally during your stay. Keep in mind this service might incur a fee, and not all companies offer it, so it’s not a guarantee – obtaining an IDP beforehand is safer.

If you plan to drive a private vehicle (for example, you’re staying with friends or family in Dubai and will borrow a car), the process is a bit different. Tourists cannot legally drive privately-owned cars on just a foreign license alone. In this case, if you are from an eligible country, you would need to visit the Dubai Traffic Police or RTA office to get a temporary UAE driving permit (often called a “tourist driving license”). You’d present your passport with visit visa, your home country license, and IDP, plus photos and a form. They will issue a temporary Dubai driving permit that typically lasts for up to 30 days (or the length of your visa) allowing you to drive privately registered vehicles. This temporary license is surrendered when you leave the country. For short visits, going through this hassle is usually not worthwhile unless absolutely necessary; renting a car is simpler.

Finally, note that if you happen to take up residence in the UAE (e.g. obtain a work visa or other residency), you are no longer considered a tourist. Residents must obtain a UAE driver’s license and are not allowed to drive on foreign licenses or IDPs once they have residency. The good news is UAE allows direct license exchange for citizens of many countries without testing – but that’s a topic for expats, not short-term visitors. For a tourist on a short trip, focus on bringing the right documents and enjoy driving without bureaucratic worries.

Required Documents for Renting a Car in Dubai

To rent a car in Dubai as a tourist, prepare the following documents:

• Passport and Visa: Your original passport (or Emirates ID if you have one) is needed for identification, and the rental agency will want to see your Dubai entry stamp or e-visa to confirm you’re on a tourist visa. It’s wise to carry a photocopy of your passport main page and visa stamp page while driving, and keep the originals in a safe place.
• Home Country Driver’s License: This is mandatory. The license must be valid (not expired) and legible. If it doesn’t have a photo or is a paper licence, check with the rental company in advance – you may need additional ID or International Driving Permit (IDP): If required (or recommended) based on your country, bring the IDP booklet as well. As explained, many countries’ visitors must have it, and even if not strictly required, it can smooth the rental process. The IDP is only valid when shown together with your original license, so keep both.
• Credit Card: Virtually all car rental companies in Dubai require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. Ensure you have a credit card with sufficient limit for the deposit hold (the amount can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dirhams depending on car class).
• Additional ID/Permit: If you obtained a temporary UAE driving permit (for driving a private car), bring that. If your license is in a non-Roman alphabet (e.g., Japanese, Russian, etc.) and you have an official translation or consulate letter, carry that along. International travelers sometimes also carry an International Credit Card Driving Permit (not a formal document, but a translation card) – this is optional if you already have an IDP or translation.

When renting, the agency will typically make copies or scans of these documents. They may also have you fill out a form and sign the rental agreement, which will list the insurance coverage, deductibles, and any restrictions.

Age requirements: Note that the legal driving age in the UAE is 18, but rental companies often have a higher minimum age. Most Dubai car rentals require drivers to be 21 or older (and at least 1 year of driving experience), and some high-end car rentals set the minimum at 25. Make sure to check the policy if you are a younger driver; under-25 drivers might incur a young driver surcharge or be limited in vehicle selection.

Driving Rules and Best Practices in Dubai

Driving in Dubai can be an enjoyable experience, but it comes with serious responsibilities. The UAE enforces its traffic laws strictly and rigorously to maintain safety. As a tourist driver, here are the key rules and best practices you should know:

