TL; Dr.
- GCC National can drive in UAE using its home license.
- Once GCC National becomes a UAE resident, they have to exchange their licenses.
- The license exchange is made through the digital murokhous platform of UAE for AED 600.
- Former GCC residents with unknown nationalities have to pass theory and road tests.
- UAE now recognizes and allows exchange with licenses from 52 approved countries
Last week, the UAE government approved a major update for its “Marco” initiative under the Internal Ministry. The decision expanded the number of eligible countries for license recognition and exchange, which strengthens the direction of the United Arab Emirates towards streamlining government services and improving mobility for residents and visitors. Those covered by these developments are citizens of the 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 long -standing arrangements are now clear and reinforced under the official license recognition and exchange structure, which provides clear guidelines on GCC citizens, migrants and former residents, what should they do based on their habitat and nationality.
Driving in UAE with GCC-Zari license
When it comes to driving in UAE, citizens of GCC countries enjoy widespread flexibility. Their national licenses are recognized under mutual agreements and further authentication during short -term visits is not required. If you are the GCC national who visit the UAE, you can legally drive in the country using your current national driving license. This applies regardless of that you are using a private car or temporarily driving, such as during a trip. However, once a GCC National UAE receives residence, they are required to apply for a UAE driving license. This involves changing the license of its country through the UAE’s official exchange process. Continue to drive with a GCC license after becoming a resident under UAE traffic laws.
Official recognition vs. exchange: defined under UAE Act
The UAE distinguishes between two licensing processes: recognition and exchange. Each has specific requirements and is associated with the person’s habitat and nature of their journey.Recognition (for visitors) Manyata applies to individuals entering the United Arab Emirates on a visit or tourist visa. This allows them to use their valid national license without the need to apply for the UAE license, provided that the UAE has a mutual recognition agreement with the issuing country.Major conditions for recognition:
- The driver should not reside UAE.
- The driver must have a valid national driving license.
- The license will have to cover the appropriate vehicle category (light vehicles, motorcycles, etc.).
- The recognition is limited to the period of travel or temporary migration.
This applies to both citizens and migrants living in GCC countries who are temporarily visiting the United Arab Emirates.Exchange (for residents) Once a person becomes a UAE resident, they are not allowed to drive using their foreign or GCC-one license. Instead, they have to exchange their existing valid national licenses for the UAE license through official channels.Eligibility and Conditions for License Exchange:
- The applicant should be a citizen of the country approved for the license exchange.
- A valid UAE residence permit is required.
- The national license must be complete and permanent (not temporary or probation).
- The applicant should be at least 17 years old.
- A vision (medical) test should be completed.
- Legal and administrative requirements should be met under the UAE law.
- In some cases, the original foreign license may be required to surrender if necessary under bilateral agreement.
Former GCC resident: specific test requirements
A normal situation arises with individuals who previously lived in a GCC country and obtained driving license there, but are no longer GCC residents. Under the rules of the UAE, keeping a license from the GCC country does not automatically qualify for the exchange unless the nationality of the applicant is from a recognized country. This means that a migrant from a non-recognized country (not included in 52 approved nations of UAE or GCC), who previously conducted GCC license, would have to undergo a test before obtaining a driving license.These applicants should be:
- Pass knowledge (principle) test.
- Pass the road test.
Driving classes are not mandatory in such cases, which help reduce costs. After opening the traffic file, the applicant can go directly to test. Estimated cost limit: AED 2,000 to AED 2,500, which may vary slightly by Emirates or Driving School. It also includes:
- Opening traffic file
- Take the knowledge test
- Take a road test
This regulation ensures that driving ability is assessed when recognizing previous driving history, even if the applicants are no longer a GCC resident or citizen.
Application process and fee
All eligible applicants, including GCC citizens, residents of 52 approved countries and other people who have qualified under bilateral agreements, should complete the exchange process through a dedicated digital platform of the UAE.Steps to exchange a license:
- Apply through Murokhous online platform.
- submit:
- A copy of the original foreign driving license.
- A legal translation of the license (if not in Arabic or English).
- Getting through a vision test in an authorized center.
- Pay the AED 600 fee for processing and release.
- Choose electronically or between obtaining licenses by courier.
The new UAE driving license is issued without the need for further principles or road testing if the applicant meets all conditions under the exchange agreement.Also Read: UAE allows visitors from 52 countries to drive with their country’s license
Eligible countries for recognition and exchange
The updated list under the Marchoos Initiative now includes 52 countries including GCC countries. Citizens of these countries can either drive during their journey using their national license or exchange them on getting UAE residence: Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Iceland, Montenegro, Israel, Azerbaijan, Bellas, Baclas, Baclas, Uzabecian, Uzabecian, Uzabecian Yuzbeccion, Eusbec’s, Belaies Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Poland, South Africa, Australia, Crust, Crustsia, Texas, Northern McCedon, Kosovo, The Curiz Republic.Important Note: Citizens of South Korea are allowed to exchange their licenses after receiving the UAE residence, but they cannot use their national license during travel for driving purposes.Q. Can I drive in UAE with my GCC license as a visitor? Yes, GCC citizens can drive in UAE with their national license during a visit.Q. Do I need to exchange my GCC license when I become a UAE resident? Yes, once you get a residency, you have to exchange your GCC license for UAE.Q. What if I lived in a GCC country but do not do now? If your nationality is not from an approved country, you will need to pass the principle and road tests.Q. How much does it cost to exchange a foreign license in UAE? The fee through the Murorcus platform is 600.Q. Which countries are eligible for direct exchange? GCC country and 52 others; Full list available in the article and on the Ministry of Internal Website.
