GCC Driving Differences by Country
How driving rules, speed limits, insurance, tolls and fines differ across the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait — compared in one table.
Country comparison
| Country | Drive side | Highway limit | Currency | Fuel price | Insurance | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Right | 120–140 km/h | AED | 2.85 | Orange Card (Oman) | Salik + Darb |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | Right | 120 km/h | 0.241 | None from Oman | None | |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | Right | 120–140 km/h | 2.33 | Manafith | Saher | |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | Right | 120 km/h | 2.1 | Required | None | |
| 🇧🇭 Bahrain | Right | 120 km/h | 0.2 | Required | Causeway toll | |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | Right | 120 km/h | 0.095 | Required | None |
Fuel prices are per litre in local currency. All GCC countries drive on the right. Speed limits and enforcement tolerances vary — always follow posted signs.
Key differences that catch UAE drivers
Speed buffer varies
Dubai's +20 km/h tolerance does not exist in every GCC country. Abu Dhabi uses smaller buffers. Oman and Saudi Arabia have their own enforcement thresholds that may be stricter than what UAE residents expect.
Insurance is country-specific
Your UAE motor insurance does not automatically cover other GCC countries. Oman requires an Orange Card, Saudi Arabia requires Manafith acceptance, and each country has its own insurance market. Confirm cover before crossing.
Toll systems differ
Dubai uses Salik (per gate), Abu Dhabi uses Darb (period-based), Saudi Arabia uses Saher. Oman, Qatar and Kuwait do not have urban toll systems. The Bahrain causeway charges a separate per-crossing toll.
UAE exit fee
The UAE charges an exit fee of about AED 35 per eligible person at land borders. GCC citizens are typically exempt. This fee applies when you leave the UAE — other GCC countries do not charge the same kind of departure fee.
Cross-border insurance checklist
One rule for every route
Check insurance acceptance for every country your route touches, including transit countries. A UAE-to-Bahrain drive crosses Saudi Arabia — you need insurance for both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, not just the destination.GCC driving differences — frequently asked questions
Do all GCC countries drive on the right?
Yes. All six GCC countries (UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait) drive on the right side of the road.
Can I use my UAE driving licence in other GCC countries?
UAE driving licences are generally accepted in all GCC countries for short visits. For longer stays, check the specific country rules — some may require a local or international driving permit.
Which GCC country has the cheapest fuel?
Kuwait typically has the lowest fuel prices in the GCC. Oman and Saudi Arabia are also cheaper than the UAE for regular-grade petrol. However, savings per tank are modest on short trips.
Are fines from other GCC countries enforced in the UAE?
Some GCC countries share fine data. Unpaid fines in Oman or Saudi Arabia can flag your record and may cause issues at border crossings. Always clear fines before returning.