Securing a driving license in the UAE is a top priority for many expatriates. While the majority of residents must undergo multiple tests to obtain a license, individuals from specific countries enjoy an exemption and can drive in the country without the need for testing.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) facilitates the exchange of driving licenses through its ‘Markhoos’ initiative. This service allows visitors to either drive with their national license or exchange it for a UAE license if they possess a residence permit.
As per the list available on the MoI’s website, residents from 43 countries have the privilege to swap their home country’s driving license for a UAE license. The countries include Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Iceland, Montenegro, United States, France, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Poland, South Africa, and Australia.