Only if they're added to the rental agreement as an additional driver — including spouses. Each extra driver must show their own licence (and IDP if required) at the desk and usually pays a small daily fee. If an unlisted person drives and there's an accident, the insurance is void and the full cost falls on you.
How to add a driver
The clean way is at the desk during pickup: the extra driver comes along, shows their documents, and is written onto the agreement. Decide mid-trip that you want help behind the wheel? Drivers can usually be added later at a branch — just don't hand over the keys before it's done.
What each additional driver needs
- Their own driving licence, plus an IDP if their licence requires one.
- They must meet the same age and licence-history rules as the main driver — a 22-year-old spouse faces the same young-driver conditions.
- A small daily fee usually applies per added driver, shown in the rental conditions or quoted at the desk.
The risk that isn't worth it
Letting an unlisted person drive — even briefly, even a spouse — voids the CDW and all cover. After an accident, the rental company can hold you liable for the full damage, not just the excess. Against that, the additional-driver fee is trivially cheap.
Sharing the wheel on a long trip?
For Abu Dhabi runs or east-coast drives, a second named driver is cheap insurance against fatigue. Add them at pickup, split the driving, and enjoy the trip. Compare rental cars in Dubai and check driver rules per rate in car rental help.