Recently, the process of obtaining a UAE driving license has become easier for citizens of 52 countries due to the expansion of the Markhous initiative. The Ministry of Interior of the UAE has announced that visitors from these countries will be able to drive in the nation using their national license.
On the other hand, the ministry has clarified that residents can now exchange their national license for a UAE Driving License without taking any theoretical or practical tests. This initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to simplify its services, boost tourism, and improve digital access across the government sector.
What is the Markhoos Initiative?
It was initially launched with an aim to reduce administrative delays and paperwork related to licensing. Now, the latest update has improved its functionality in two major areas. Below are the details about these areas:
- Recognition of foreign driving licenses for visitors.
- Exchange of foreign licenses for a driving license for legal residents in the UAE.
It means that short-term tourists and long-term residents from the eligible countries are going to benefit from this policy in this nation.
Who Can Drive Using a Foreign License?
Visitors from the 52 authorized countries can now legally drive in the UAE using their home country driver’s license. However, you are required to follow the following conditions:
- You must not be residing in the UAE.
- You must hold a valid foreign license appropriate for the vehicle category.
- You must not be a citizen of South Korea, as visitors from South Korea are only eligible for exchange upon obtaining UAE residency.
There is no need for a temporary permit or the UAE-specific driving test under this policy.
How Residents Can Exchange a Foreign License for a UAE Driving License?
Suppose you have recently moved to the UAE and have a passport from an approved nation. Then, you are eligible to swap your foreign license for a UAE driving license without needing to take a test. However, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must hold a valid UAE residence permit.
- You must be a citizen of one of the 52 approved countries.
- Your age must be the legal age for driving.
- You must pass a vision (eye) test.
- You must submit a legal translation and a copy of your original license.
- In some cases, surrender your original license (depending on bilateral agreements).
The license exchange costs AED 600 under this policy. Moreover, you can complete the process through the smart portal of the Ministry of Interior, “Markhoos”.
Eligible Countries for UAE Driving License Recognition or Exchange
As we mentioned above, people from 52 countries are involved to be eligible for using their driving license in the UAE. So, you could take a look at the look of these countries below:
- Estonia
- Albania
- Portugal
- China
- Hungary
- Greece
- Ukraine
- Bulgaria
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Serbia
- Cyprus
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Iceland
- Montenegro
- Israel
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Uzbekistan
- USA
- France
- Japan
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Italy
- Sweden
- Ireland
- Spain
- Norway
- New Zealand
- Romania
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Austria
- Finland
- UK
- Turkey
- Canada
- Poland
- South Africa
- Australia
- Croatia
- Texas
- Republic of North Macedonia
- Republic of Kosovo
- Kyrgyz Republic
Notably, people from South Korea can only exchange their driving license issued by their nation for the UAE license when residing in this country.
How to Apply for a UAE Driving License Exchange
As we told you before, you can complete the full process through the online portal of the Ministry of Interiors. However, you need to follow the following steps:
- Log in to the portal.
- Upload required documents (translation, eye test results, etc.).
- Pay the AED 600 fee.
- Choose to receive the UAE license digitally or via courier.
New Federal Traffic and Road Law: Who’s Exempt?
Although all people from the eligible nations are allowed to drive in this nation using their national license. Still, there are many people who are exempt from this policy. So, take a look at the list of those people:
- Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles that are exempt from UAE registration, as long as they hold valid licenses from their home countries recognized by UAE authorities.
- Holders of valid international driving licenses, permitted to drive during their stay for visits or transit purposes.
- Holders of valid international or foreign temporary driving permits.
- Individuals allowed to stay in the UAE without a residency permit, as defined under the law’s executive regulations.
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