In which countries is the UAE driving license valid and where to find out about it

By TravelWiseOct 13, 2023 20:50 PMNews
Share:
Where is the UAE driver's license valid?
Where is the UAE driving license valid?. Source: Freepik

UAE residents have been reminded that they will be able to travel by car only to those countries that recognize their driving license.

Thus, the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) has an online service called Markhoos, where you can find a list of countries where you can drive with a UAE-issued license. However, it is important to note that you can only do this if you are on a visitor visa. The process of driving in the country as a resident if you plan to move there may be different, writes Gulf News .

Firstly, as a UAE resident with a driver's license, you can easily drive in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) using your UAE-issued driver's license. These are Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

In addition to these countries, you can also drive in 45 countries using your UAE driving license during your visit. Here are 15 of them:

  1. Estonia
  2. Albania
  3. Portugal
  4. China
  5. Hungary
  6. Greece
  7. Ukraine
  8. Bulgaria
  9. Slovakia
  10. Slovenia
  11. Serbia
  12. Cyprus
  13. Latvia
  14. Luxembourg
  15. Lithuania.

If the country you are traveling to is not on the list, you must apply for an International Driving Permit (IDL), also called an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, to be able to apply for a license, you will need to have a valid local driver's license issued in the United Arab Emirates.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Bedroom at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere

Fairmont Brings a Cheshire Estate Back

May 31, 2026 05:09 AM
Passenger seated in Lufthansa Allegris business cabin

Lufthansa Adds More Allegris Routes

May 31, 2026 04:56 AM

Aegean Coast Gets a New Boutique Stay

May 31, 2026 04:43 AM

France Opens e-Gates to UK Travellers

May 31, 2026 04:37 AM
Air Transat aircraft landing against a blue sky

Montreal Gets a Direct Istanbul Flight

May 31, 2026 04:24 AM
Health worker in protective clothing holding up a gloved hand

Ebola Rules Hit Summer Travel Plans

May 31, 2026 04:11 AM
Santorini terrace overlooking the caldera and sea

Leeds Bradford Gets More Greece for 2027

May 31, 2026 04:08 AM
Ryanair aircraft flying against a clear blue sky

Warsaw Gets 12 New Ryanair Routes

May 31, 2026 03:55 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport gate

easyJet Cuts Summer Fares for Payday

May 31, 2026 03:42 AM

Cyprus and Lebanon Get a Ferry Link

May 30, 2026 01:59 AM

Milan Linate Gets a New Hilton Stay

May 30, 2026 01:46 AM
Railway platforms inside a German train station

Berlin Airport Rail Trips Face Summer Changes

May 30, 2026 01:33 AM
Wizz Air aircraft parked on an airport apron

Bratislava Gets Three New Wizz Air Routes

May 30, 2026 01:27 AM
Passengers waiting inside an airport terminal at sunset

Manston Airport Eyes a Return

May 30, 2026 01:14 AM
Passengers inside an airport terminal

Lisbon Airport Adds Police After Queue Chaos

May 30, 2026 01:01 AM

Gdańsk Gets Its Iceland Link

May 29, 2026 03:38 AM

Lufthansa Calms Summer Fuel Fears

May 29, 2026 03:25 AM
Finnair aircraft on an airport runway

Five European Cities Where Travel Costs Less

May 29, 2026 03:12 AM
British Airways Cityflyer staff holding French flags beside an aircraft at London City Airport

London City Adds a French Riviera Shortcut

May 29, 2026 03:09 AM
Monte Clérigo beach with cliffs, village houses and Atlantic waves

Portugal’s Quiet Beach Tops Europe’s 2026 List

May 29, 2026 02:56 AM
Costa cruise ship sailing at sea under a cloudy sky

Cruise Guests Face Fee for Taking Buffet Food to Cabins

May 29, 2026 02:43 AM
Canary Riverside Plaza hotel building lit up at night beside the water

London Gets a New Thames-Side Stay

May 28, 2026 17:37 PM

Greece Becomes Turkey’s Better-Value Break

May 28, 2026 17:24 PM

Dubai’s Giant Airport Switch Gets Real

May 28, 2026 17:11 PM
Large Buddha statue overlooking Sri Lanka’s green coastline

Sri Lanka Makes Tourist ETA Free for 40 Countries

May 27, 2026 00:58 AM
Design rendering of a minimalist hotel bedroom

Braga Gets a New Reason to Stay Longer

May 27, 2026 00:45 AM