Dubai residents love the freedom of weekend drives on Sheikh Zayed Road — smooth highways, scenic routes, and the thrill of being in control. 

Now, imagine that same freedom while driving through Georgia’s winding mountain passes, lush valleys, or along the Black Sea coast. 

A road trip in Georgia gives you the chance to explore hidden villages, stop at roadside cafés, and travel at your own pace instead of sticking to tour schedules.

Of course, many UAE residents hesitate when it comes to driving in a new country. 

Questions naturally come up

Is my license valid? 

What are the traffic rules like? 

Is renting a car affordable and safe? 

These doubts often make travelers stick to guided tours instead of exploring on their own.

This guide will answer all of those questions clearly. 

From car rental options to license requirements and safety tips, you’ll find everything you need to decide whether driving in Georgia is the right choice for you.

Why Dubai Residents Prefer Self-Drive Trips in Georgia

One of the biggest reasons Dubai residents enjoy driving in Georgia is the freedom it gives. 

Instead of following a fixed tour schedule, you can decide where to stop, how long to stay, and which hidden spots to explore. 

Families especially love this flexibility — kids can take breaks when needed, and couples can enjoy romantic detours into Georgia’s wine country or mountain villages.

A guided tour is convenient, but it often feels rushed and limited to popular spots. 

With a self-drive plan, you can go beyond Tbilisi, discovering places like Kazbegi’s snowy peaks, Kakheti’s vineyards, or Batumi’s coastal charm — all at your own pace.

In fact, a travel study showed that 40% of UAE travelers to Georgia in 2024 chose self-drive options for their trips, highlighting how popular this style of travel has become. 

The independence, flexibility, and unique experiences make it a clear winner for those who want more than just standard sightseeing.

Car Rentals in Georgia: What Dubai Residents Need to Know

If you’re considering a self-drive trip, the good news is that car rentals in Georgia are widely available and straightforward. 

You’ll find rental companies right at Tbilisi Airport, Batumi, and Kutaisi, making it easy to pick up your vehicle as soon as you land.

Types of Cars: Options range from budget-friendly economy cars to SUVs, which are especially popular with Dubai expats heading into the mountains. For those looking for extra comfort, luxury cars are also available.

Documents Needed: You’ll need your passport, a valid UAE driving license, and in some cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP). Many rental companies accept UAE licenses directly, but it’s always safer to carry an IDP.

Costs: Expect daily rentals to start from around AED 100–150 for economy cars and go up to AED 300–500 for SUVs or luxury models.

Hidden Charges: Always check the fine print for insurance coverage, fuel policies, and mileage limits. Many companies also charge extra for one-way rentals or cross-border travel.

💡 Pro Tip: Book your rental as part of a package deal with flights or hotels. This often works out cheaper and saves you the hassle of dealing with separate vendors.

Road Rules & Driving Conditions in Georgia

For UAE residents, driving in Georgia feels both familiar and slightly different. Cars are left-hand drive, the same as in Dubai, so adapting is easy. 

Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in cities, 80–90 km/h on highways, and 110 km/h on expressways

Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and Georgia enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drink-driving.

Road conditions vary. 

In cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, roads are well-maintained, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. 

Highways between major cities are smooth, but mountain roads toward Kazbegi or Tusheti can be narrow and winding, requiring careful driving.

Fuel stations are easy to find in big cities and along highways, with prices generally cheaper than in the UAE, making road trips cost-effective. 

Parking is usually available in most towns and is often metered in central areas.

Safety tips: Always drive cautiously on mountain roads, especially in winter when snow and ice are common. Night driving outside cities isn’t recommended due to limited street lighting and sharp turns in rural areas.

By understanding these simple rules and conditions, UAE residents can enjoy a safe and stress-free self-drive adventure in Georgia.

Scenic Routes Dubai Travelers Shouldn’t Miss

Georgia is one of those countries where the journey is just as memorable as the destination. 

For Dubai travelers planning a road trip, these scenic routes are a must:

1. Tbilisi → Kazbegi (Georgian Military Highway)

  • Driving Time: ~3 hours

  • Why Go: Breathtaking mountain views, the famous Gergeti Trinity Church, and waterfalls along the way. Perfect for families and adventurers.

2. Tbilisi → Kakheti (Wine Region Road Trip)

  • Driving Time: ~2 hours

  • Why Go: Rolling vineyards, wine-tasting tours, and charming countryside towns like Sighnaghi. Ideal for couples or groups of friends.

3. Batumi Coastal Drive

  • Driving Time: Flexible (1–2 hours depending on stops)

  • Why Go: Endless Black Sea views, seaside villages, and fresh seafood stops. Great for a relaxing family day.

4. Kutaisi → Martvili Canyon

  • Driving Time: ~1.5 hours

  • Why Go: Caves, rivers, and canyons that feel like nature’s playground. A must for families with kids or adventure seekers.

💡 Pro Tip: Many Dubai travelers extend their stays to combine city and countryside drives, experiencing both Georgia’s urban energy and natural beauty in a single trip.

Costs of Self-Drive vs. Guided Packages

When planning your Georgia trip, one big decision is whether to go self-drive or book a guided package

Here’s a quick comparison for Dubai residents:

Georgia self driving

Savings: A family of four often finds self-drive cheaper overall, while couples or solo travelers may prefer guided tours for simplicity.

Flexibility: With a rental car, you set the pace, stop for photos, or add last-minute detours. Guided tours, however, ensure everything is handled, from entry tickets to local insights.

Our position: Both are great options. That’s why we offer car rental packages and guided tours, so you can pick what suits your travel style best.

Packages That Include Car Rentals & Transfers

To make things stress-free, we’ve created curated packages designed for Dubai residents who love both freedom and convenience:

Weekend Escape with Rental Car (2 Days)

  • Tbilisi + nearby day trip options

  • Economy car, hotel stay, airport transfers

Wine Country Drive (3–4 Days Kakheti)

  • Self-drive through vineyards & Sighnaghi

  • Car with GPS, wine tour entry, cozy guesthouse stays

Adventure Route with SUV (Kazbegi + Gudauri)

  • Perfect for mountain lovers

  • SUV rental, 24/7 support, local driving tips, pre-booked hotels

All packages come with pre-arranged rentals, local assistance, GPS navigation, and a 24/7 helpline, so you don’t waste time figuring out logistics.

Dubai residents especially love these packages because they combine zero-hassle planning with maximum freedom to explore Georgia at their own pace.

Plan Your Georgia Self-Drive Adventure

Download Our Free Georgia Road Trip Planner – Includes Routes, Costs & Driving Tips for Dubai Residents.

With this planner, you’ll know exactly what to expect before you hit the road: the best scenic routes, rental costs, driving rules, and insider tips tailored for UAE travelers.

Your Road to Georgia Memories Starts Here

Driving in Georgia as a Dubai resident is not only safe but also affordable and deeply rewarding

With clear road rules, easy car rentals, and stunning routes from mountains to coastlines, you’re free to explore at your own pace.

Whether it’s a short weekend escape or a week-long adventure, self-drive gives you the chance to make stops where tours can’t and create unforgettable memories with family or friends.

Speak to Our Georgia Travel Expert Today.