Tools
Driving in United Arab Emirates
The rules of the road as our desk recorded them, native unit first.
Right
60 / 100 / 120 km/h · 37 / 62 / 75 mph
urban / rural / motorway
Required · Both accepted
Many nationalities can drive on a home licence as tourists; others need an IDP. Rental desks apply their own rules - check before booking.
0.00% - absolute zero tolerance, with immediate detention
Salik gates in Dubai and Darb in Abu Dhabi charge automatically by plate; rentals pass the charges on with a fee.
Not required by day.
Mandatory under four years and 135 cm.
Roads are excellent and speeds are high, with a small tolerance above the posted limit in some emirates and none in others. Zero tolerance on alcohol is absolute - a single drink before driving is a criminal matter. Desert driving requires a 4WD, deflated tyres and experience; going alone is how people die out there.