The laws in United Arab Emirates say the following:
If you are on a visit to UAE and holding a valid international driving license, accordingly you can rent a car or drive a car registered to your name or one of your 1st degree relatives. For more information, please visit UAE automobile and touring club website.
Source: Government of Dubai - Roads and Transport Authority
It means that:
Based on the information provided, holders of an Australian driving license can drive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if they have a valid international driving license, as per the Roads and Transport Authority of the Government of Dubai. The Australian driving license complies with annex 6 of the International Road Traffic Convention of 1968 and annex 9 of the Geneva Road Traffic Convention of 1949, which suggests that it is recognized internationally.
However, the Australian driving license is not the same as an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a separate document that serves as a translation of a national driving license. The IDP is recognized internationally and is often required alongside the national driving license when driving in a foreign country.
Given that the UAE authorities specifically mention the need for a valid international driving license, it implies that an Australian driving license alone may not be sufficient for driving in the UAE. Therefore, an International Driving Permit would be mandatory in addition to the Australian driving license when driving in the UAE. This conclusion is drawn from the requirement stated by the UAE's Roads and Transport Authority and the distinction made between a national driving license and an IDP.