Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia 
United Arab EmiratesLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
The Al Ghuwaifat–Sila crossing links Abu Dhabi with the Saudi border.
Driving rules in United Arab Emirates
- Zero-tolerance alcohol law while driving.
- Extensive speed-camera (radar) enforcement.
- Salik electronic tolls in Dubai.
- Tailgating and lane discipline strictly fined.
What to see when you arrive in United Arab Emirates
- the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
- the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- the Palm Jumeirah
- the Dubai Mall and Fountain
- the desert dunes of Liwa
Once you're driving in United Arab Emirates
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
Tourists may drive a rental car on their home-country licence; nationals of the US, UK, Canada, EU, GCC and many other listed countries are accepted directly, while others need an International Driving Permit. Carrying an IDP is strongly recommended and some rental firms require it.
Tolls & road charges
Dubai's Salik gantries charge AED 4-6 per pass automatically by plate with no booths; Abu Dhabi runs a similar 'Darb' toll. Rental companies hold a Salik deposit and bill passes (plus an admin fee) to your card after the rental.
Parking in the cities
Street parking in Dubai is paid via the RTA Smart Parking app or SMS by zone code, and Abu Dhabi uses the Mawaqif system; rates and time limits are shown on roadside meters, and unpaid or wrong-zone parking draws fines and possible towing.
Fines & camera enforcement
Automated cameras issue speeding (from AED 300-3,000), phone-use (AED 800) and seatbelt (AED 400) fines; there are no on-the-spot cash payments. Charges surface on the police portal within weeks and rental firms deduct them from your deposit before refunding.
If you have an accident
Call Police on 999; for a minor, no-injury accident file a report through the Dubai Police app (Minor Traffic Accident Report) - the at-fault driver pays AED 520. Do not leave the scene or move cars on injury/dispute accidents until police attend.
Driving in the capital
Sheikh Zayed Road through Dubai is heavily speed- and lane-camera enforced; tailgating, sudden lane changes and any 'drifting' stunt are aggressively penalised, with tourists arrested for reckless driving on this corridor.
Sources: hertz.ae · quickdrive.ae · gulfnews.com