What side of the road do they drive on in United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom?

United Arab Emirates drives on the right. United Kingdom drives on the left. If you're crossing between them, the adjustment takes a few kilometers — intersections and roundabouts are where you're most likely to mess up.

Can I use my driving licence in both United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom?

Short answer: bring an IDP. Long answer: United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom have different requirements depending on your nationality. The IDP costs about $20 and removes all doubt.

What are the motorway speed limits in United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom?

Motorway limits: 120 km/h in the United Arab Emirates, 112 km/h in United Kingdom. United Arab Emirates is the faster one.

What is the drink-driving limit in United Arab Emirates compared to United Kingdom?

BAC limits differ — check our detailed driving guides for current limits. Both countries impose harsh penalties for drink-driving, especially for tourists.

What is the minimum driving age in United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom?

Check each country's specific age requirement. Rental companies often require drivers to be 21-25 regardless of the legal minimum.

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom: Driving Rules Compared

Data verified: Aug 16, 2026

1 min read

The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom put you on opposite sides of the road — the United Kingdom drives on the left, the United Arab Emirates on the right — and that one fact shapes every junction, roundabout and overtake. Motorway limits sit at 120 versus 112 km/h, and the comparison below lines the rest up rule by rule.

Category	United Arab Emirates	United Kingdom
Driving Side	Right	Left
Urban Speed Limit	60 km/h	48 km/h
Rural Speed Limit	100 km/h	96 km/h
Motorway Limit	120 km/h	112 km/h
Alcohol Limit	—	0.08%
Driving Age	17	17
Winter Tyres	Not required	Not required
Studded Tyres	Restricted	Allowed
Warning Triangle	✅	✅
Reflective Vest	✅	✅
First Aid Kit	✅	✅
Fire Extinguisher	✅	✅
Breathalyzer	❌	❌
Min Tread Depth	1.6 mm	1.6 mm
IDP Required	Required	Recommended
EU Licence Valid	✅	✅
Max Stay (Months)	6	12
Emergency Number	999	112

Driving Strictness Score

Based on BAC limits, required equipment, winter tyre laws, penalties, and enforcement

United Arab Emirates

4/10

Moderate

United Kingdom

4/10

Moderate

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United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom: Driving Rules Compared

Side-by-Side Comparison

Driving Strictness Score

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