The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have placed a comprehensive guide on their site, which explains exactly how drivers with foreign licences should go about obtaining a valid UAE driving licence.

If you’re over 21 the licence will be valid for 10 years. For anyone under 21 the licence is valid for one year.

Who is eligible?

Individual customers, citizens and residents can apply

All applicants need the following…

1. Original driving license of the exception countries with copy
2. No Objection Certificate (NOC) form the sponsor except for the 66 professions (see link below)
3. Eye test (certified by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA))
4. Emirates ID

NOTE: there are various specific requirements based on country. See here for all other conditions

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What do you need to do?

Proceed to an RTA service centre with the above documents which the RTA will verify. The RTA will open a file in your name, the customer pays the fee and once issued and printed the customer will receive the licence.

What’s the cost:

• 200 AED for opening a file
• 150 AED for issuing a license
• 50 AED for handbook manual
• 10 AED knowledge fee
• 10 AED innovation fee

For T&C’s view the RTA site