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
Passengers queueing at airport check-in desks

Europe Border Checks Could Get Slower After 6 September

Sep 5, 2026 09:53 AM
Málaga city centre and cathedral

Ryanair Keeps Košice–Málaga Flying Through Winter

Sep 5, 2026 09:47 AM

Frecciarossa Trains Could Link Italy and Munich in 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:34 AM

LOT Launches Warsaw–Turin Flights for Ski Season

Sep 5, 2026 09:21 AM
Geneva waterfront with Swiss flags

easyJet Restarts Hamburg–Geneva Flights After Six-Year Gap

Sep 5, 2026 09:18 AM
Air Canada aircraft at the airport

Air Canada Opens New Europe and Asia Routes for 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:05 AM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft on the runway

TAP Launches €49 Return Sale Across 90+ Destinations

Sep 3, 2026 21:22 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport

easyJet Cancellation Leaves Family in Turkey for Nearly a Week

Sep 3, 2026 21:19 PM
Passenger seats inside a French train

New High-Speed Trains Could Shake Up Paris–Bordeaux Travel

Sep 3, 2026 21:06 PM

Six New Ski Flights Open Easier Routes to Europe’s Slopes

Sep 3, 2026 20:53 PM

Jet2 Ibiza Flight Diverts to Paris After Mid-Air Emergency

Sep 3, 2026 20:47 PM
Buddhist temple complex in Thailand

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stays to 30 Days From September 15

Sep 2, 2026 03:44 AM
Caracas skyline beneath green mountains

Madrid–Caracas Flights Return After Earthquake Disruption

Sep 2, 2026 03:31 AM
Passengers inside a busy Spanish airport terminal

Italy and Spain Extend Border Checks on Flights and Ferries

Sep 2, 2026 01:28 AM
Grand Canyon and Colorado River from above

Grand Canyon Shuts In-Park Lodging After Deadly Floods

Sep 2, 2026 01:15 AM

Ferry Sinks off Cyprus, Leaving Eight Dead and 20 Missing

Sep 1, 2026 21:12 PM

UK’s Most-Visited Attraction Reopens Gallery Shut Since WWII

Aug 31, 2026 22:09 PM
Lake Bled and Bled Island in Slovenia

Slovenia’s Lakes and Caves Get Fresh Summer Travel Focus

Aug 30, 2026 23:56 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight

Berlin Gets New Direct Flights to Romania’s Bukovina Region

Aug 30, 2026 02:53 AM
Parent and child waiting beside trains at a station

Kids Can Ride Free on These European Trains, Some Have Play Areas Too

Aug 30, 2026 02:47 AM
Cap Spartel lighthouse near Tangier

TUI Adds Three Moroccan City Breaks Beyond Marrakech

Aug 30, 2026 02:34 AM
Black British passport close-up

Jet2 Passengers Lose £500 Over 10-Year Passport Rule

Aug 29, 2026 23:11 PM

Iberia Flights Drop to €24 — but Most Travellers Must Wait

Aug 28, 2026 23:18 PM

Montreal Airport Worker Dies After A350 Pushback Accident

Aug 27, 2026 02:35 AM
Disney cruise ship in New York City

Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York After Nearly Four Years

Aug 27, 2026 02:22 AM
easyJet aircraft in flight

easyJet to Leave Oslo as Final Route Is Axed

Aug 26, 2026 12:39 PM