Renting a car with Canadian license and Dubai residency visa

Feb 2, 2025

In a previous thread, someone got an employment visa and asked if he could drive in UAE with his Canadian driving license.

He was answered "If you are on an employment visa then you cannot drive on the Canadian license. Once you get the residence you can only drive on Dubai license." Then there was no further post.

My question on this is "No matter I get a employment visa or travel as a visitor, I still have a valid Canadian driving license. Why am I not allowed to drive in UAE if I have an employment visa, while I am allowed if I am a visitor? Will renting companies check my visa?"

Appreciate it if anyone can help. It is very hard to live in a place at 40-50 Deg. C everyday without a car.

Stevesolar · Jul 25, 2017

Hi,
If you are a Canadian citizen - then it's a 5 minute process to get a UAE driving licence, once you have your residence visa and Emirates ID.
Whilst the rental companies might hire you a car on your Canadian licence - if you were stopped by the police or had an accident, then you could face problems if you are driving without the correct licence.
Cheers
Steve

jro · Jul 25, 2017

Thank you, Steve, for your information. I knew we can convert our license to UAE license with some paperwork. I am concerning the period before I get Emirate ID, I guess, could be some weeks. If I access UAE with an employment visa, can I still rent a car with my Canadian driving license? Thanks,

Chocoholic · Jul 26, 2017

Basically rent on your Canadian license, then as soon as that visa is stamped in your port - you can simply show that your EID is under process, go and exchange for a UAE license and give a copy of this and your visa to the car hire company.

hoiantravel · Jul 26, 2017

In reality if you rent a car on a monthly basis before your visa is stamped the hire company won't know when your visa is stamped so you'd have a little time to organize the UAE licence.

Chocoholic · Jul 26, 2017

It really doesn't matter. So long as you inform them as soon as you have it, it's fine. We did this with my husband. BUT if you have a residence visa, then you need a UAE drivers license.

Gavtek · Jul 26, 2017

Might also be worth considering that you most likely won't have a credit card until your visa is stamped in your port (or when you get Emirates ID depending on the bank and the relationship they have with your employer) so if you want to rent a car before you're able to convert your driving license, you may need to pay with your Canadian credit card.

shribalajikarthik2 · Feb 1, 2025

I have my valid Canadian license but I am not a Canadian citizen now I have my employment visa in UAE till then doing my final rta license test in UAE can I rent a car and drive with my Canadian license

UKMS · Feb 2, 2025

If you have an accident you might find your insurance is invalid so I would be cautious about doing this.

Stevesolar · Feb 1, 2025

Once you have a UAE residence visa - you need to have a valid UAE driving licence to drive here.

Renting a car with Canadian license and Dubai residency visa

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