UAE Now Allows Visitors from 52 Countries to Drive with Their Home Licenses—Check Eligibility and Rules

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a significant policy shift that permits people of 52 nations to drive within the country using their national driver's license. The update facilitates digital governance, streamlines bureaucracy, and encourages international movement as part of the Ministry of Interior's Markhoos strategy.

Visitors Can Now Drive Without Needing to Take Any More Tests

The new rule allows tourists from qualifying countries to drive motorbikes or light cars in the UAE while they are there using their national driver's licenses, without having to apply for a temporary UAE license or undergo local driving exams.

In addition, foreign citizens who have a valid licence from one of the 52 countries can exchange it for a UAE driving licence if they have a valid residence permit and meet the required legal and medical requirements. Neither a road test nor a theory is necessary.

How Does Exchange Differ from Recognition?

Two choices are provided by the policy according to immigration status:

Appreciation (for Guests)

• During your visit, drive in the UAE with the licence from your native country.
• You can't live in the United Arab Emirates.
• The licence needs to match the type of vehicle (motorcycles, light cars, etc.) and be current.
• Only residents may use South Korean licenses; visitors are not permitted.

Trade (for residents)

• Residents of other countries are able to trade in their national licenses for UAE ones.
• Among the requirements are:
• Currently valid UAE residency permit
• A national driver's license that is valid and permanent
• Making it through an eyesight test
• Translation of papers for legal purposes
• Age requirement: 17 years old
• 600 AED is the exchange charge.
• For qualifying nationalities, no driving test is required.

How to Apply

• Use the MuroorKhous portal to apply digitally.
• Send in your medical test findings, a certified legal translation, and your original license.
• Electronic or courier delivery are two options for licenses.

List of Countries That Qualify

USA, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, China, Singapore, Turkey, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Israel, Hungary, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Albania, Ukraine, Serbia, Cyprus, Malta, Luxembourg, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Hong Kong, Belgium, and Texas (USA) are among the 52 countries.

Note: South Korean nationals are not permitted to drive with their national license while visiting; they must be residents in order to swap licenses.

Why This Is Important

This action is a big step in the right direction to let foreign nationals in the UAE relocate and travel more easily. Major logistical obstacles are eliminated, particularly for expats, and the UAE's reputation as a connected, global, and digitally first destination is strengthened.

FAQs

Q. Can a visitor with a home licence drive in the United Arab Emirates?

Absolutely, provided that you meet the requirements for recognition and are from one of the 52 qualifying nations.

Is a driving test required for residents to obtain a UAE licence?

If they come from a qualifying nation, then no. Their current licence is all that needs to be exchanged.

Q. How much is the licence exchange fee?

Through the MuroorKhous platform, the cost is AED 600.

Q. What vehicles are covered under this policy?

Generally motorcycles and light vehicles, subject to agreements between countries.

Q. What documents are required?

A valid residence visa, national license, vision test results, and legal translation of your license.