Can you drive in the UAE with GCC licence? Eligibility and exchange rules explained
GCC nationals can drive in the UAE using their home country licence while visiting.
Once a GCC national becomes a UAE resident, they must exchange their licence.
License exchange is done via the UAE's digital MuroorKhous platform for AED 600.
Former GCC residents with non-approved nationalities must pass theory and road tests.
The UAE now recognises and allows exchange with licences from 52 approved countries
Last week,
to its 'Markhoos' initiative under the Ministry of Interior. The decision expanded the number of countries eligible for driving licence recognition and exchange, reinforcing the UAE's direction toward streamlining government services and improving mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Among those covered by these developments are nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, who already have unique arrangements with the UAE in terms of driving privileges. These arrangements, while long-standing, are now clarified and reinforced under the official license recognition and exchange framework, providing clear guidelines on what GCC nationals, expatriates, and former residents must do based on their residency status and nationality.
Driving in the UAE with a GCC-Issued Licence
Citizens of GCC countries enjoy broad flexibility when it comes to driving in the UAE. Their national licences are recognised under mutual agreements and require no further authentication during short-term visits.
If you are a GCC national visiting the UAE, you may legally drive in the country using your existing national driving licence. This applies regardless of whether you are using a private car or driving a vehicle temporarily, such as during a visit.
However, once a GCC national obtains UAE residency, they are required to apply for a UAE driving licence. This involves converting their home country's licence through the UAE's official exchange process. Continuing to drive with a GCC licence after becoming a resident is not permitted under UAE traffic laws.
Official Recognition vs. Exchange: Defined Under UAE Law
The UAE distinguishes between two licensing procedures: recognition and exchange. Each has specific requirements and is tied to the individual's residency status and the nature of their visit.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Recognition (for visitors)
Recognition applies to individuals entering the UAE on a visit or tourist visa. It allows them to drive using their valid national licence without needing to apply for a UAE licence, provided the UAE has a reciprocal recognition agreement in place with the issuing country.
Key conditions for recognition:
The driver must not hold UAE residency.
The driver must possess a valid national driving licence.
The licence must cover the appropriate vehicle category (light vehicle, motorcycle, etc.).
Recognition is limited to the duration of the visit or temporary stay.
This applies to both citizens and expatriates residing in GCC countries who are visiting the UAE temporarily.
Exchange (for residents)
Once an individual becomes a UAE resident, they are no longer permitted to drive using their foreign or GCC-issued licence. Instead, they must exchange their existing valid national licence for a UAE licence through the official channels.
Eligibility and conditions for licence exchange:
The applicant must be a citizen of a country approved for licence exchange.
A valid UAE residence permit is required.
The national licence must be full and permanent (not temporary or probationary).
The applicant must be at least 17 years old.
A vision (medical) test must be completed.
Legal and administrative requirements under UAE law must be fulfilled.
In some cases, the original foreign licence may need to be surrendered if required under the bilateral agreement.
Former GCC Residents: Specific Testing Requirements
A common situation arises with individuals who previously lived in a GCC country and obtained a driving licence there but are no longer GCC residents.
Under UAE rules, holding a licence from a GCC country does not automatically qualify for exchange unless the applicant's nationality is also from a recognised country.
This means that an expatriate from a non-recognised country (not included in the UAE's 52 approved nations or the GCC) who previously held a GCC licence must undergo testing before receiving a UAE driving licence.
These applicants must:
Pass the knowledge (theory) test.
Pass the road test.
Driving classes are not mandatory in such cases, which helps reduce costs.
The applicant can go directly to testing after opening a traffic file.
Estimated cost range: AED 2,000 to AED 2,500, which may vary slightly by emirate or driving school. This includes:
Opening a traffic file
Taking the knowledge test
Taking the road test
This regulation ensures that driving competence is assessed while recognising previous driving history, even if the applicant is no longer a GCC resident or citizen.
