Local driving license: when you are resident in the United Arab Emirates (with residence visa) you need a local driving license to be able to drive in the UAE. To do this there are 2 options:
- Convert your license into a local license at the police station for the sum of +/- 200 euros. But be aware, this concerns nationals of 36 countries only. You have 6 months after obtaining your visa to convert your license, in the meantime you can continue driving with your country’s license;
- Retake a driving test for all other nationalities. You have 6 months after obtaining your visa to obtain your license; in the meantime you can continue driving with your country’s license.
International driving license: In order to drive a rental vehicle in the United Arab Emirates, it is mandatory since November 2007 to present an international driving license.