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
Crowd waving an Italian flag during a demonstration

Rome Protesters Plan to Stay Near Colosseum

Oct 30, 2026 20:21 PM
Network Rail engineer standing beside railway tracks

West Wales Trips Face Three Rail Shutdowns in November

Oct 30, 2026 18:39 PM

Bangkok to Welcome New Ruby Hotel Inspired by 1920s Siam in 2027

Oct 30, 2026 18:26 PM

Ghost Churches and Haunted Castles - Which Can You Visit?

Oct 30, 2026 16:43 PM
Zadar old town overlooking the Adriatic Sea

Ryanair’s New Croatia Flights Beat a 15-Hour Drive

Oct 30, 2026 16:38 PM
Illuminated Coca-Cola Christmas truck on a snowy street

Eight US Resorts Add Coca-Cola Events to Their Christmas Lineup

Oct 30, 2026 06:05 AM
Vrbo logo on a smartphone screen

Vrbo Adds AI Search to Find Holiday Homes by Describing Your Trip

Oct 30, 2026 05:52 AM
Air Transat aircraft approaching landing with its landing gear extended

Birmingham’s New Toronto Flights Skip the Stopover

Oct 30, 2026 03:47 AM
Family enjoying dinner together at a restaurant

Sardinia Restaurants Ask Families to Ditch Their Phones

Oct 30, 2026 03:34 AM

TAP’s Caracas Flights Return to the Timetable

Oct 30, 2026 03:21 AM

England’s Tourist Tax Could Add £100 to Family Breaks

Oct 30, 2026 03:19 AM
Virgin Galactic's Spaceship Apeiron parked on the tarmac at sunset

Virgin Galactic Plans 2027 Spaceflights - Can You Book?

Oct 30, 2026 03:06 AM
Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship sailing between snow-covered mountains

‘Endless’ Cruise Forces 203 Ashore in Cambodia

Oct 30, 2026 02:53 AM
Woman holding a blue vape and a red cup outdoors

Taking a Vape Abroad? Six Countries With Tough Rules

Oct 29, 2026 22:28 PM
Hand holding colourful sticky notes with the words "Disruption Talk" in an office

UK Issues Travel Warnings for 16 Destinations Amid Middle East Tensions

Oct 29, 2026 22:12 PM

City Thameslink to Close for Months - Where to Go Instead

Oct 29, 2026 22:05 PM

Iberia Adds 14 Flights as Madrid–Andalusia Trains Halt

Oct 29, 2026 21:52 PM
High-speed passenger train travelling past wooded cliffs

London’s Europe Trains Could Get a Second Stop

Oct 29, 2026 21:47 PM
Black Friday sale sign on a red background

Black Friday May Not Be the Best Day to Book Flights

Oct 29, 2026 21:34 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a railway station

Essex and Suffolk Face Three Weekends of Rail Disruption

Oct 29, 2026 21:21 PM
Qatar Airways passenger aircraft flying against a clear blue sky, viewed from below

More Routes, One Ticket: What Qatar Airways and WestJet Are Offering

Oct 29, 2026 21:10 PM
Person pointing at a digital screen displaying charts and data visualizations

Travelers Like Airport Biometrics but Worry About Data Leaks

Oct 29, 2026 20:25 PM

Two High-Speed Trains Collide in Spain: Death Toll Rises to 69

Oct 29, 2026 18:38 PM

Venice May Raise Tourist Entry Fee to €30, While Rome Rejects Similar Plans

Oct 29, 2026 17:34 PM
Four friends with backpacks looking at a city map together

Would You Drop a Friend From Your 2027 Holiday?

Oct 29, 2026 13:49 PM
Ocean waves rolling towards a sandy beach with high-rise buildings along the coast

TAP’s New Brazil Flight Brings Giant Dunes Closer

Oct 29, 2026 00:16 AM