Application Process and Fees
All eligible applicants, including GCC nationals, residents from the 52 approved countries, and others qualifying under bilateral agreements, must complete the exchange process through the UAE's dedicated digital platform.
Steps to exchange a licence:
Apply through the MuroorKhous online platform.
Submit:
A copy of the original foreign driving licence.
A legal translation of the licence (if not in Arabic or English).
Undergo a vision test at an authorised centre.
Pay the AED 600 fee for processing and issuance.
Choose between receiving the licence electronically or by courier.
The new UAE driving licence is issued without the need for further theory or road testing if the applicant meets all conditions under the exchange agreement.
Also read:
Countries Eligible for Recognition and Exchange
The updated list under the Markhoos initiative now includes 52 countries including the GCC countries. Citizens of these countries may either drive during their visit using their national licences or exchange them upon obtaining UAE residency:
Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Iceland, Montenegro, Israel, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, the United States of America, France, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Poland, South Africa, Australia, Croatia, Texas, the Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of Kosovo, the Kyrgyz Republic.
Important Note:
Citizens of South Korea are allowed to exchange their licence after obtaining UAE residency, but they cannot use their national licence during a visit for driving purposes.
FAQs:
Q. Can I drive in the UAE with my GCC licence as a visitor?
Yes, GCC citizens can drive in the UAE with their national licence while on a visit.
Q. Do I need to exchange my GCC licence if I become a UAE resident?
Yes, once you obtain residency, you must exchange your GCC licence for a UAE one.
Q. What if I used to live in a GCC country but no longer do?
If your nationality isn't from an approved country, you'll need to pass theory and road tests.
Q. How much does it cost to exchange a foreign licence in the UAE?
The fee is AED 600 through the MuroorKhous platform.
Q. Which countries are eligible for direct exchange?
GCC countries and 52 others; full list available in the article and on the Ministry of Interior website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Kuwait: Going abroad? You might need a physical Kuwaiti driving license, here's what to do next
Kuwait reinstates physical driving licenses for expats, easing travel abroad/ Representative Image TL;DR Expats in Kuwait can now reissue a physical driving license for KD 10 ($32.80 USD). The decision follows a 2025 policy change effective April 13. Physical licenses are essential for driving or renting cars overseas. If you're an expat in Kuwait and planning to travel abroad, you've likely run into a frustrating roadblock: the digital Kuwaiti driving license isn't always accepted outside the country. Whether you're trying to rent a car or just need valid ID while traveling, that digital copy on your phone may not cut it. But as of April 2025, things have changed. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has reinstated the option for expats to get a printed, physical driving license. This decision comes after more than a year of restrictions that made digital-only licenses the norm. Now, with a simple process and a KD 10 fee ($32.80 USD), expats can once again carry a physical license, something that's actually recognized in most countries. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide on how to get yours. Why Did Kuwait Stop Printing Licenses in the First Place? In late 2023, Kuwait's General Traffic Department moved all types of driving licenses, including learner permits, fare services, instructor cards, and personal licenses, to a digital-only system. These were available via the MOI (Ministry of Interior) and Kuwait Mobile ID apps. The move was meant to streamline government services and cut down on paperwork. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo But the change had one major downside: digital licenses weren't widely recognized outside Kuwait. Many expats found themselves unable to rent vehicles or drive abroad, even with a valid digital license. The New Rule: What Changed in April 2025? In April 2025, following a ministerial decision by the Ministry of Interior, the government reinstated the option for expatriates to obtain a printed copy of their driving license. This change was officially published in the Kuwait Al Youm gazette, and it took effect immediately. Now, for a KD 10 printing fee, you can request a physical license again. Note: The digital license is still fully valid for use inside Kuwait. The physical license is optional and mainly useful if you're traveling abroad. