UAE Driving License Conversion The Full List of 52 Eligible Countries

Are you planning to relocate to the United Arab Emirates, or are you just taking a vacation there? The secret to smooth transportation is knowing the local driving laws. We have fantastic news! The United Arab Emirates has greatly extended its “Markhoos” program, providing nationals of 52 nations with exceptional driving privileges. This implies that if you are from one of these countries, you can now drive while visiting the UAE with your license from your home country. Better yet, citizens of these countries can now get a UAE driver’s license directly from the exchange—no theory or driving exam is needed!

This modern update, backed by the Ministry of Interior (UAE), is part of the UAE’s continuous aim to streamline public services and provide digital accessibility at all levels, which is positive for visitors and long-term residents. “Markhoos”, originally to reduce administrative processes, clears the process of recognizing and exchanging foreign driver’s licenses.

Recognition and Exchange of Licenses Understanding the Framework

The Ministry of Interior has developed a framework with a clear distinction between two main processes – license recognition and license exchange. They are different processes with different intentions and requirements for visitors, as well as residents in any Emirate. This safeguards that any nationality statuses can be addressed.

1. Recognition (For Visitors) Drive with Ease

“Recognition” is the key to hassle-free driving, whether you’re travelling to the United Arab Emirates for a short vacation or visit. Holding a valid driver’s license from an eligible country means you’re ready to drive! There’s no need for a local permit or additional tests. This covers motorcycles and light vehicles, though specific details might vary based on the nationality and the bilateral agreements the UAE has in place.

Key Conditions for Visitors

• You are not staying in the UAE as a resident.
• Your license is valid and issued by one of the 52 listed countries.
• The license must match the type of vehicle you intend to drive (typically motorcycles or light vehicles).

Pro Tip

Always carry your passport and your valid home-country driver’s license. I’ve seen travellers fined for forgetting this, so pack smart. This privilege is perfect for renting a car to explore from Dubai to the serene beaches of Fujairah.

2. Exchange (For Residents) Seamless UAE License Acquisition

If you have acquired the UAE residence permit, eligible applicants from 52 countries can easily swap their home license for a UAE license. This means no theory or driving tests! You will only need to be 17 years of age, pass a simple vision test, and satisfy other minor requirements, such as providing legal translations.

To Qualify for Direct Exchange, 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 finish a few necessary documents and, in certain situations, give up your original licence by memorandum of understanding.

Process

All of this convenient exchange happens digitally through the UAE’s dedicated MuroorKhous platform, a testament to the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to digital accessibility.

Six Essential Conditions for License Exchange in the United Arab Emirates

The Ministry of Interior has clearly outlined six crucial conditions that must be satisfied for exchanging a foreign driving license for a UAE license

• The license must be issued by a country eligible for exchange.
• The applicant must meet the legal age requirement for driving a vehicle.
• The license must be valid (not expired or temporary).
• The applicant must hold a residency visa issued by the relevant Emirate or have a verified residential, work, or study address in that Emirate.
• The applicant must pass an eye test.
• For some countries, the original license must be surrendered based on memoranda of understanding.

Streamlined Application Process & Cost via MuroorKhous

The process to apply for a license exchange for residents is designed for utmost efficiency. Here’s how it works

• Platform: MuroorKhous is the website. This is a digital initiative by the Ministry of Interior (UAE) that aims to make the entire process very simple.
• Fee: You will have to pay the regular service fee, which is AED 600.
• Documentation: You must submit either a legal translation of your foreign licence into English or Arabic (if it is not issued in English or Arabic), along with a clear copy of the original document.
• Delivery: You have the option to choose between electronic delivery or courier delivery for your new UAE driving licence. It is simple, fast, and completely online with little to no red tape.

The Full List of 52 Eligible Countries for Driving Privileges in UAE

The revised list comprises 52 countries, whose citizens can now use their country driving licenses in the Republic of the United Arab Emirates, during their stay, or exchange their country driving license for a UAE license once they get residency. This is a significant step towards global mobility and convenience for Arabs and expats alike. 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.

Important Note

It’s essential to note that South Korean citizenship holders can only exchange their driving licenses for a UAE license after becoming residents. During their tour, they are not permitted to drive in the United Arab Emirates using their national permission.

Benefits and Broader Impact on Mobility in the United Arab Emirates

The expansion of the “Markhoos” initiative brings substantial benefits for various groups across the United Arab Emirates

• For Visitors: By removing obstacles like the need for temporary permits, this policy facilitates travel and encourages more vacationers to visit the Emirates.
• For Residents: Especially for new expats, it eliminates the stress of retesting and significantly speeds up the process of integration and mobility. This means less bureaucracy and more freedom to live and work effectively.

Reverse Reciprocity

The system also works in reverse! UAE citizens can drive in partner countries or exchange their UAE licenses where bilateral recognition exists. In other regions, they can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in line with UN agreements, further enhancing global connectivity for the citizens of the United Arab Emirates.

Royal Eagle Tourism, the best choice for all of your transportation needs across the United Arab Emirates. If you are looking for a simple airport transfer, an executive limousine, or a car rental before venturing out to explore every Emirate, you have come to the right place. Simply visit our Limousine and Dubai Transfer pages to book your perfect transfer.

FAQs