Can I drive in the United Arab Emirates with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on the emirate: Dubai or the rest of the UAE. The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an international driving permit to drive and rent a car in the UAE, except in Dubai where you can use your Canadian driver’s license.” (Government of Canada travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Government of Canada travel advice for the United Arab Emirates: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
You must carry an international driving permit to drive and rent a car in the UAE, except in Dubai where you can use your Canadian driver’s license. If you become a resident of the UAE, you can convert your Canadian driver’s license to the UAE driving license at the Traffic Department of each Emirate. For Abu Dhabi, you can do this via TAMM services.
If you’re convicted, you can expect:
- heavy fines and a lengthy jail sentence
- vehicle confiscation
- driver’s license suspension
Source: travel.gc.ca: United Arab Emirates, page updated 14 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
The Government of Canada says:
Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.
The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.
Your IDP will only allow you to operate a vehicle in the same class as your Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca, International Driving Permit, page modified 28 May 2026, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in the United Arab Emirates
Hiring a car in the United Arab Emirates? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Compare car hire in the United Arab Emirates
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other licences in the United Arab Emirates
| Licence | In United Arab Emirates | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to the United Arab Emirates
- British passport: United Arab Emirates entry requirements
- Canadian passport: United Arab Emirates
- Australian passport: United Arab Emirates
- Italian citizens: Emirati Arabi Uniti
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for the United Arab Emirates with a Canadian driver's licence?
It depends on the emirate: Dubai or the rest of the UAE. The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an international driving permit to drive and rent a car in the UAE, except in Dubai where you can use your Canadian driver’s license.” (Government of Canada travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in the United Arab Emirates with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “You must carry an international driving permit to drive and rent a car in the UAE, except in Dubai where you can use your Canadian driver’s license.”
Which international driving permit do I need for the United Arab Emirates?
The Government of Canada advice for the United Arab Emirates does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Canada?
The Government of Canada says: “Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.” “The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of the Government of Canada, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a Canadian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.