The UAE has rolled out a new update under its Markhoos initiative, simplifying the process for visitors and new residents to obtain a legal driving permit in the country. If you’re from one of 52 approved countries, you can now drive in the UAE using your national license while visiting, and if you move there, you can swap it for a UAE license without any driving test.
This is part of the UAE’s wider digital push to streamline public services and make life easier for travellers, residents, and even Emiratis abroad.
What the New Rules Mean
Let’s break this down. There are two main options here: recognition for travellers and exchange for residents.
1. Recognition (For Visitors)
If you’re just popping in for a holiday, recognition is your ticket. Hold a valid license from an eligible country? You’re good to go, no need for a local permit or tests. This covers motorcycles and light vehicles, though specifics vary by your nationality based on the UAE’s agreements.
- You’re not staying in the UAE as a resident.
- Your license is valid and from one of the 52 listed countries.
- The license must match the type of vehicle you intend to drive (usually motorcycles or light vehicles).
No local license—No theory test—No red tape.
Pro tip: Always carry your passport and license. I’ve seen travellers fined for forgetting this, so pack smart. It’s perfect for renting a car to zip from Dubai to the serene beaches of Fujairah.
2. Exchange (For Residents)
Got your UAE residence permit? Eligible folks can trade their home license for a UAE one without theory or road tests. You’ll need to be at least 17, pass a quick vision check, and meet other basics like submitting translations. To qualify, you’ll need:
- A valid UAE residence permit.
- A valid, permanent license from an eligible country.
- To be at least 17 years old.
- To pass a vision (medical) test.
- To complete some paperwork and, in some cases, surrender your original license.
All of this happens through the UAE’s digital MuroorKhous platform.
Application Process & Cost
Here’s how it works if you’re applying for a license exchange:
- Use the MuroorKhous digital platform.
- Pay the AED 600 service fee.
- Submit a legal translation of your foreign license and a copy of the original.
- Choose between electronic delivery or courier.
Easy, fast, and completely online.
Full List of 52 Eligible Countries for UAE Driving Privileges
The expanded list covers a mix of global spots. Citizens from these nations can use their licenses as visitors or exchange them for residency:
Europe
- Estonia
- Albania
- Portugal
- Hungary
- Greece
- Ukraine
- Bulgaria
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Serbia
- Cyprus
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Iceland
- Montenegro
- France
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Italy
- Sweden
- Ireland
- Spain
- Norway
- Romania
- the Netherlands
- Denmark
- Austria
- Finland
- United Kingdom
- Poland
- Croatia
- Republic of North Macedonia
- Republic of Kosovo
Asia
- China
- Japan
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Turkey
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Uzbekistan
- Kyrgyz Republic
Americas, Oceania, Africa & Middle East
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Australia
- South Africa
- Israel
Special note: South Korea allows exchange only for residents, no visitor driving with a home license.
This diversity reflects the UAE’s global ties. If your country’s not listed, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead.
Why This Matters
This policy does more than just cut down paperwork.
- For Tourists: No more temporary permits or car rental headaches. Drive legally with your own license.
- For Expats: Settle in quickly. Get your UAE license without the bureaucracy or testing stress.
- For Emiratis Abroad: You can use or exchange your UAE license in partner countries. Where that’s not possible, apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP).
This is about convenience, but also about mobility—making travel and expat life smoother on both sides.
FAQs: UAE Driving License Recognition and Exchange
To make this even more helpful, I’ve compiled fresh FAQs based on common traveller questions, with extra tips for clarity.
1. Can I drive in the UAE as a tourist with my home country’s license?
Yes, if you’re from one of the 52 eligible countries and your license is valid.
2. Do I need to take a driving test to get a UAE license?
No. If you’re from an eligible country and you’ve become a resident, you can exchange your license without any test.
3. How much does the license exchange cost?
It costs AED 600, processed through the MuroorKhous platform.
4. What documents do I need for the exchange?
You’ll need:
- A valid UAE residence permit
- Original national license
- A legal translation of your license
- Vision test clearance
Additional steps may apply depending on your nationality.
Q: What types of vehicles are covered?
Mainly light vehicles and motorcycles, but this depends on your nationality and any bilateral agreements.
Final Thoughts
This is a smart, traveller-friendly move by the UAE. If you’re planning a visit or moving to the Emirates, double-check if your country is on the list, keep your paperwork in order, and enjoy the road without the red tape.
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