
Planning a UAE trip or just moved there for work? Here’s game-changing news that’ll save you time and headaches.
The UAE Ministry of Interior expanded their driving license policy through the “MuroorKhous” initiative, allowing citizens from 52 countries to drive using their home licenses—whether visiting or living there.
No driving tests. No theory exams. Just straight-up license recognition and exchange.
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What This Means for You Right Now
Let’s cut through the bureaucratic language. There are two scenarios:
Visiting the UAE? You can legally drive on UAE roads using your home-country license without undergoing any theoretical or practical tests, as long as you’re not residing in the UAE.
Living in the UAE? Residents from those countries can get their licenses exchanged without any tests. The complete process is digital through MuroorKhous.
This is huge for expats. Anyone who’s moved countries knows the pain of retaking driving tests you passed years ago.
The Full List of 52 Eligible Countries
Your country’s probably on here. The updated list includes: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and dozens more.
Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Finland, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Iceland, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Ukraine, Belarus
Americas: United States, Canada, Texas (listed separately due to specific agreements)
Asia-Pacific: Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, China
Middle East & Others: Israel, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, South Africa
Important note: The specific list excludes all South Asian countries. So if you’re from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka, this doesn’t apply to you yet.
Also, South Korean visitors have a quirk—they can only exchange licenses as residents, not drive as tourists.
Requirements for License Exchange (Residents)
The exchange fee is Dh600. Here’s what you need:
- Valid UAE residence permit
- Original driving license with legal translation to Arabic or English
- Copy of your license
- Pass an eye test
- Be at least 18 years old (17 for some categories)
- Meet medical examination requirements
According to the UAE government, driving licence holders from Greece, Canada, Cyprus, Japan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea and Turkey may require a translation of their driving licence from their respective consulates.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The application process is conducted via the digital “MuroorKhous” platform, with a fee of AED 600. The final UAE license can be delivered electronically or by courier.
- Log into the MuroorKhous smart services platform
- Submit required documents and information
- Complete eye test at approved center
- Pay AED 600 fee
- Receive your UAE license digitally or by courier
The whole process is online. No visits to government offices unless you need the medical test.
What About Vehicle Categories?
The exchange applies to various categories, including motorcycles and light vehicles. So whether you drive a car, motorcycle, or light truck, you’re covered.
Visiting vs. Residing: Key Differences
Tourists and visitors:
- Can drive immediately with home license
- Must be visiting (not residing)
- License must be valid
- No additional fees or tests
UAE residents:
- Need to exchange license within reasonable time
- Go through MuroorKhous platform
- Pay AED 600
- Some may need to surrender original license based on bilateral agreements
UAE Driving: What You Need to Know
The UAE has strict traffic enforcement. Speed cameras are everywhere, and fines add up quickly.
Speed limits:
- Urban areas: 40-60 km/h
- Highways: 60-120 km/h (varies by emirate)
Key rules:
- Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
- No phone use while driving
- Zero tolerance for drinking and driving
- Right-hand traffic (steering wheel on left)
Parking: Most spaces require payment. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have digital payment systems. Park illegally and you’ll get hefty fines.
Why This Policy Matters
This isn’t just bureaucratic shuffling. It’s genuinely helpful for:
New expats: One less thing to stress about during your first months. You can focus on finding housing and settling into work.
Tourists: No need for international driving permits or temporary licenses for short visits.
Business travelers: Easier mobility for frequent UAE visitors.
The Bigger Picture
The United Arab Emirates has greatly extended its “Markhoos” program, providing nationals of 52 nations with exceptional driving privileges.
This fits the UAE’s broader strategy of attracting talent and tourists. Making basic services like driving easier removes friction for people choosing to visit or relocate.
The system works both ways too. UAE citizens can drive in many partner countries or exchange their licenses where bilateral agreements exist.
What If Your Country Isn’t Listed?
If you’re from a non-eligible country, you’ll need to:
- Take theory and practical driving tests
- Complete required training hours
- Go through traditional licensing process
It’s not the end of the world, but definitely more time-consuming and expensive.
Next Steps
Visitors: Just bring your valid home license and required documents. You’re good to drive immediately.
New residents: Start the exchange process through MuroorKhous once you have your residence permit. Don’t wait—it’s easier to handle early rather than dealing with expired licenses later.
Planning to move? Factor this into your country choice if you’re deciding between UAE and other Middle Eastern destinations.
This expanded policy removes a major headache for both tourists and new residents. Travel just got easier in UAE. The new UAE Driving License policy now allows tourists from 52 countries to drive with no extra permits or local tests.
If your country made the list, you’ve got one less thing to worry about in the UAE. That’s genuinely good news in a world where bureaucracy usually moves the other direction.
Read more: I Lived in Dubai for 365 Days: An Honest Expat Review (From a London Expat)
Ready to apply? Visit the MuroorKhous platform to start your license exchange process. The system’s digital, the fees are reasonable, and the process is straightforward.
Moving to the UAE or planning a visit? We cover all the practical stuff expats need to know—from visas to housing to career opportunities. Follow us for more UAE living guides.
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