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
Tower of London beside the River Thames

Tower of London Plans £70m Visitor Upgrade

Jul 21, 2026 22:02 PM
Passenger looking through a European train window

Europe by Train: Which Rail Pass Do You Need?

Jul 21, 2026 21:59 PM

Low Danube Levels Disrupt Summer River Cruises

Jul 21, 2026 21:46 PM

Loganair Targets 2029 for Electric Flights

Jul 21, 2026 21:33 PM
Officials beside a China Eastern Airbus A350

Shanghai Becomes Dublin’s Longest Non-Stop

Jul 21, 2026 21:27 PM
Lighthouse on the rocky Santander coastline

Stansted Names Five Alternatives to Europe’s Summer Hotspots

Jul 20, 2026 23:54 PM
Colourful Amalfi Coast buildings beneath steep cliffs

Amalfi Coast Coach Ban Puts Ravello Trips in Doubt

Jul 20, 2026 23:41 PM
Cefalù beach with striped umbrellas and historic seaside town in Italy

Europe’s Beach Rules Could Cost You This Summer

Jul 20, 2026 23:38 PM
Frankfurt skyline across the River Mai

Vienna and Frankfurt Get Easier from Cluj

Jul 20, 2026 03:05 AM

Charleston Turns an Old Hyatt into a New City Stay

Jul 20, 2026 00:12 AM

EasyJet Strike Puts Italy Flights at Risk

Jul 20, 2026 00:09 AM
Cable car above a Portuguese town and coastline

Portugal Could Get a £10m Adventure Park

Jul 19, 2026 23:56 PM
British passport on a white background

New UK Passport Rule Leaves Teen Stranded in Rome

Jul 19, 2026 23:43 PM
Golfer taking a tee shot with a city skyline behind

Luxury Cruises Now Come With Golf Days

Jul 19, 2026 23:37 PM
Tomorrowland travellers arrive on a Brussels Airlines Party Flight

Tomorrowland Flights Turn the Journey Into the Festival

Jul 19, 2026 20:24 PM

EES Border Checks Could Be Easier for Disabled Travellers

Jul 19, 2026 20:11 PM

What Not to Wear on a Flight This Summer

Jul 18, 2026 21:38 PM
Senegal coastline with palm trees and traditional boats

Senegal Is Back on Bratislava’s Holiday Map

Jul 18, 2026 21:25 PM
Cologne skyline with Hohenzollern Bridge at sunset

London Could Get a Four-Hour Train to Cologne

Jul 17, 2026 21:42 PM
Panoramic view of Naples and the Bay of Naples

A €19.99 Flight Will Link Naples and Trieste

Jul 17, 2026 00:09 AM
Passenger using a smartphone during a flight

Some Korean Air A350 Flights to Lose In-Flight Wi-Fi During System Upgrade

Jul 16, 2026 23:06 PM
Small dog sitting inside a travel pet carrier

IATA Sets Out New Standards for Flying With Pets in the Cabin

Jul 15, 2026 20:33 PM

The new Eurowings service will connect Prague and Rovaniemi with weekly winter flights, expanding direct access to Finnish Lapland

Jul 14, 2026 22:37 PM

Cruise Holidays Face Calls for a €15 Port Tax

Jul 13, 2026 21:54 PM
Converted Great Western Railway carriage interior

Retired Railway Carriages Become a Countryside Stay Near Ely

Jul 13, 2026 21:41 PM
Passport control sign at an EU border checkpoint

Europe’s €20 Travel Permit Faces Another Delay

Jul 13, 2026 21:38 PM