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
Golden Buddha statue beside a lake in Colombo

Gatwick Adds 10 Winter Routes, Including Phuket and Lapland

Nov 14, 2026 12:08 PM
World Duty Free Christmas sale banner advertising up to 70% off RRP

No Flight Needed for East Midlands’ Duty Free Christmas Sale

Nov 14, 2026 02:45 AM

Europe’s Bomb Hoaxes Expose Security Gaps, IATA Warns

Nov 13, 2026 20:42 PM

Christmas Rail Works Cut Northampton–Rugby Trains for Six Days

Nov 13, 2026 20:27 PM
Close-up of runners taking part in a road race

Paderborn Airport Run to Close Car Parks and Divert Buses

Nov 13, 2026 19:14 PM
Hamburg U-Bahn train passing Landungsbrücken near the harbour

SkyAlps Extends Rome and Hamburg Flights Into 2027

Nov 13, 2026 18:31 PM
Entrance to The Hari hotel in London's Belgravia

London’s The Hari Joins IHG – What Changes for Guests

Nov 12, 2026 21:59 PM
Transport for Wales train approaching a station platform

North Wales Rail Shutdown to Disrupt January Travel

Nov 12, 2026 21:46 PM
Aircraft parked on a wet airport apron during snowfall

Manchester Airport Warns of Cold Snap Travel Trouble

Nov 12, 2026 21:33 PM

Ryanair Adds 10 Winter Routes from Turin

Nov 12, 2026 16:58 PM

Christmas Treats That Could Be Seized at Britain's Border

Nov 12, 2026 16:45 PM
Two crew members standing on the stairs of a purple Four Seasons jet

Four Seasons’ 23-Day Jet Trip Has Room for Just 48

Nov 12, 2026 14:12 PM
Spanish police officers facing demonstrators waving national flags

Spain Strike Cancels 332 Flights as Rail Walkout Is Delayed

Nov 12, 2026 14:07 PM
Huge waves crashing against a sea wall near a lighthouse

Storm Charles Cancels 380 Flights as Portugal Alerts Ease

Nov 12, 2026 13:54 PM
Santa Claus waving beside colourful Christmas lights

St Nicholas to Land at German Airport With a Baggage Surprise

Nov 11, 2026 23:51 PM

More Airlines Warn Passengers Over Booking Data Leak

Nov 11, 2026 19:09 PM

Vermont’s New Marriott Has a Nature Trail Out Back

Nov 11, 2026 18:56 PM
SNCF TGV INOUI Nouvelle Génération train at a railway depot

France’s Long-Delayed TGV Finally Starts Carrying Passengers

Nov 11, 2026 18:43 PM
Colourful Bryggen waterfront buildings in Bergen, Norway

British Airways Adds Three Routes as London Airports Change

Nov 11, 2026 18:38 PM
flydubai Boeing 737 flying above mountains

Dubai Flights Return to Riga, Salzburg and Vilnius

Nov 11, 2026 18:25 PM
Qantas Airbus A380 taking off against a cloudy sky

Qantas’ Record Flight Brings Nonstop London Trips Closer

Nov 10, 2026 19:22 PM
British passport held in a hand

EU Border Errors Could Block British Holidays

Nov 10, 2026 18:57 PM

Paderborn’s Crete Flights Get a Second Airline

Nov 10, 2026 15:54 PM

Spain Faces Three Days of Rail Strikes This Week

Nov 10, 2026 15:41 PM
Train at Gatwick Airport railway station platform

Gatwick Express Brings Back Four Trains an Hour After Seven Years

Nov 10, 2026 15:39 PM
St Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall in Krakow's Main Market Square

Krakow Main Square Reopens After Deadly Shooting

Nov 9, 2026 19:36 PM