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Physical License 1. Go to the Right Traffic Department Visit the traffic department (muroor) of the same governorate where your license was originally issued. It might not be the one near your home. Be prepared for different waiting times based on whether you're applying as an individual, expat, or on behalf of a company. 2. Request and Fill Out the Application Head to the typing section and ask for a reissuance form. The typing service usually costs KD 1. You'll need to bring: A copy of your Civil ID A copy of your digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app) Your old physical license (if you still have it) 3. Submit the Form and Pay the Fee Hand over the filled form at the designated counter. After it's checked and stamped: Pay the KD 10($32.80 USD) reissuance fee If your old physical license is missing, expect to pay an extra KD 10($32.80 USD) 4. Print and Collect Once everything's approved and paid, go to the printing counter. Hand over your documents and wait for your name to be called. Your new physical license will be printed and issued the same day, depending on how busy the center is. Why You Might Still Need a Physical License A digital driving license works well inside Kuwait. It's accepted by traffic police, government offices, and for most identification needs. But outside Kuwait, it can be a different story. Many countries still expect a physical driver's license when you rent a car or deal with local authorities. Some car rental agencies and traffic officials may not recognize digital-only licenses, especially if they aren't familiar with Kuwait's digital system. A printed license helps avoid these issues. It also makes it easier to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which usually requires a valid physical license as part of the application. In short, if you're planning to drive abroad, it's safer to carry a physical license along with your IDP, just to be sure. FAQ 1. Is it mandatory to get a physical license? No. If you only drive inside Kuwait, the digital license is still valid. But if you're traveling, it's safer to have a physical copy. 2. How long does it take to get the physical license printed? Usually same-day, if your documents are in order and there's not a large queue. But delays can happen during peak hours. 3. What if I lost my old physical license? You can still get a new one, but you'll likely need to pay an extra KD 10. Bring all available documents to support your request.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Unmissable Retail Magic: The Grand Dubai Summer Sale is Here!
Dubai's iconic summer shopping celebration has just gotten grander. As part of the 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the Grand Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS) returns in full swing from July 18 to August 10, bringing citywide offers, unmatched discounts, and thrilling prizes to elevate your shopping experience like never before. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), GDSS is one of the biggest highlights of DSS 2025, offering unbeatable value, family-friendly entertainment, and life-changing rewards across the city's shopping and lifestyle destinations. GDSS is a three-week mega sale event featuring up to 90% off on fashion, electronics, homeware, beauty, luxury items, and more across over 3,000 stores and 800 leading brands. The sale kicks off with a bang on July 18 with the GDSS 12-Hour Sale, a one-day retail extravaganza held at five Majid Al Futtaim malls including Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif, running from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Shoppers can enjoy exclusive flash discounts, limited-time offers, and instant win opportunities across participating outlets. This year's GDSS isn't just about shopping; it's an immersive experience packed with flash sales, exclusive giveaways, cashback offers, and major prizes that transform every shopping trip into an exciting adventure. Here's why GDSS stands out this summer: · Daily Surprises & Flash Sales: Score deals of the day on selected brands, with discounts going up to 90% for limited hours. · Cashback & Rewards: Earn up to 20% cashback and 1 million SHARE points at participating malls. · Shop, Scan & Win: Spend AED 300 or more and scan the in-store QR code to enter a draw to win AED 1 million in cash or an all-new Nissan Patrol. · Skywards Everyday Offers: Members earn 25% bonus Skywards Miles on eligible transactions and a chance to win a share of 1 million Miles. · Visa Card Exclusives: New users of the Skywards Everyday and Skywards Miles Mall apps can earn bonus miles and up to 4X rewards on Visa transactions. Extraordinary Prizes Across the City Beyond the big-ticket cash and car prizes, GDSS brings a slew of exciting giveaways: · Dubai Festival