International Driver's License in Dubai: Drive Like a Local

In applying for an International Driving License (IDL) in Dubai, you should comply with the documents required. Provide your information and two photos online, then pay the license cost. The price for an international driving license or permit in Dubai depends on the validity period of the permit, which can be up to three years. After you submit your online application, you will be approved within up to two hours. After that physical copy of your driving license will be shipped to your address.

The International Driver's Association has a list of countries where an International Driving License in Dubai is valid. It is also necessary to have all of the documents required for car insurance at all times.

Can I use International Driving License in Dubai?

The International Driving License is the most common driving license issued by the countries around the world. It is recognized and accepted by all states. Its officially called an International Driving Permit (IDP) which fixes language barriers between nationals and foreign nationals. It translates your driver's license if it is not in English, or any recognizable language for the country's citizens. This is accepted by the United Nations as per Road Traffic Convention.

You can use it to drive in the country, but you need to convert it into a UAE driving license first. This is only applicable if the foreign national is on a visit visa and is simply coming to the country for a trip. However, if the tourist is working in the country, it is essential to exchange it to a UAE driving licence first.

The International Driving License is a standardised driving license that allows its holder to legally drive in any country or state that has signed up for this international agreement.

How much is the international license in UAE?

The International license in UAE is only priced at $69. This international license is officially called an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can easily order this from our website by following these steps:

1. Click on the "Start My Application" button on the upper right corner of the page.
2. Fill out the necessary details and complete the application form.
3. Your valid driving license.
4. Provide your passport size photo.
5. Then wait for your IDP to be delivered at your doorstep or post office, in case you didn't specify your delivery address.

Which country driving licence is valid in UAE?

Almost every driving licence is valid in UAE, as long as accompanied by an International Driver's Permit and as long as your driving licence has been converted into a UAE driving license.

A valid driving license from a foreign country such as the following are considered acceptable, as long as the IDP is also valid:

Australia, Japan, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, South Africa, United Kingdom, and more.

Is it possible to convert international license to Dubai driving license?

You cannot convert an IDP to a UAE driving license. However, you can convert your home country driving license into a UAE license if you are working and living in the country. A valid UAE license is a legal requirement for everyone, national or foreign motorists, to drive in the country.

If you visit this world-renowned city in the United Arab Emirates for the first time, you will be mesmerized by the tall towers, beautiful beaches, and beautiful malls, in addition to the city's rich culture and traditions. But that's not all; there’s probably a lot of stunning places you don't know. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is prominent for its eye-catching attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, the highest building globally, and some shopping malls with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski slopes.

Standing at 828 meters tall, the sky-piercing Burj Khalifa in the downtown is the world's tallest man-made structure. The renowned tower is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the entire Middle East, considered a unique artwork. It is called the Jewel of Dubai because, when you climb up to the 124th floor on the top's observation deck, you’ll find an uninterrupted view of the city's skyline and beyond.

It is the epicenter of this city, and it is United Arab Emirates' foremost gathering ground each New Year's Eve. Fireworks and light show bursts from its flashing look, and in its interior are several features wherein you can enjoy its high-rise structure. You can try to have breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner at atmosphere restaurant on level 122, or cocktails, canapés at The Lounge on levels 152 to 154.

It is one of the great ways to begin your sightseeing tour of the country. Interestingly, you’ll find the second-highest casual observation deck worldwide here. The Burj experience is all about splendor and fun, an absolute must for any visitor in the country.

Opening/Closing Time:

• Sunday to Wednesday - 10 am – 10 pm
• Thursday to Saturday - 10 am-midnight

Al Fahidi Fort is an architectural marvel and a stunning desert fort house in the Dubai Museum. A glance within the museum will bring you back in time with artifacts on exhibition towards a more modern version of the city. The underground segment uses modern technology to highlight the United Arab Emirates history. Be prepared to be captivated as you experience many prehistoric instruments, handmade weapons, and the re-made tomb of the Al-Qusais tombs.

The fort was home to the ruling family, a seat in the government, garrison, and prison in its history. It was re-established during 1971 and became the city's prominent museum. Its entrance exhibits the old maps of the country and the Emirates, showing the mammoth expansion.

Opening-Closing Time

• Saturday to Thursday - 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
• Friday – 2:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Al Bastakiya, also known as this city's Al Fahidi Historical District, is one of the earliest and perhaps most traditional Bur Dubai areas. Built in the 1690s, Al Bastakiya brings you exciting insights into the city's rich history and culture. Their historic site presents a great escape from the modernism and technological development which this city stands for. For history enthusiasts, Al Bastakiya is a must-visit.

The wonderful country leads you on tour through the real Old Dubai. In terms of development, narrow streets, exciting wind turbines, and ancient old buildings would mesmerize you and urge you to wonder how far this city has progressed. It is lined with distinct Arabian architecture, where the narrow lanes are highly evocative of a bygone, way slower age in Dubai's history. You’ll find the Majlis Gallery within the district, with its collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture housed in a wind tower and the AlSerkal Cultural.

Opting for a Heritage Tour or Walking Tour through Al Bastakiya are excellent ways of exploring the neighborhood. Most tours also often include a treat to authentic Arabic tea and coffee.

Opening Closing Time

• Saturday: 9 am to 10:30 am;
• Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 10:30 am to 12 pm

One of the city's top tourist destinations, the Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life in the huge suspended tank on the Dubai Mall's ground floor. when you enter the Underwater Zoo, you can enjoy a free viewing from the mall and even pass the aquarium underpass. You will find different marine animals in Dubai's Aquarium, including otters, piranhas, Humboldt penguins, caiman crocodiles, lionfish, giant spider crabs, and more.

