Dubai is experiencing a remarkable rise in the number of women securing driving licences, a shift that mirrors changing social dynamics and greater independence for women across the UAE.
Official data reveals that in 2024 alone, Dubai issued 105,568 driving licences to women—an overwhelming majority compared to just 6,903 granted to men. Nationwide, the Ministry of Interior recorded a total of 383,086 new licences issued last year, with 161,704 going to women and 221,382 to men.
Abu Dhabi followed the national trend with 147,334 new licences, where 26,971 were issued to female drivers. Sharjah also saw a similar pattern: of 65,195 licences granted, 15,653 were for women.
Experts believe this shift signals more than just numbers. According to RoadSafetyUAE, female drivers consistently show safer driving behaviour. The data suggests that women are more likely to follow traffic laws, stay calm behind the wheel, and use mobile phones less frequently while driving.
While men still dominate in terms of total licence numbers and presence on the road, women are setting new standards in road safety and responsible driving—gradually reshaping the UAE’s driving culture.