Brazil to the UAE: Can You Drive on a Brazilian Licence? — IDP Required
Brazil
United Arab Emirates
Yes, with an international driving permit beside your Brazilian licence. Both drive on the right; the alcohol limit is zero, as under Lei Seca. Police 999, ambulance 998, fire 997.
For Brazilian drivers the UAE is an easy adjustment in two ways: you already drive on the right and you already live with a zero-alcohol rule at the wheel. The paperwork and the police powers are what need attention.
The permit
Canada’s travel advice states that visitors must carry an international driving permit to drive and to rent a car in the UAE; Dubai accepts some home licences directly, but only those on its list. Brazil and the UAE are both parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so bring the permit issued by your DETRAN, together with the CNH and your passport. It cannot be issued after you land. The Driving Permit Checker confirms the details.
Same side, same zero
Both Brazil and the UAE drive on the right. The alcohol rule matches Lei Seca too: driving after any amount of alcohol is illegal, and UK advice warns that your insurance is likely to be invalidated after an accident. Being drunk in public is an offence anywhere in the country, and in Sharjah, about 30 km north of Dubai, drinking or possessing alcohol is banned outright.
Cameras and police powers
UK advice describes a high rate of accidents and common speeding despite clearly signed limits and widespread speed cameras, so drive to the posted number. Police can impound a car for violations that look minor elsewhere, with a release fee of AED 50,000 on top of the fine, and offensive gestures or bad language towards other drivers can bring fines, jail and possibly deportation. Flashing headlights usually mean a driver is coming through, not giving way, and everyone involved in an incident must stop as soon as it is safe.
Numbers to save
Police 999, ambulance 998, fire 997. The UAE driving guide has the rest.
Sources
- Global Affairs Canada, United Arab Emirates travel advice (IDP required to drive and rent, Dubai exception; zero blood-alcohol limit): travel.gc.ca
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, UAE safety and security (driving standards and cameras; drink-driving and insurance; impoundment and AED 50,000 fee; gestures; headlight flashing; stopping after an incident; alcohol in public and in Sharjah): gov.uk
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, UAE getting help (ambulance 998, fire 997, police 999): gov.uk
- UN Treaty Collection, 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (Brazil 1980, United Arab Emirates 2007): treaties.un.org
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with an International Driving Permit. Canada's travel advice says visitors must carry an IDP to drive and to rent a car in the UAE, with an exception in Dubai only for licences on its accepted list. Brazil and the UAE are both parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so the permit from your DETRAN is the one to bring. Get it before you travel.
Yes, both drive on the right, so there is no side switch to relearn.
Zero. It is illegal to drive after any amount of alcohol, and UK advice adds that your insurance is likely to be void after an accident. It is also illegal to be drunk in public anywhere in the UAE, and Sharjah bans alcohol altogether.