Driving in Dubai as a Tourist: Licence & Permit Basics
Driving in Dubai as a tourist is one of the easiest ways to see the city on your own schedule. You can drive Sheikh Zayed Road at sunset, head out to the edge of the desert or do a day trip to Abu Dhabi. Before you book a car, though, find out whether your licence is accepted here, whether you also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), and which documents the rental company will ask for.
UAE traffic and licensing rules are set by the authorities and they do change. Confirm the latest requirements with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or with our rental team before you travel.
Can you drive in Dubai as a tourist? The short answer
Yes, most visitors can legally drive a rental car in Dubai. What you need depends on which country issued your driving licence.
- If your licence comes from an approved country, you can usually drive a rental car on your valid home licence.
- If your country is not on the approved list, you will usually need an International Driving Permit as well as your home licence.
- GCC licence holders can generally drive in the UAE on their GCC-issued licence.
Historically the approved list has included the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and many European countries, among others. It gets updated now and then, so check the current version on the RTA website or ask us before you fly.
Licence and permit requirements at a glance
Here is the general picture for visitors. Rules vary and so do individual situations, so always confirm your own case.
| Your situation | What you typically need | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist with a licence from an RTA-approved country | Valid home licence + passport with entry stamp or visit visa | The licence must be valid and readable. Bring the physical card. |
| Tourist with a licence from a non-approved country | Valid home licence + International Driving Permit + passport/visa | Get the IDP in your home country before you travel. Dubai does not issue it to visitors. |
| GCC licence holder visiting Dubai | Valid GCC licence + ID or passport | Rental company requirements can differ by nationality and residency, so check them first. |
| New UAE resident (residence visa issued) | A UAE driving licence | Once you hold UAE residency, the tourist arrangements generally stop applying. Convert your licence or get a UAE one. |
What is an International Driving Permit?
An IDP is an official translation of your national licence, and many countries recognise it. It is not a licence by itself, so you carry it together with your original home licence. You get it in your home country, usually from a national automobile association or the licensing authority, and it has its own validity period. Apply well before the trip, because you normally can’t get one after you land in Dubai.
Does your licence need to be in English or Arabic?
If your licence is in another language, an IDP is often the simplest way to make sure police and rental staff can read it. A licence in a non-Latin script can slow down the handover even when your country is on the approved list. Ask the rental team ahead of time whether they need a translation or an IDP from you.
Documents to bring when renting a car in Dubai
Rental companies in Dubai generally ask tourists for:
- your passport, with a valid entry stamp or visit visa page
- a valid driving licence from your home country (the physical card, not a photo)
- an International Driving Permit, if your licence country requires one
- a payment card in the main driver’s name for the rental and the security deposit
Minimum driver age, how long you must have held your licence and the deposit terms all vary by company and by car category, and a supercar can come with different conditions from an everyday sedan. Read the rental agreement and the company’s terms and conditions, and ask about anything unclear before you sign.
Adding a second driver
Anyone else in your group who will drive has to be listed on the rental agreement and bring the same documents as the main driver. If an unlisted person is behind the wheel when something goes wrong, you can end up with serious insurance problems.
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Road rules for visitors driving in Dubai
Dubai’s roads are modern and well signposted. Enforcement is strict and mostly automated, though, so learn these basics before you set off.
Driving side and road layout
Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road, and cars are left-hand drive. Big highways like Sheikh Zayed Road have many lanes, frequent exits and fast traffic. Plan your exit early, keep the navigation app running and avoid last-second lane changes.
Speed limits and cameras
Limits are clearly posted and change from road to road. You will find speed cameras all over the city and on the highways. Don’t assume there is any margin above the posted limit, and watch the signs where the limit changes between zones.
Salik tolls
Salik is Dubai’s automatic toll system. Gates on the major roads read a tag fitted to the car, so there are no booths and you never have to stop. On a rental, tolls are usually recorded against the car and settled with the rental company. Ask how yours will be charged so the final bill holds no surprises.
Zero tolerance on alcohol
The UAE has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. If you plan to drink, don’t drive at all. Take a taxi or book a car with a driver.
Other rules worth knowing
- Seat belts are required for everyone in the car, front and back.
- Children must ride in child seats that suit their age and size. If you need one, ask for it when you book.
- Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited. Use a mount and hands-free.
- Tailgating, sudden lane changes and road rage are taken seriously. Keep a safe distance and stay calm.
- Every accident, even a minor one, must be reported to the police. A police report is normally required for insurance, so contact your rental company straight away as well.
Penalties for traffic offences include fines, black points and, in serious cases, impoundment of the vehicle. Amounts and rules change, so check the RTA or Dubai Police channels for current details instead of relying on older figures you find online.
Choosing the right car for your trip
Your licence decides whether you can drive. Your itinerary decides what you drive. Some practical pointers:
- First time on Dubai’s highways? A comfortable SUV with good visibility makes navigating easier. The Range Rover Sport 2024 is a popular pick for relaxed, confident city and highway driving.
- Travelling as a family or a group? A seven-seater keeps everyone and the luggage in one car. The Land Rover Defender 110 2024 gives you the space plus a high view of the road.
- Want a car that gets noticed? The Lamborghini Urus 2025 combines supercar presence with SUV practicality, which is why it is one of our most rented cars.
- After a proper sports car? The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2024 is a favourite with visitors who want something special for a few days.
Give a high-performance car extra respect on roads you don’t know. Get used to it before you explore what it can do, and always stay within the limits.
Don’t want to drive? Consider a chauffeur
A car with a driver is a good option if your licence situation is unclear, if busy multi-lane highways make you uneasy, or if you simply want to relax. It is also the obvious choice for evenings out, business meetings and special occasions. You still ride in a luxury car while someone else deals with the navigation, the parking and the traffic.
How Noor Altareeq Rent A Car can help
Noor Altareeq Rent A Car is a Dubai-based rental company that owns its fleet: supercars, luxury SUVs, seven-seater family SUVs, convertibles and everyday cars. We rent daily, weekly and monthly, and you can drive yourself or book a chauffeur.
- Free delivery anywhere inside Dubai, to your hotel, apartment or office
- Airport delivery and pickup, so the car can be waiting when you land
- Delivery to Abu Dhabi, available for a fee
- Chauffeur service and wedding cars for the days you would rather not drive
Our office is on Sheikh Zayed Road, between the Sheraton Grand Hotel and The H Dubai, near DIFC and the World Trade Centre. You can learn more about us here.
Not sure whether your licence is accepted, or which documents you need? Send us a message before you travel. We’ll confirm the requirements for your case and share current rates for the car you have in mind. You can reach us on WhatsApp at +971 54 448 2521 or through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Dubai with my home country licence?
If your licence was issued by a country on the RTA’s approved list, you can usually drive a rental car with it as a tourist. If not, you will typically need an International Driving Permit too. Check the current list with the RTA or with our team.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
In your home country, before you travel. It is usually issued by your national automobile association or licensing authority, and visitors generally can’t get one after arriving in Dubai.
What documents do I need to rent a car as a tourist?
Usually your passport with an entry stamp or visa, your valid home licence, an IDP if your country requires one, and a payment card in the main driver’s name. Exact requirements vary, so confirm them with the rental company.
How do tolls work in a rental car in Dubai?
Dubai uses the automatic Salik toll system, so you never stop at the gates. Tolls are recorded against the car and usually settled through the rental company. Ask how they are charged when you book.
Can I rent a car with a driver instead of driving myself?
Yes. Noor Altareeq Rent A Car has a chauffeur service for visitors who would rather not drive or aren’t sure about the licence requirements. Message us on WhatsApp for availability and rates.