City Mall: Shoppers spending AED 300 or more can enter to win the futuristic Polestar 4 LRSM electric SUV. · Dubai Outlet Mall: Every AED 200 spent puts shoppers in the running to win a SOUEAST SO6 car. · Mercato & Town Centre Jumeirahl: Weekly winners can take home AED 10,000 in cash, while the grand prize is the Jetour T1 SUV. · Rivoli's Beat the Clock Sale (July 25–27): Enjoy big discounts on luxury watches from brands like Longines, Gucci, and Dior, with a chance to win AED 60,000 in gift vouchers. · Gold & Jewellery Flash Sale (July 25–27): Save up to 75% off dazzling collections from Dubai's leading jewellers. More Than Just Shopping GDSS is about creating memories, t oo. From family-favourite attractions featuring beloved characters like Modesh and Dana, to new experiences like the debut of Gahwa Beats, DSS has curated a summer full of entertainment, culture, and culinary discoveries. Don't miss the 10 Dirham Dish promotion and make time for must-see events like The Messi Experience, Arabic Nostalgic Hits 360°, Globally Local by Mohamed Helmy, and Spacetoon Memories. Music and comedy lovers can also catch stellar performances including Natalie Imbruglia live at Dubai Opera, Legacy of the Khans with Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Macy Gray live at Coca-Cola Arena, and the hilarious Atul Khatri live. Dine, Stay, and Save More This Summer GDSS goes beyond shopping, Dubai's hotels and dining scene are turning up the heat with limited-time offers: · DSS ENTERTAINER: Unlock over 7,500 buy-one-get-one-free offers on hotels, restaurants, spas, gyms, and attractions for just AED 195, valid for three months from activation. The perfect way to enjoy more for less this summer. · Dining Deals: Experience gourmet dining at special prices at some of Dubai's most coveted spots: o CLAP – From AED 225 o Equestrian Lounge – From AED 200 o Chic Nonna – From AED 140 o Ruya – From AED 130 o LDC Kitchen – From AED 78 o RARE Brasserie – From AED 95 o L'Amo Bistro Del Mare – From AED 135 o The Artisan – From AED 135 Enjoy summer packages acros s 100+ hotels and 15+ attractions with a host of exclusive offers designed to elevate your stay. From special resident rates and complimentary upgrades to surprise perks and family-friendly bundles, Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, tech buff, or family looking for fun and value, GDSS is the ultimate celebration of summer shopping. So, grab your shopping bags, download your reward apps, and get ready to explore a city transformed into a shopper's paradise. For more information, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
From Hyderabad to Dubai: The Coupon Platform Helping Indians Save Across Borders
In today's digital age, the idea of borders is becoming increasingly irrelevant — especially when it comes to shopping. What was once considered a challenge, buying from international retailers or accessing cross-border deals, is now a regular experience for savvy Indian consumers. And leading this global savings movement is a platform that started just a few years ago: GC Coupons. Founded in 2020, GC Coupons has grown from a niche website into one of the most trusted and widely used coupon platforms across the GCC region (Gulf Cooperation Council). But what makes this story particularly special for Indian readers is that it's not just changing the way people shop in Dubai or Riyadh — it's helping millions of Indian shoppers, from Hyderabad to Kochi to Mumbai, save big on their favorite brands abroad. The Rise of Cross-Border Shopping Online shopping behavior has shifted dramatically in India in the last five years. With better payment gateways, currency converters, and international shipping options, Indians are no longer restricted to domestic marketplaces like Flipkart or Amazon India. From fashion on Noon to educational tools like Novakid, or lifestyle memberships through The Entertainer, international brands are just a click away. But as the accessibility grew, so did the need for smart savings. While these platforms often offer discounts to locals in their region, most Indian users were unaware of how to access them — until GC Coupons entered the picture. What Is GC Coupons — And Why Is Everyone Talking About It? GC Coupons began with a simple mission: to make premium global shopping more affordable for customers across the Middle East and beyond. Over the last five years, the platform has become the leading coupon destination for users in the GCC region, now expanding its reach to international users, including Indians who regularly shop on global sites. With over 5 million shoppers served, GC Coupons offers verified and frequently updated discount codes across top retailers in fashion, electronics, travel, education, and lifestyle. In the words of its founder, Yash Bhojwani, 'We work directly with brands to bring