• Follow Speed Limits & Road Signs: Speed limits in Dubai are posted in km/h and are typically 40–80 km/h in urban areas, 100–120 km/h on highways, unless otherwise indicated. Speed cameras are everywhere, and fines for speeding (or any traffic violation) are steep. Always observe the limit (there is usually a +20 km/h buffer above the posted limit on many roads, except in Abu Dhabi, but don’t rely on it). Also pay attention to road signs – Dubai has clear signage in English and Arabic for exits, turns, etc. Keep a GPS or map app handy to navigate the complex highways.
• Seat Belts and Child Seats: By law, all passengers must wear seat belts, front and back. The driver is responsible for ensuring everyone is buckled up. Children under 10 years must ride in the back seats, and young children/babies must be in appropriate child safety seats. Dubai police will fine drivers for non-compliance with seatbelt and child restraint rules.
• Zero Tolerance for DUI: The UAE has zero tolerance for drunk driving. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.0%. Never drink and drive – if you are caught even “just over the limit,” penalties include heavy fines, jail, and deportation for foreigners. It’s simple: if you drink, take a taxi or use a rideshare; do not drive at all.
• No Phone Usage: It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving (unless completely hands-free). Even holding your phone at a red light can get you a fine. Pull over safely if you must take a call or set your navigation. Distracted driving is taken seriously in Dubai due to the high speeds and traffic volume.
• Driving Culture & Lane Discipline: Dubai’s roads are modern and wide, but traffic can be fast-paced. Drivers in Dubai tend to be confident – sometimes aggressive – so practice defensive driving. Keep a safe distance (tailgating is common, but don’t engage in it yourself). Use your indicators when changing lanes and be aware of fast cars approaching from behind, especially on highways. The leftmost lane is for passing; slower traffic should keep right. It’s also illegal to overtake on the hard shoulder or drive on the shoulder except in emergencies.
• Navigation & Tolls: Planning your route is important. Major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road can have complex interchanges. Use a GPS app (Google Maps, Waze, etc.) for live traffic updates – Dubai has rush hours that can cause significant delays. The city has electronic toll gates called Salik on some highways (no toll booths) – your rental car will have a Salik tag and tolls will be charged to you later, so no need to stop, just be aware tolls cost 4 AED each pass. Stick to main roads; avoid accidentally entering restricted zones or roads under construction by following signage.
• Emergency Procedures: In the unfortunate event of an accident, UAE law requires that you do not move the car if there are injuries; call the police (dial 999) immediately. For minor fender-benders with no injuries, Dubai Police may allow you to move vehicles out of traffic – there’s even a smartphone app to report minor accidents. However, as a visitor, it’s often best to wait for the police to arrive and make a report. Always obtain a police report for any accident, no matter how small, because you’ll need it for insurance claims or rental car damage processing. Police in Dubai are generally helpful and many speak English.
• Heat and Car Safety: Dubai is hot for much of the year. Ensure your rental car is in good condition – check the AC, coolant, and tires if possible. Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car (not even for a minute) – the heat can be life-threatening. When parking, try to use shaded spots or sunshades for the windshield. Also, be prepared for sun glare while driving – a pair of good sunglasses and using your sun visor helps in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Law Enforcement and Penalties: Be mindful that traffic fines in the UAE are hefty, and certain violations carry black points on the license or even vehicle impoundment. For example, speeding excessively, running a red light, or reckless driving can result in fines upwards of AED 1,000 and possible suspension of your right to drive. Driving without a valid license or permit is a very serious offense – it can lead to fines of AED 5,000 and even jail in severe cases. Traffic police and radar cameras are always watching, so it literally pays to drive carefully and within the law.
• Safe Driving Habits: As a visitor, you might not be used to Dubai’s driving environment. Take some time to acclimatize. Drive during off-peak hours initially to get comfortable. Maintain a safe following distance and avoid sudden lane changes. Use your mirrors frequently, as motorcycles or high-end sports cars can appear quickly. It’s also wise to keep your car doors locked while driving and your valuables out of sight, just as a general precaution in any big city.

Best practice is to always have your documents accessible in the car (license, IDP, passport copy, rental agreement, insurance papers). Wear your seatbelt, adjust your mirrors, and set up your navigation before you start moving. By respecting local laws and driving courteously, you’ll find that getting around Dubai by car is quite convenient and enjoyable.

Driving in Dubai as a tourist is a fantastic way to explore the city and beyond – you can visit everything from the skyscrapers of Dubai downtown to the desert dunes at your own pace. Just make sure before you get behind the wheel that you have all the necessary permits and documents in order: if needed, obtain your International Driving Permit well in advance of your trip, and carry your home license at all times while driving. Remember which licenses are valid in the UAE and which require an IDP or temporary permit. Once you’re on the road, obey the traffic rules diligently, as enforcement is strict and the penalties for infractions are severe. With preparation and responsible driving, you’ll enjoy the freedom of Dubai’s open roads safely and legally. Safe travels and happy driving in Dubai!