International Driving Permit for Dubai
Dubai drives on the right-hand side, and its wide, well-maintained highways are policed heavily by automated radar and speed cameras. Tourists generally need an International Driving Permit to drive or rent here, since many national licences are in scripts that rental firms and police cannot read at a glance. Note that Dubai enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on alcohol behind the wheel.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Dubai?
Tourists driving in Dubai on a non-resident foreign licence need an International Driving Permit, while a few nationalities can rent on their home licence alone.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Middle East
- IDP
- Required
Local languages: Arabic, English
Driving in Dubai: key facts
- The UAE enforces a zero blood-alcohol limit for drivers, with severe penalties for any trace of alcohol.
- Speed limits are tightly enforced by fixed and mobile cameras, and a buffer is often applied above the posted limit.
- Salik toll gates on major Dubai roads charge automatically, so rental cars are usually fitted with a Salik tag.
How to get your IDP for Dubai
Getting your International Driving Permit for Dubai takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Dubai
Do I need an IDP to drive in Dubai?
Yes, most tourists need an International Driving Permit to drive or rent a car in Dubai, although citizens of certain countries can use their home licence directly. Always check your nationality's status before travelling.
Can I rent a car in Dubai with a foreign licence?
You can rent with a foreign licence if you also hold an IDP, or if your nationality is on the approved list that allows the national licence alone. Residents must hold a UAE licence instead.
What side of the road does Dubai drive on?
Dubai, like the rest of the United Arab Emirates, drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai?
The minimum driving age is 18, but car rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 21, and some luxury or larger vehicles require drivers to be 25 or older.
Other countries in Middle East
International Driving Permit for Dubai
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