exclusive offers for our users. In a short span, we have helped over 5 million shoppers save money on their favourite brands.' That collaborative approach has helped the platform build trust with both users and global merchants — a rare win-win in the world of affiliate marketing and e-commerce. Why Indian Shoppers Are Turning to GC Coupons Here are a few compelling reasons why Indian users — including expats, frequent travelers, and global shoppers — are now making GC Coupons part of their regular shopping routine: 1. Access to Regional Brands at Better Prices Platforms like Noon offer incredible product selections in electronics, home décor, and fashion — but their best deals are often geo-locked or hidden behind seasonal campaigns. GC Coupons regularly lists verified Noon promo codes that allow Indian users to unlock region-specific discounts without having to reside in the Middle East. 2. Educational Platforms for the Global Indian Family The rise of digital learning during the pandemic made platforms like Novakid hugely popular. Parents looking for internationally styled English programs for their kids found Novakid to be a valuable resource. But courses on global edtech platforms can be pricey. GC Coupons solves this by offering special Novakid discount codes that lower the barrier to entry for Indian families seeking quality education. 3. Premium Lifestyle Access via The Entertainer Indians traveling to the Middle East, especially Dubai, often explore lifestyle and entertainment memberships like The Entertainer — known for its buy-one-get-one deals on fine dining, fitness, spas, and attractions. But many are unaware that GC Coupons offers exclusive discounts on The Entertainer memberships. Using this The Entertainer Promo Code, Indian users can now plan better holidays or even gift valuable experiences to friends or family living abroad. 4. Seamless Shopping from India Many Indian users assume they need to be in the UAE or Saudi Arabia to use GCC-based platforms. Not true. GC Coupons supports mobile-first usability, geo-independent access, and regularly updates coupon codes that work globally. Whether you're ordering a gift for a friend in Dubai or subscribing to a global service from Hyderabad, GC Coupons brings those deals to your screen, no matter where you are. Built for the Cross-Border Generation The platform's success is not just about offering coupons — it's about building a frictionless, trustworthy experience for shoppers across borders. GC Coupons stands out because: ✅ It verifies and updates deals daily, avoiding expired or misleading codes. ✅ It offers exclusive brand partnerships that no other Indian coupon site can access. ✅ It provides a mobile app, which has already crossed 50,000 downloads on Android and iOS, featuring a clean UI/UX and easy browsing of categories like fashion, electronics, travel, and education. ✅ It supports both English and Arabic languages, expanding accessibility across the region. To explore these deals and experience the ease of saving, check out the GC Coupons homepage today. GC Coupons: A Made-for-MENA Success Story Launched in 2020, GC Coupons has quickly become a household name across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In less than five years, it has grown from a startup idea into a platform that partners with over 300+ retailers, including: Noon Mumzworld GeeksForGeeks Huawei Tavola Namshi Max Fashion FirstCry VPerfumes And many more... But more importantly, the platform now serves a global audience, including a rapidly growing user base in India. Whether it's NRI shoppers, international students, cross-border freelancers, or just savvy Indian consumers looking for better deals, GC Coupons is proving to be an essential companion in the modern shopping journey. What Lies Ahead? GC Coupons shows no signs of slowing down. With expansion plans into more Indian-centric categories, improved AI-based personalization for deal recommendations, and more exclusive partnerships with top-tier global brands, the platform is expected to become the bridge between Indian shoppers and global merchants. As India continues to emerge as a top consumer economy and cross-border digital behavior becomes the norm, platforms like GC Coupons are no longer just 'helpful' — they're becoming a necessity for anyone looking to shop smarter. Final Thoughts Whether you're a parent investing in international education tools, a tech lover shopping on Noon, or a travel enthusiast looking to unlock BOGO deals in Dubai — GC Coupons is your cross-border savings passport. Its ability to democratize access to global deals, especially for the Indian audience, is not just innovative — it's empowering. So next time you're shopping from Dubai, Riyadh, or even right here in Hyderabad, don't forget to check GC Coupons first. You might just save more than you expect.
