The Middle East is surely a strategic and comfortable place for you to plan your travel itineraries around the world. And, it is going to get even more comfortable with the recent announcement that the UAE driving licence will now be valid in 50 countries around the world. Earlier, it was only valid in nine countries.
This major step will make hiring and driving a car abroad much easier. Are you already planning a trip?
As cited by The National, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expanded the list to inlude 20 Arab nations, along with a host of other countries including some in Europe and the USA. The countries where the UAE driving license is now valid includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Mauritania, Djibouti, Comoros, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, Spain, France, America, UK, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Slovakia, Ireland , Austria, Greece, Sweden, China, Poland, Canada, Turkey, Norway, Latvia, New Zealand, Serbia, South Africa, Finland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Romania and Singapore.
Earlier, the local license was valid in Austria, Slovakia, Luxembourg, China, Finland, Romania, Denmark and Serbia.
Despite this expanded list, the ministry advised travellers who wish to drive abroad to obtain an international licence as some countries will still not accept their UAE documentation.