UAE Welcomes Visitors From 52 Nations To Drive With Home Country Licences.
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a progressive update to its driving regulations, allowing visitors from 52 countries to use their home country driving licences while travelling in the Emirates. This development, announced by the UAE Ministry of Interior under the Markhoos initiative, aims to enhance tourism and streamline mobility for international visitors, effective immediately.
Under the new policy, tourists from nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and much of Europe can drive in the UAE without needing an international driving permit or undergoing local driving tests. The initiative also permits residents from these countries to exchange their home licences for a UAE one without additional testing, provided they hold a valid residency visa and meet basic requirements, such as passing a medical examination and submitting legal translations of documents. This move simplifies the process for expatriates settling in the UAE, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles.
The list of eligible countries spans Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Japan, Singapore, and South Africa, among others, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and easing travel restrictions. South Korean nationals, however, are limited to licence exchanges for residents only. The policy supports the UAE’s Vision 2030, which seeks to bolster tourism and diversify the economy by attracting global visitors and talent. Dubai’s thriving tourism sector, which welcomed 2.46 million Indian visitors alone in 2023, is expected to benefit significantly from this change, despite India not being included in the list of 52 nations.
For visitors, the conditions are straightforward: the foreign driving licence must be valid, and the individual must be in the UAE on a non-residency basis. Residents seeking to exchange their licences can do so through the Ministry’s smart services platform, with options for electronic delivery or courier. The initiative also extends reciprocal benefits, allowing UAE citizens to drive abroad in these countries using their national licences.
This policy has been hailed as a forward-thinking step to enhance the UAE’s appeal as a global hub. By removing barriers to driving, the Emirates is poised to offer a more seamless experience for tourists and new residents alike, further cementing its reputation as a welcoming destination for travellers worldwide.
