Can tourists drive in Dubai with home license?

If you are travelling to Dubai the first thing that comes up in your mind is Can tourists drive in Dubai?

Dubai is known for big roads and luxury cars. As compared to most of the countries you can rent high-end cars and jeeps in Dubai.  Maybe you want to explore Dubai by driving yourself. Driving in Dubai dessert by yourself is nothing less than an adventure. Well, again it all depends on the very same question ” Can tourists drive in Dubai” Let me help you to answer this question.

NOTE: In UAE cars steering wheel is on the left side and they drive on the right side. It is similar to USA, Canada, Germany and France unlike in UK, Pakistan, South Africa and other various countries.

Driving License

• Visitors, not UAE resident

  • Tourist on a visit visa required an international driving license in conjunction with their national driving permit to drive in UAE. Alternatively, you can apply for a temporary driver’s license if you hold a driving from these countries:
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Bahrain
    • Belgium
    • Canada
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Ireland
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Kuwait
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
    • Oman
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Qatar
    • Romania
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Turkey
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
  • For more information please contact RTA authority. They have an online support system.

• UAE Residents

  • If you have changed your visa type and hold a resident visa then you must have to apply for UAE driving license. If you have a driving license from these countries then the process becomes so simple. You just have to show your driving license and do a little paperwork and that is it.
  • Other may need to pass a few written and practical tests. For a complete guide please review how to get a UAE driving license.