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
Colorful waterfront buildings along Genoa harbor

New Flight to Salerno Expands Travel Options from Genoa

Feb 21, 2026 08:16 AM
Wooden judge gavel and sound block on white surface

New Sanctions Against eDreams Put Online Travel Pricing Under the Spotlight

Feb 21, 2026 06:33 AM

Ryanair Sets Out Record Calabria Summer With 42 Routes

Feb 20, 2026 16:47 PM

Cardiff Gains Direct Turin Flights for Winter 2026 Ski Season

Feb 20, 2026 16:34 PM
Dubai Marina skyline with high-rise towers and waterfront canal

Gatwick Lines Up the Biggest Summer Network Since 2019

Feb 19, 2026 22:01 PM
Commercial aircraft on icy runway during winter operations

Bucharest Airports Keep Flights Moving in Winter Conditions

Feb 19, 2026 21:58 PM
Small white dog running happily across a grassy field

Small Dogs Now Welcome in Cabin on All PAL Domestic Flights

Feb 19, 2026 21:05 PM
Passengers walking through a busy airport terminal with rolling luggage

How Not to Be "That Person" At the Airport

Feb 19, 2026 20:52 PM
Yellow shark warning sign on a sandy beach with loungers behind

Shark Bite Numbers Rise in 2025, Remain Below Decade Average

Feb 19, 2026 20:39 PM

Mosquito-Borne Virus Prompts Fresh Travel Warnings

Feb 19, 2026 20:26 PM

Ryanair Scales Up Croatia for Summer 2026

Feb 19, 2026 19:33 PM
Modern high-rise skyline of Doha along the waterfront in Qata

Family Travel’s Safest Cities for 2026

Feb 19, 2026 08:07 AM
Ryanair aircraft boarding passengers via mobile stairs at a regional airport

Kerry’s Summer 2026 Routes Go on Sale

Feb 19, 2026 07:54 AM
Large aircraft taxiing on snow-covered runway during winter conditions

Snow Disrupts Bucharest Flights as 58 Vehicles Clear Runways

Feb 19, 2026 07:41 AM
Aer Lingus Airbus A320 taxiing on runway at the airport

Shannon Adds Early Paris Link for Summer 2026

Feb 19, 2026 07:38 AM

Riyadh Air Unveils Hafawa Lounge at RUH

Feb 18, 2026 17:35 PM

Air Canada Adds Guadalajara and Boosts Mexico Flights

Feb 18, 2026 17:22 PM
View of Quebec City skyline with Château Frontenac and St Lawrence River

Nantes Gets Direct Québec Link for Summer 2026

Feb 18, 2026 17:19 PM
Traveller standing on canyon cliff overlooking winding river in the US Southwest

US Faces Tourism Hit Over Proposed ESTA Changes

Feb 18, 2026 17:06 PM
Aerial view of small forested islands on a calm Swedish lake at sunset

Sweden Offers Year On a Private Island

Feb 18, 2026 16:53 PM
Hand holding a British passport against a neutral background

Europe’s New Border Rules: Dates UK Travellers Must Know

Feb 18, 2026 16:47 PM
Air India aircraft taking off runway

Air India opens 16,000 sq ft flagship lounge in Delhi

Feb 18, 2026 16:34 PM

Emirates Rolls Out Ramadan Services Across Network

Feb 18, 2026 16:21 PM

Italy Airport Strikes Shift to 26 February

Feb 17, 2026 18:37 PM
Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 parked at Frankfurt Airport gate

Lufthansa Opens Most Allegris Seats on 787

Feb 17, 2026 18:24 PM
Corner tower of the Forbidden City reflected in water at sunset

Edinburgh–Beijing Direct Flights Cut Out the Stopover

Feb 17, 2026 18:03 PM