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.

The Ministry’s framework distinguishes between two key processes: recognition and exchange, each with specific conditions and target users. 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.

Depending on whether an individual is visiting or residing in the UAE, different requirements apply:

To drive in the UAE using a national license:

The license must cover the vehicle type, typically motorcycles and light vehicles, which vary by nationality To exchange a foreign license for a UAE license:

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.

This policy update offers significant benefits for both visitors and residents:

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.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.