The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced sweeping
reforms to its driving licence rules, now allowing tourists from 52 countries
to drive using their home licences without additional permits. The change,
underlined by the expansion of the 'Markhoos' initiative, also enables eligible
residents to exchange foreign licences for a UAE one without the need for road
or theory tests.
The UAE Government’s Landmark Policy Shift
The Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates has introduced a significant update to its traffic and licensing regulations, dramatically simplifying the process for tourists and new residents from over 50 countries to drive legally in the country. The move, effective from March 29, 2025, is part of a broader initiative to enhance visitor experience, boost tourism, align with international standards, and support the UAE’s continued drive for digital transformation within public services.What Are the Key Changes in UAE Driving Licence Laws for Tourists?
The expansion of the 'Markhoos' initiative, as highlighted
by "Business Today", now allows citizens from 52 approved countries
to use their national driving licences in the UAE while visiting, with no need
for temporary permits or International Driving Permits (IDPs). For residents of
these countries, the process of obtaining a UAE driving licence has also been
simplified: they can now directly exchange their existing licence for a UAE
one, bypassing the usual theory and road tests.
- Recognition
while visiting: Tourists can drive throughout the UAE using a
licence from their home country, provided the country is on the approved
list and all current legal documentation is in place.
- Residency
exchanges: When such tourists become residents, they can exchange
their foreign licence for a UAE licence simply and directly.
- Countries
included: Among the 52 eligible nations are the United States,
countries in Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and all the
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The full list has been published
and reflects the UAE's efforts to foster greater international inclusivity
in tourism and business travel.
Why Has the UAE Introduced These Reforms?
According to “Travel + Leisure Asia”, this policy shift is
intended to streamline services for the country's ballooning tourist population
and support its ambitious economic and mobility objectives:
“The UAE now allows visitors from over 50 countries to drive with their home licences and even exchange them upon gaining legal residency,”
the publication reported, noting the reform is expected to make travelling, car rentals, and business easier for countless short-term and long-term visitors each year.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior outlined to
"Business Today" that the changes are part of the Markhoos digital
strategy which aims to "simplify administrative procedures" and
"improve digital access across sectors," making bureaucracy a thing
of the past for many international motorists.
Who Is Eligible to Drive Under the New UAE Rules?
Visitors
As underlined by the "Wall Street DXB" blog guide,
tourists from eligible countries can drive in the UAE using their home-country
licences without the need for an IDP, provided they are not seeking residency
and are only staying temporarily. However, for visitors from non-listed
countries, an International Driving Permit remains a necessity in addition to a
valid home licence.
Residents
For those who become residents, the policy allows for a
direct, bureaucracy-free licence exchange, as detailed by "Business
Today":
“For residents from these nations, a UAE driving licence can now be obtained through a direct exchange – no theory or road test required. To qualify, individuals must hold a valid UAE residence permit, be citizens of one of the 52 eligible countries, and meet the minimum driving age,” the outlet reports.
It is important to note, as reported by "Times of
India", that while GCC nationals can freely drive with their own licences
during visits, they must exchange their licences once residency is established.
What Does the New Law Say About Minimum Age and Other Requirements?
The “Wall Street DXB” blog notes that, as per the March 29,
2025 update, the minimum age to obtain a driving licence in the UAE is now 18
for cars and light vehicles, marking a continued alignment with international
practices and safety priorities.
Meanwhile, “Gulf News” and “JobX Dubai” both highlight
additional requirements for obtaining a local UAE licence:
- Applicants
must hold valid residence permits (for exchanges).
- Completion
of a required medical (vision) assessment.
- Successful
documentation and administrative checks.
- Compliance
with any specific requirements relating to the category of vehicle.
Main Exemptions and Penalties
"JobX Dubai" reports that the new Federal
Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, in force from March 29, 2025, details three
categories exempt from regular UAE licencing:
- Drivers
of vehicles registered in their own country whose licences are recognised
in the UAE.
- Holders
of valid international driving licences for visits or transit.
- Those
holding temporary international/foreign permits authorised for
non-residency stays.
Strict penalties are also clarified:
- Driving
without a valid licence: Now carries a fine of up to Dh50,000 or
a jail term of up to three months.
- Serious
offences: Reckless driving resulting in injury, death,
significant property damage, or involving substance abuse can lead to
immediate arrest, licence suspension, and potentially deportation for
tourists, as noted by "Mahad Manpower" and reinforced in
regulation coverage by "Gulf News". Article 31 of the executive
regulations outlines these offences and their consequences.
How Does This Affect Rental Cars and Mobility for Tourists?
According to "Wall Street DXB," in addition to a
home-country licence (and an IDP if necessary), standard requirements for
renting a car include:
- A
passport copy.
- A
valid credit card.
- Minimum
age of 21 years (this can vary depending on vehicle type and rental
agency).
- For
luxury/exotic cars, some rental agencies require a minimum age of 25+
years.
Implications for Local Businesses and Residents
"Mahad Manpower" and other sources point out the
significance for recruiters, expats, and UAE-based businesses:
- Recruiters
and employers: Should ensure new arrivals are briefed about the
new rules to avoid legal complications.
- Logistics
and delivery companies: Must verify their drivers remain
compliant, as serious violations could lead to licence suspension,
impeding business operations.
- Former
GCC residents: Expatriates from non-approved countries must still
pass theory and road tests, even if they previously held a GCC licence,
according to the "Times of India".
Ongoing Updates and the UAE’s Vision for the Future
The "Travel + Leisure Asia" coverage closes by forecasting that these reforms are set to attract even more overseas visitors, business travellers, and potential residents — all part of the UAE’s future-proofing approach to mobility and tourism. The Ministry of Interior has emphasised the digital-first nature of future policy updates, with platforms like the MuroorKhous digital portal offering licence recognition and exchange services in minutes.
With the landmark reform, the UAE has underlined its
commitment to international hospitality, efficient governance, and public
safety. By streamlining licensing for visitors and residents alike, the
Emirates is setting a new regional benchmark for mobility and regulatory
innovation – a move that is expected to have positive ripple effects for
tourism, expatriate businesses, and the wider economy of the Gulf.