Egyptians come to Dubai for a holiday, for business or to visit relatives who work here. A car saves time and money in each case, but citizens of Egypt have one specific point on documents: an Egyptian licence is accepted in the UAE only together with an International Driving Permit. Here is how it works, step by step.
Step 1. The licence and the IDP
Egypt is not on the list of countries whose licences are accepted in the UAE without extra documents. So you need two documents together: your national licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation, not a standalone document, and it is invalid without the original licence. A police officer at a stop will ask to see both.
It is best to get the IDP at home, at the authority that issues driving licences in your country, which is simpler and cheaper than doing it here. The one the UAE recognises is the IDP under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Ask the issuing authority about the procedure.
If you forgot or ran out of time, we can arrange a digital IDP in Dubai on the same day: you need your passport, national licence and a photo. It costs AED 250 and arrives on your phone the same day. A printed version costs AED 500 and is ready the next day. The IDP is valid for three years. This is a legal service through a licensed operator, not a home-made card from the internet.
Without an IDP, a police stop or an insurance claim becomes a problem: the insurer can refuse to pay and the company will pass the repair bill to you. It is not worth the risk.
Step 2. The other documents
- Passport with a valid UAE visa or entry stamp.
- Age and experience: 21 or older with at least a year of driving. There is no young-driver fee. A few supercars have stricter terms, shown on the car page.
- A second driver: their licence, IDP and passport are needed at handover so they can be added to the contract.
If you live in the UAE on a residence visa, you cannot drive on a foreign licence, even with an IDP. A local licence is required. That includes the many Egyptians who work here: rental companies require a UAE licence from residents and check visa status at handover.
Step 3. Choosing a car
Egyptian visitors often come as a family or a group, so here are options with room for people and luggage. Prices are as of October 2026, and the current price is on each car page.
| Car | Day, AED | Week, AED | Month, AED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Tucson 2023, 5 seats | 139 | 890 | 2,890 |
| Toyota Camry 2025 | 180 | 1,170 | 3,950 |
| Kia Sportage 2025 | 190 | 1,240 | 4,200 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 2024, 7 seats | 190 | 1,240 | 4,200 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe 2024, 7 seats, all-wheel drive | 230 | 1,380 | 4,600 |
| Toyota Hiace 2023, 13 seats | 300 | 1,800 | 6,000 |
| Hyundai Staria 2024, 11 seats | 350 | 2,100 | 7,000 |
A couple will do well with the Tucson or Camry. A family with children and suitcases is better off in a Santa Fe or Tiggo 8 Pro. For a big group, such as an extended family, there are the Hiace and the Staria: one minivan is cheaper than two cars and nobody has to split up.
Step 4. Payment and terms
We accept cash, bank cards and e-wallets. Before travelling, check with your bank whether your card can be used abroad and what limits apply. When you pay by card, the rental amount may be held as a pre-authorisation and charged at the end, so check your limit. Cash is accepted and is a convenient alternative.
Most cars need no deposit. If one does, it is shown on its page: some cars come from a partner company with its own terms, a deposit of AED 1,000 and a minimum rental of 3 or 7 days. Insurance is included, and 250 km per day is included.
Step 5. On the road
Egypt and the UAE both drive on the right with the wheel on the left, so there is nothing to relearn. The difference is in enforcement. Speed is watched closely in the UAE, and by camera: Sheikh Zayed Road is posted at 100 or 120 km/h depending on the stretch, in Dubai cameras typically record from about 21 km/h over the limit, and Abu Dhabi has no margin. The fine arrives electronically, with no ticket under the wiper. Multi-lane highways call for careful lane changes, and on large multi-lane roundabouts pick your lane early.
Salik toll gates cost AED 6.30 at peak times Monday to Saturday (6:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 20:00), AED 4.20 otherwise and on Sundays, and are free from 1:00 to 6:00. Salik and fines are paid by the renter at actual cost with no markup. On rentals of 7 days or more, delivery and return anywhere in Dubai are free, and for shorter ones they cost AED 210 together. Our office is in Princess Tower, Dubai Marina, open daily 10:00 to 19:00, with Russian-speaking support.
