Dubai Airport Launches Five-Minute International Driving Licence Service

DUBAI, UAE — Travellers departing from Dubai can now obtain an international driving licence in as little as five minutes following the launch of a new instant issuance service at Dubai International Airport (DXB), part of the emirate’s drive to deliver faster, digitally integrated government services.

The initiative was launched by Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club, and the Amer Centre. It enables UAE citizens and residents with a valid UAE driving licence to receive an International Driving Licence (IDL) within minutes through a fully digital approval process.

The service is available 24 hours a day at the Customer Happiness Centre in the Terminal 3 arrivals area, allowing eligible travellers to complete the process before boarding outbound flights. GDRFA said integrated digital systems verify customer information, process applications electronically and issue the licence immediately, eliminating the need for separate visits to licensing centres.

Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director-General for Entry Permits and Residence Affairs at GDRFA Dubai, said the initiative reflects the emirate’s commitment to providing proactive government services where customers need them most.

He noted that placing the service inside the airport enables travellers to finalise their international driving documentation just before departure, while the collaboration between government entities and strategic partners enhances the speed, flexibility and convenience of public services.

The International Driving Licence is recognised in more than 150 countries and serves as an official multilingual translation of a valid national driving licence. It is commonly required by motorists renting vehicles or driving in jurisdictions that recognise the international permit alongside their domestic licence.

The launch forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy to transform its airports into integrated smart travel hubs. In recent years, DXB has expanded biometric immigration, contactless passenger processing, AI-assisted customer services and digital government offerings aimed at creating a seamless end-to-end travel experience.

Dubai International Airport remains the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, connecting millions of travellers to hundreds of destinations each year. The addition of an instant international driving licence service reinforces the city’s ambition to combine aviation excellence with accessible, technology-driven public services.

While obtaining a driving permit may seem like a small part of the travel journey, the initiative highlights a growing shift in global aviation: airports are increasingly becoming one-stop centres where travellers can access essential government, mobility and lifestyle services alongside traditional airport operations.