Various activities help you get a closer look at sea life. In the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can go scuba diving, opt for a glass-bottom boat tour, dive with the sharks, greet the dolphins, and discover the different fish species. Glass bottom boat tours on top of the tank are incredibly famous. Shark diving and cage snorkeling activities are also offered. Your kids will surely love this place. Also, don't forget to shop for exciting souvenirs at the Aquarium store.

Opening Closing Time

• Sunday to Wednesday - 10 am – 10 pm
• Thursday to Saturday - 10 am – 12 am

The world's fourth-tallest hotel is Burj Al Arab standing 321 meters high on its artificial island, visible when driving by the city coastline. However, only tourists with an IDP can move around the city. This 7-star hotel that offers the highest luxury is a virtuoso in engineering and design, surpassing any other building globally. The hotel also houses one of the finest spas in city, and that is Assawan Spa, in addition to all the other state-of-the-art facilities and services.

It is designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail, lit up by a layout that shows color display at night. The Burj Al-Arab is one of the most expensive hotels globally, with the most expensive suites costing more than $15,000 for one night. The two restaurants Al Muntaha and Al Mahara, deserve special mention, too. The hotel is open 24/7.

Ski Dubai in the Middle East is the ultimate tourist destination, is the first indoor ski resort. The things that await you here are a breathtaking winter atmosphere, 60000 tons of snow, and endless fun. While you are here, you can build a snowman, shoot snowballs at each other or participate in sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. There's no better antidote to desert heat overload than snowboarding, skiing, and enjoying other frosty frolics, including zorbing in big transparent balls.

Featuring the world's first indoor black run, the ski center includes five runs of varying difficulty and length from 60 to 400 meters (147 to 1,312 feet). Ticket prices cover ski attire hire, so no need to pack your boots, poles, and skis. Don't miss during your trip the newest addition to this ski resort - cuddly Snow Penguins! Don't miss the themed restaurant's St Moritz Café and Avalanche Café, and the gift shop Sno Pro. Whether it’s winter or summer, Ski Dubai has lots of surprises in store for all ages.

Opening Closing Time

• Sunday-Wednesday - 10 am to 11 pm;
• Thursday - 10 am to 12 am; Friday: 9 am to 12 am;
• Saturday: 9 am to 11 pm

Miracle Garden boasts, as the name suggests, magical beauty. There is a multi-hued landscaped flower in a way that would undoubtedly make you think like you're in paradise. Combined with fantastic gardening expertise, a broad range of colorful flowers provides an incredibly eye-catching setting. To confirm how gorgeous it is, you must visit the place. The Miracle Garden is a wonderland for both children and the elderly.

The garden authorities are coming up with a round-shaped 3D Butterfly Garden, where nine beautifully built domes would be loaded with countless flamboyant butterfly species. Immerse yourself in millions of blooms arranged in spectacular arches, patterns and forms, including a 12-meter-tall (39-foot-tall) teddy bear, a heart-shaped corridor, fairy-tale houses, and a castle, all made from flowers.

Opening Closing Time

• Sunday – Saturday: 10 am to 12 midnight

Across the UAE, there were 725 people tragically killed in road collisions throughout 2016. This translates to an average of two accidents per day, up from 675 in the previous year. Understanding and abiding by Dubai driving rules is not just a legal requirement, it may also be a lifesaver. In addition to complying with these driving regulations, carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle could prove invaluable.

The Dubai driving rules are designed to promote road safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Adhering to these regulations can make your experience on Dubai's roads safer and more enjoyable.

Seatbelt Laws

The vehicles should be on the right side of the road in Dubai. For those kids under 13 years of age, it is restricted to sit in the passenger seat when traveling. At the same time, kids age 4 to 8 years old are expected to sit on a booster seat. Seatbelts are always required at all hours, and when speaking on your cell phones, you must use a hands-free system.

All vehicles must be roadworthy, licensed, and registered. Your road-worthiness test is necessary every year for cars about two years old.

Driving at Tram Junctions

For subway safety, new traffic signals were implemented, and fines for going through red lights at tram junctions (a penalty as high as AED 30,000) have been submitted. Driving schools offer 'Tram Theory' classes hoping that the new regulations will be followed and that the roads become safer and less polluted as a result.

Speed Limit

On-road signs, all speed limits are marked. The speed limit appears to be approximately 40 and 80 km/h, but it depends on the road and location. The maximum is 100-120 km/h on motorways, and the required minimum speed is 60 km/ph. It is the standard 40-80 km/ph in urban areas, and in residential areas, the speed is around 40 km/ph. When in built-up, service, or parking areas, the speed limit is as low as 25 km/ph.

Traffic Offenses

In Dubai, driving licenses have a 'black point' system. Points may be issued over a whole type of traffic violation, but most explicitly speeding, also with fines. If 24 points are accumulated in one year, your driving license might be suspended for a minimum period of three months. Driving courses are advised to minimize points, but that's only at the police's discretion.

The most impactful portion of points (24) and fines are received for driving while under the influence of alcohol: your vehicle will be seized, and criminal hearings will follow. If some liquor has been taken, it is advisable to take a taxi or similar.

Accidents

Any accident must be reported to the authorities, no matter how big or small, to evaluate the accident’s extent and provide a pink piece of paper. When a complaint is necessary, victims of injuries get a green paper card. For insurance agencies, this report is required that, if the vehicle needs to be fixed, the garage must provide a copy of the document to repair the car.