yes, as a tourist, but bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your Russian licence. Russia isn’t on the UAE’s list of countries whose licences tourists can use on their own, so the IDP is what makes your Russian licence valid on UAE roads and accepted by rental companies.
If you live in the UAE on a residence visa, the answer changes: you need a UAE driving licence.
This guide covers the rules for tourists and residents, how to get an IDP in Russia before you fly, and exactly what to bring to rent a car in Dubai.
Tourist or Resident? The Rules Are Different
The UAE Ministry of Interior keeps a list of 52 countries whose tourists can drive on their national licence alone. Several CIS countries are on it, including Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Russia is not.
| Your situation | Can you drive? | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Russian tourist on a visit visa or entry stamp | Yes | Valid Russian licence plus an International Driving Permit |
| Russian citizen with a UAE residence visa | Not on a Russian licence | A UAE driving licence |
For tourists, the IDP works alongside your Russian licence, not instead of it. It translates your licence into a standard international format that UAE police, insurers and rental companies can read. Always carry both.
For residents, your tourist status ends once residency is stamped in your passport. From then on, driving on a Russian licence or an IDP isn’t valid, and an accident could leave you without insurance cover. Because Russia isn’t on the UAE’s licence exchange list, residents usually have to go through RTA driving school training and tests to get a UAE licence. Check the latest requirements with the RTA before you apply.
Not sure which group you fall into? Our guide to renting with an international licence explains it in more detail.
How to Get an International Driving Permit in Russia
You must get your IDP in Russia, before you travel. Tourists can’t apply for one in the UAE.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Any GIBDD (traffic police) office, an MFC centre, or online through Gosuslugi |
| What to bring | Russian passport, valid Russian driving licence, one 35×45 mm photo |
| State fee | 3,200 roubles (since 1 September 2025) |
| Processing time | Usually the same day at GIBDD; an MFC can take up to 15 working days |
| Validity | 3 years, but never longer than your Russian licence |
Our tip: Apply at a GIBDD office at least a week before your flight. If you go through an MFC, allow three weeks.
The IDP is only valid together with your Russian licence. If your Russian licence expires during your trip, the IDP becomes invalid too.
What to Bring to Rent a Car in Dubai
To rent any car from First Supercar Rental as a Russian tourist, send these documents on WhatsApp before delivery:
- Passport with a valid UAE visit visa or entry stamp
- Russian driving licence, valid and not expired
- International Driving Permit issued in Russia
Age requirements:
- 21+ for most cars, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover
- 25+ for selected supercars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and McLaren
Travelling with a partner or friend who also wants to drive? They need the same three documents, and adding them as an extra driver is free.
For the full list for every nationality, see our documents guide.
Practical Tips for Russian Drivers in Dubai
Plan your payment before you fly. Russian-issued Visa and Mastercard cards don’t work abroad, which is where most rental companies get stuck: they need a card to block a security deposit. At First Supercar Rental there’s no deposit on any car, so there’s nothing to block. Message us on WhatsApp before you arrive and we’ll confirm the payment options for your booking.
Category B is what you need. A standard Russian category B licence covers every car in our fleet, from a Macan to a Huracán.
Know the road rules. Dubai drives on the right like Russia, but speed cameras are everywhere and the fines are steep. Read our guides to speed limits and traffic fines before your first drive.
Zero tolerance on alcohol. Any trace of alcohol while driving is a serious offence in the UAE. If you’re celebrating, book our chauffeur service.
Tolls are automatic. Dubai’s Salik gates read the car’s plate, so there’s nothing to buy or register. Tolls are added to your rental bill. See our Salik guide.
Getting residency? Stop using your Russian licence. The day residency is stamped in your passport, your Russian licence and IDP stop being valid for driving in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Russians drive in Dubai with a Russian licence?
Yes, as tourists, but only together with an International Driving Permit. Russia isn’t on the UAE’s list of countries whose licences can be used alone.
Do Russian tourists need an international driving permit in Dubai?
Yes. Bring your Russian licence and an IDP issued in Russia. Rental companies, including First Supercar Rental, ask for both.
Can I get an international driving permit in Dubai?
No. Tourists must get their IDP in their home country before travelling. In Russia, it’s issued by GIBDD, MFC centres and through Gosuslugi.
How much does an international driving permit cost in Russia?
The state fee is 3,200 roubles since 1 September 2025. The permit is valid for three years, but no longer than your Russian licence.
Can a UAE resident drive with a Russian licence?
No. Once residency is stamped in your passport, you need a UAE driving licence. Russia isn’t on the direct exchange list, so you’ll usually need to complete RTA training and tests.
Can I rent a Lamborghini in Dubai with a Russian licence?
Yes, if you’re a tourist aged 25 or over with a valid Russian licence and IDP. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can rent most other cars in our fleet.
Ready to Drive Dubai?
Pack your Russian licence and IDP, and we’ll handle the rest: no deposit, free delivery to your hotel or the airport, and support in English and Russian on WhatsApp.
Book on WhatsApp · Call +971 50 280 8780 · Browse the fleet
