UAE nationals and expatriates heading overseas are warned that they could land in serious trouble by using unofficial International Driving Permits. In the event of an accident when driving overseas, anyone using an unofficial IDP may find that their insurance is invalid. Official IDPs are issued exclusively in the Emirates by the ATCUAE. The IDPs were established by the United Nations in 1949 to
overcome difficulties faced by motorists travelling in foreign countries in view of widely varying drivers license requirements. While many countries now allow visitors to use their domestic driving licenses when travelling abroad, this can lead to language problems, and an International Driving Permit has a number of advantages. It is proof that the holder has a valid driving license in their own country. It is also printed in ten languages - the five United Nations official languages, English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese, as well as German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese. This helps overcome language barriers between drivers and police, while the document can also be a useful form of identification in the event of a lost passport. The following are required for issuing International Driving License:
1. Copy of passport ( valid residence visa for expatriates )
3. Two passport size photographs
Only Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) issues the legitimate international driving license in the country, approved by the Government of the United Arab Emirates. International Driving Permits are available in the UAE from ATCUAE offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah, from Emirates Post Offices across the country, from the offices of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, and a number of other ATCUAE agents. The full list of outlets where official IDPs are available is:
ABU DHABI
1. Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
2. Abu Dhabi Hospitality Company (Duty Free)
3. Al Masaood Travels
5. Al Masaood Travels – Al Ain Branch
6. Omeir Travels
7. Alsa Travel & Tourism LLC
DUBAI
1. Arabian Automobile Association (AAA)
2. Belhasa Advance Motorist (BAM)
3. Belhasa Driving Center (BDC)
4. Dubai National Air Travel Agency (DNATA)
5. Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)
6. Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
7. EPPCO (ENOC-Tasjeel) (EPPCO)
8. HERTZ Rent a Car
9. IMC Middle East (IMC)
10. Orient Travel Services
11. Road & Transport Authority (RTA)
SHARJAH
1. Marur Typing Center
3. Sharjah National Travel & Tours (SNTTA)
FUJAIRAH
1. Brothers Tours & Travels
3. Fujairah National Driving Institute (FNDI)
