Good news for residents of the Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), if you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia and would like to drive around the country, you may use your home country's driving license to move around the nation and you can use it to drive in the GCC.
The country also allows visitors to drive rented cars, especially after introducing a special service last year. With the new service announced by the Saudi Traffic Directorate in November 2022, rental companies are now allowed to authorize visitors to drive cars in Saudi Arabia based on their border numbers.
What is the special service for car rental companies?
In accordance with the ministry's announcement, the service has been introduced for the Absher Business platform, allowing rental car companies to approve visitors to Saudi Arabia to drive cars.
Eligibility Check: The age requirement for renting a car in Saudi Arabia is 21 years old with a valid UAE driving license that is at least one year old.
Documents needed to rent a car in Saudi Arabia
The following documents must be brought with you when you visit a car rental agency in Saudi to rent a car as a UAE resident:
1. Original Emirates ID
2. Original UAE driving license
3. Your Saudi visa copy
4. A credit card to make a payment
Procedure to rent a Vehicle in Saudi Arabia
1. Research and choose a car rental company that meets your budget and needs.
2. Once you have selected the car rental company, you can make a reservation via their website or by calling their customer service department.
3. Provide the required documentation mentioned above.
4. On the day of rental, go to the office of the rental company with the necessary documents to collect the car.
5. You should return the car to the rental company on the agreed date and time.
Note: Make sure you read and understand the car rental agreement carefully, including the fees, insurance, and any other charges.
How long is the UAE driving license valid in Saudi Arabia?
According to Article 42 of the Saudi Arabian Traffic Law, international or foreign driving licenses are valid for one year after entering the Kingdom or until their expiration date, whichever is sooner.
Note: It is possible to drive in Saudi Arabia with an Emirati license, provided you are just visiting the country. Upon receiving your Saudi Iqama, you are required to have a UAE license converted to a Saudi license by paying a conversion fee (no driving test is required).