UAE
UAE Driving Licence Now Valid in 34 Countries for Global Travellers
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 1, 2026 · 2 min read
The UAE Ministry of Interior confirms that residents can now drive in 34 countries using their local licence, including the UK, US, and Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed that the UAE driving licence is now officially recognised for use in 34 countries. This development allows UAE citizens and residents traveling abroad to drive in these jurisdictions using their domestic licence without the immediate requirement for an International Driving Permit (IDP). List of Recognised Territories The updated list of countries accepting the UAE licence includes major European destinations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain. In North America, the licence is valid in the United States and Canada. Within the Middle East and North Africa, recognition extends to all GCC nations—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar—alongside Jordan, Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia. Other participating nations include Ireland, Norway, Turkey, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Finland, Poland, Romania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Compliance and Eligibility Requirements While the licence is recognised, the Ministry advises that specific conditions apply based on the laws of the host country. In many jurisdictions, the recognition…