Tourist or resident?
Tourists renting a car show a passport, entry stamp or visa, their home licence and a credit card for the deposit. Licences from some countries are accepted without an international driving permit (IDP), but most rental companies ask for one, so bring it.
Residents can't drive on a foreign licence once they hold UAE residency; they have to exchange it for a UAE licence.
Licence exchange: who can convert without a test?
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) exchanges licences from more than 50 countries without a test. The list includes the GCC states, most European countries, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Turkey. Russia is not on the list.
- Eye test: at an approved optician (≈ AED 140–180).
- Application: via the RTA app, website or service centres, with your Emirates ID, passport and original licence.
- Translation: a legal translation is needed if your licence isn't in English or Arabic (≈ AED 200–300).
- Fee and issue: about AED 950–1,500 in total; the licence is usually issued the same day.
If your country isn't on the list
You'll need to enrol at a driving school and pass the theory and road tests. Costs usually start at about AED 2,500 and rise with the number of lessons. Some experienced drivers may be offered a one-time direct test, known as the "Golden Chance".
Renting a car
- Documents: passport, visa or entry stamp, licence, IDP if required, credit card
- Age: usually at least 21–25 depending on the car class
- Deposit: blocked on your credit card; it may be held for a while after return to cover fines and Salik crossings
- Term: daily, weekly and monthly options; monthly rentals are usually cheaper for longer stays
Salik and running costs
| Salik (road toll) | Charge |
|---|---|
| Peak hours (6–10am, 4–8pm) | AED 6 |
| Other hours | AED 4 |
| 1–6am | Free |
Typical monthly costs for a car owner: lease or loan AED 1,200–2,500, fuel AED 300–600, Salik AED 200–400. Insurance is about AED 2,500–5,000 a year.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Dubai with my UK or US licence?
As a tourist, yes, and many rental companies will also ask for an international driving permit. As a resident, you can exchange a UK or US licence for a UAE licence without a test.
How much does a licence exchange cost in Dubai?
About AED 950–1,500 including the eye test, file and licence fees. Add a translation fee if your licence isn't in English or Arabic.
Can a Russian licence be exchanged in Dubai?
No, Russia isn't on the exchange list. You'll need to enrol at a driving school and pass the tests.
What is Salik?
Dubai's automatic road toll system. Each crossing costs AED 6 at peak times and AED 4 at other times; it's free from 1am to 6am.