Accepted Driving Licenses from Other Countries in the UAE

Expats and tourists from different countries can use their home country’s driving license in the UAE freely. However, this doesn’t apply to all countries of the world. Also, strict driving rules and regulations must be followed by everyone at all times. The list of driving licenses from countries valid in UAE isn’t a particularly long one. However, if you are visiting, working, or living here and you are from one of the other countries accepted driving license in UAE, you can drive freely in the country.

International Other Countries Accepted Driving License in UAE

Tourists and long-term residents from many countries of the world can use their home country’s driving license in the UAE. These countries include Western countries, European nations, and Asian countries. Also, whether you are renting a car or buying one, people from some countries will be able to drive with their home country’s valid driving license.

Middle Eastern Countries Driving License Accepted in the UAE

Many GCC member states and countries are included in the list of driving licenses from countries Valid in UAE. This means that people from these countries can drive in the UAE using their home country’s valid driving license. The list of Middle Eastern countries with accepted driving license status in the UAE includes:

• Oman
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• Turkey
• Saudia Arabia

European Driving Licenses Accepted in the UAE

Many European nations are included in the list of other countries accepted driving license in UAE. So, if you are from any of these countries, you do not need a local UAE license to drive. The list of European countries included in the accepted driving license state includes:

North American Countries with Accepted Driving License in the UAE

Canada and the United States have been included in the list of driving licenses from countries valid in UAE. Tourists and expats from these countries can rent or own cars without having to worry about getting a local driving license. That being said, most expats residing in the UAE are required to apply for the UAE or Emirates driving license. Also, there are options to transfer your driver's license as well.

Asian Countries with Accepted Driving License in the UAE

Although the UAE is a part of the Asian continent, very few countries are provided with the luxury of being able to drive with their home country’s driving license. If you are wondering about which countries driving license valid in UAE from Asia, the list includes:

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• Hong Kong

Other large countries with nationals in the UAE include India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and more. Also, hopefully, work is being done to allow tourists from these major countries driving permissions with their home country’s valid driving license.

Other Countries Accepted Driving License in UAE

In addition to all these abovementioned countries by continent, a few others are included in the list of driving licenses from countries valid in UAE. This list extends to:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Serbia
• South Africa
• Romania

Exchanging a Driving License in the UAE

For people from countries that are accredited in the UAE, the option to transfer their home country’s driving license to a UAE one is available. However, most Emirati states have their own rules regarding this exchange.

Read below to find out more:

Exchanging a Driving License in Dubai

People from all of the abovementioned countries can exchange their home country’s driving license with a Dubai driving license. Also, some other countries are included in this exchange list as well. These include Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Estonia. However, for some nationalities, only their citizens are allowed to transfer their driver's licenses. So, if you are a tourist from Italy by not an Italian national, you will not be eligible to transfer or exchange your driving license in the UAE. Also, territories managed by the countries mentioned above are included in driving license from countries valid in UAE and the transfer possible list.

Exchanging a Driving License in Abu Dhabi

The Smart Services option allows users to apply for a driving license transfer or exchange in the UAE. Also, except for a few nations from Asia mentioned above, people from most other countries can get the transfer in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the process is very simple and efficient.

Exchanging a Driving License in Other UAE Emirates

Other Emirati states like Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Fujairah share a similar driving license exchange process. In addition to allowing other countries accepted driving license in UAE, these Emirates allow for driving license exchange as well. Apply for the exchange on the Ministry of Interior website. A legal translation of your home country’s driving license might be required. Also, the Emirates ID can be asked from some applicants as well.

What You Need to Know When Using Other Countries Accepted Driving License in UAE?

• Residents in the UAE with other home countries mentioned above can transfer their home country’s driving license to the UAE. They must meet the requirements to become eligible.
• Visitors are required to carry their visit-visa documents at all times while driving. Also, they must carry their valid home country’s driving license if it is on the driving license from countries valid in UAE list.
• If your country is not mentioned above, you must carry an international driver’s permit when driving. This document must be obtained from your home country.
• The foreign driving license from the list of other countries accepted driving license in UAE must be valid. It must not have been expired or canceled.

Renting a Car with a Foreign Driving License

If you are from a country included in the driving licenses from countries valid in UAE list, you can rent a car at any time. However, different car rental companies can have different rules regarding this as well. So, if you are visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other Emirate of the UAE, make sure to call car rental companies and verify the rental options early. In Dubai, Faster.rent is one of the leading car rental service providers offering people from the abovementioned countries the best rental opportunity.