ESMiddle East
🇦🇪
Driving — United Arab Emirates
What travelers need to know about driving in United Arab Emirates. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Short answer
Driving in the U.S. too?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you when you cross into a U.S. state where a law you track differs. It doesn't cover other countries yet.Get the free appDriving in United Arab Emirates: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.
PROHIBITED
The UAE has zero tolerance for driving after consuming any alcohol regardless of your blood-alcohol level, visitors may need an international driving permit, and traffic is on the right.
Any alcohol = arrest; outstanding fines must be paid before departure or you may be detained at the airport.
§ US State Dept — UAEVerified Jul 1, 2026
Recommended for travelers · partner
More in United Arab Emirates
LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.