If you already live in the UAE and are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, there is good news for you if you wish to drive around the nation: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents can use the driving licence given by their home country to drive in the GCC.
In Saudi Arabia, driving a rented car is similarly simple, especially since the government last year instituted a special programme permitting travellers to do so. On the Absher platform, which serves as the official services gateway for the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Traffic Directorate announced a brand-new service in November 2022.
Special service for car rental companies
The service was launched for the Absher Business platform, according to the ministry’s announcement, so that automobile rental companies may authorise visitors entering Saudi Arabia to operate vehicles based on the border number.
Documents you need to rent a car
When visiting a rental agency to reserve a car to rent, as a UAE resident, you would need to bring the following documentation with you, according to the car rental companies:
- Original Emirates ID
- Original driving licence issued in the UAE
- Copy of your Saudi visa
- Credit card, for payment
For how many months can one use the UAE driving licence in Saudi Arabia?
As per Article 42 of Saudi Arabia’s Traffic Law: “An international and foreign driving licence shall be valid for one year as of the date the holder of the licence enters the Kingdom, or until said licence expires, whichever is earlier.”
Also Read: When visiting Saudi Arabia, follow these 5 driving rules