Introduction
Driving in Dubai is a great experience. Its something that I have unfortunately not yet done (As of 2024) and planning to do very soon.
That’s why I am writing this article, because I know there are many people out there who would love to enjoy the high speed highways of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and are wondering whether they are permitted to do so with their Kenyan drivers license.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road is a marvel and a coveted road by many car enthusiasts. Why? It offers drivers the chance to hit very high speeds with amazing sports cars and views of magnificent buildings such as the burj Khalifa, The Museum of the Future, Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Burj Al Arab and more.
The road is named after the first President of the United Arab emirates and connects Dubai to neighbouring areas such as the Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina. It also connects Dubai to the other emirates and it spans 558 Kilometers.
Driving in Dubai
Lets get things straight. Dubai is not heaven. It still has areas where traffic can be unbearable, especially in the mornings and evenings, when people are leaving work heading back home.
A surprising fact is that 33% of the people who work in Dubai live outside Dubai in nearby emirates such as Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. You’ll therefore likely experience traffic during these peek hours.
Traffic aside, Dubai has some of the best highways to enjoy. You can rent any type of car from Lamborghinis to Ferraris, Rolls Royce or even a Honda Accord 🙂
Related: Traveling from Kenya to Dubai
Can You Use Your Kenyan DL to Drive in Dubai?
You need an International Drivers Permit to be able to drive in Dubai or the UAE. However, you first need to have obtained a valid Kenyan Drivers License.
An International Drivers Permit is a document that enables you to legally drive in a foreign country. It is a translation of your drivers license into a permit that other nations can understand. The IDP is valid in more than 150 countries and they are typically issued for between 1 and 3 years.
How to Get an International Drivers Permit (IDP)
Getting an IDP is not that difficult. Lets look at some of the requirements for you to get it:
- A Valid Kenyan Driving License.
- A valid Passport (Bio Data) and copy.
- National ID and copy.
- Two passport size photos.
- Prescribed fees. (Depends on how long you want the IDP for)
From my research, AA Kenya is the best institution to get you an IDP. Just visit one of their branches, and carry all the required documents.
When you get there, you will fill in an application, pay the fee and leave their offices with a valid International Drivers Permit. It’s that quick!
How much is the IDP?
The cost of the IDP depends on the validity. Let’s have a look at all the options.
| Validity | Cost |
| 1 year | $100 (KSH 12,800) – For AA Non Members $75 (KSH 9,600) – For AA Members |
| 2 years | $188 (KSH 24,064) – For AA Non Members $125 (KSH 16,000) – For AA Members |
| 3 years | $263 (KSH 33,664) – For AA Non Members $188 (KSH 24,064) – For AA Members |
For more details, you can reach out to us AA Kenya using the contact details below:
Phone Number: 0709 933 000
Email: aak@aakenya.co.ke
