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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Can you drive in UAE with GCC licence? Eligibility and exchange rules explained
GCC nationals can drive in the UAE with their home licences as visitors but must exchange them upon gaining residency/ Representative Image TL;DR 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, the UAE government approved a major update 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. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 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. 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: UAE now allows visitors from 52 nations to drive with their home country licenses 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.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Can you drive in the UAE with GCC licence? Eligibility and exchange rules explained
TL;DR 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.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
UAE now allows visitors from 52 nations to drive with their home country licenses: See if you are eligible
License exchange in the UAE requires a valid residence visa, passing a medical exam, and submitting legal translation of documents/ representative Image TL;DR 52 nationalities can now drive in the UAE using their home licenses while visiting. Residents from those countries can exchange their license for a UAE one. No driving tests required; conditions apply based on visit or residency status. South Korea: license exchange only, not recognition for visitors. The United Arab Emirates has announced an update under its 'Markhoos' initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Interior as part of ongoing efforts to streamline public services and improve accessibility for visitors. The initiative supports the country's broader move toward digital governance and aims to simplify procedures related to driving license recognition and exchange. This update allows nationals from 52 countries to drive in the UAE using their home country's driving licenses while on a visit, and also enables them to exchange their licenses for a UAE license if they acquire residency, without the need to undergo theoretical or practical driving tests. The decision reflects the UAE's broader aim of facilitating seamless mobility for visitors, while offering reciprocal benefits for UAE citizens abroad. The initiative aligns with the UAE government's strategic objective of providing electronic and smart services across sectors. It also works both ways, not only can foreign visitors drive in the UAE with their national licenses, but UAE citizens can also use or exchange their driving licenses abroad in partner countries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Recognition and Exchange of Licenses The Ministry's framework distinguishes between two key processes: recognition and exchange, each with specific conditions and target users. Recognition This applies to non-residents or visitors in the UAE. Under the recognition policy, visitors can drive using their national driving licenses during their stay, provided they are not in the country for residency purposes, no additional tests or local license are required. Exchange This applies to residents of the UAE who hold a valid foreign driving license. They are allowed to exchange their national licenses for a UAE driving license upon meeting specific requirements, with no need for theory or road tests. This exchange is valid only after obtaining a UAE residence permit. Both recognition and exchange options apply to vehicle categories, typically motorcycles and light vehicles, which vary by nationality and are enabled through mutual agreements or memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the UAE and the respective countries. Requirements and Conditions Depending on whether an individual is visiting or residing in the UAE, different requirements apply: For Recognition (Visitors) To drive in the UAE using a national license: The visitor must not be in the UAE for residency purposes. The visitor must hold a valid national driving license. The license must cover the vehicle type, typically motorcycles and light vehicles, which vary by nationality For Exchange (Residents) To exchange a foreign license for a UAE license: The applicant must hold citizenship of a country eligible for exchange. A valid UAE residence permit is required. The applicant must have a valid and permanent national driving license. Must meet the minimum age requirement, which is 17 years or older. A medical (vision) test must be passed. Any additional legal or administrative requirements must be fulfilled. Some nationalities may need to surrender their original licenses, based on bilateral agreements. Application Process and Fees The exchange process is carried out via the digital 'MuroorKhous' platform. The fee is AED 600. Applicants must submit a legal translation of their foreign license and a copy of the original. The UAE license can be issued electronically or delivered by courier, depending on the applicant's preference. Countries Eligible for Recognition and Exchange The updated list includes 52 countries whose citizens are now permitted to either use their national licenses in the UAE during visits or exchange them for a UAE license upon acquiring residency. These include: 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. It's important to note that South Korean citizens can only exchange their driving licenses for a UAE license after becoming residents. They are not allowed to use their national license for driving in the UAE while visiting. Benefits and Broader Impact This policy update offers significant benefits for both visitors and residents: For Visitors: It eliminates the need to obtain temporary driving permits or go through local testing procedures, making travel in the UAE more accessible and convenient. For Residents: Foreign nationals relocating to the UAE from eligible countries can now obtain a UAE driving license with minimal bureaucratic friction, supporting their integration and mobility within the country. For UAE Citizens Abroad: The system is reciprocal. Emirati nationals can use their UAE driving licenses in countries with mutual recognition agreements. In nations without such arrangements, they can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is recognized under a UN convention. FAQ: Q. Can tourists drive in the UAE using their home license? Yes, if they're from one of 52 eligible countries and meet the required conditions for recognition. Q. Do I need to take a driving test to get a UAE license? No, eligible residents can exchange their national license without taking theory or practical tests. Q. What types of vehicles are covered under this rule? The categories, typically motorcycles and light vehicles, vary by nationality based on bilateral agreements. Q. How much does the license exchange cost? The service costs AED 600 and is processed through the digital MuroorKhous platform. Q. What documents are needed to exchange a license? You'll need a valid residence permit, original national license, a legal translation, and to pass a vision test. Additional requirements may apply based on your nationality.
