Dubai is a metropolitan city that attracts millions of tourists, businesspersons, and expats from around the world, including Asia. Since people usually prefer a fast pace of life, combined with high-quality relevant infrastructure, all kinds of vehicles especially cars are very much welcomed in Dubai. A word of caution though. If the residents are from an Asian country, they are advised to familiarize themselves with driving in Dubai and the local rules. So, whether you are a tourist for one or two weeks, or an expatriate planning to stay in Dubai for a long time, you will face certain rules and procedures if you want to be allowed to drive here.
Driving rules in UAE are strict and there is no room for tolerance if found violating those laws. Also, getting a driving license UAE is a long and complex procedure. However, if you cannot resist driving in Dubai, but hold a driving license from another country, there are certain conditions under which you can drive. But, hiring a Safe Driver UAE will always be a safe option for you throughout the course of your stay in Dubai.
What are the Different Licensing Conditions Under Which You Can Drive in Dubai, UAE?
Driving rules in Dubai are strict and there is no way that you can drive in Dubai without a Driving license UAE or a license accepted by the Dubai government for a driving permit. Here are the different licensing conditions under which you can drive in Dubai without facing any legal consequences.
1. Tourists Driving in Dubai
If you are traveling to Dubai (UAE) as a tourist, and have a driving license that is duly assented to, then you will be able to easily drive without complications in most instances. However, whether or not your license will be accepted is subject to several factors, such as:
- Tourist Visa: For tourists, the UAE grants the use of foreign driving licenses for a limited period from specific countries (mostly up to 30 days).
- License Type: If the issued license comes from a country on the list of countries whose driving licenses are accepted in the UAE which include Japan, South Korea, and Singapore among other countries, the holder can drive with that license. Some driving licenses might state that they will need an Arabic translation or an International driving license(ICL) license used along with the original driving license.
- International Driving License: This is a driving license that an individual may obtain when their native driving license is neither in English nor Arabic. It is the UN’s regulated travel document that permits you to drive in a foreign country. This is because it enables carrying some legal driving license information in different reference languages.
2. Expatriates Living in Dubai
The procedures for expatriates from Asian countries, who are currently residing and working in Dubai differ:
- For a Limited Period: If your stay in Dubai is for a limited time, you may be able to use your overseas driving license (subject to the country). However, it is important to consult with the traffic authorities in the U.A.E. to ensure whether your local driving license will be accepted.
- For a Longer Duration: If you intend to stay in Dubai for a long time (which is six months and above), you will be required to change your foreign driving license to a driving license UAE. This procedure entails:
- Residency: You should have a residential visa in the UAE.
- Driving License Verification: Some nations are united with the UAE and if they get into the fine print, they would have a basic exchange of the foreign driving permit for a driving permit issued by the UAE. Such countries are Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, among others.
- Driving Test: If your country does not have a similar agreement with the UAE, you may be required to take a driving test (theory + road) in order to obtain a driving license UAE.
3. Converting Your License
The procedure for changing your international driving permit will differ from one nation to another but here are some basic steps you can follow:
- Countries Gaining Support: In the case where an individual is a resident of a country that has enabled a license exchange, for instance, Japan, Korea, or any of the GCC countries, he will only have to swap his original driving license for a UAE driving license.
- Countries lacking Support: If you are from any other Asian country that is not in the above list, you will have to undergo the entire course of obtaining a driving license UAE – that is go to a driving school, take the tests, and get the license.
4. Required Documents
If you plan to drive in Dubai using your foreign license or apply for a license exchange, you will typically need the following:
- Valid passport and visa/residency documents
- A copy of your home country’s driving license
- Emirates ID (for residents)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of address in Dubai
- Translation of your license (if applicable)
5. Penalties for Driving Without a Valid License
Driving without a valid license is strictly punishable in Dubai. The penalties may include harsh fines along with the confiscation of the vehicle, or in some cases, incarceration. Thus, before commencing any driving activities, all drivers must check that their license is still valid and comply with UAE driving license standards.
What is the viable option for your commute if you don’t have a valid driving license to drive in Dubai?
If you don’t have a valid driving license to drive in Dubai, simply don’t drive as it might lead you to severe consequences. Then how can you travel quickly and safely in Dubai? The answer is Safe Driver UAE. Safe Driver UAE is a UAE-based company providing safe drivers for safe commutes in Dubai. Over the years, the company has built a reputation of being a reliable and safe driving service in Dubai. People are loving the services offered by Safe Driver UAE and one of their most loved service is Personal Driver Dubai. After-party pickups and safe airport transfers are other popular services offered by the company. People residing in Dubai or visitors who intend to stay in Dubai over one month usually prefer to hire Personal Driver Dubai Monthly. The service is loved and relied upon mostly by people staying or residing in Dubai.
Here are a few reasons why you should choose Safe Driver UAE for safe traveling in Dubai:
- The drivers are highly professional and ethical
- The drivers are trained and licensed under the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai, adding to their credibility
- Prices are very economical for hiring a safe driver service
- The company has the credibility of being the best safe driver service in Dubai
- The drivers are always punctual and you are never late
- The service is a door-to-door service
Conclusion
To summarize, as long as one possesses an Asian country’s driving license (not including an Indian driving license) which is valid for driving, he can drive in Dubai for a short period, provided that the driving license is either in the English or Arabic languages. In other cases, an IDP shall be useful for driving in Dubai. However, if the stay is too long, then a license will have to be converted to a UAE driving license. It is important to find out whether the driving license obtained from your country is included in the reciprocal arrangement made by the UAE. You should ensure that you don’t violate any of the traffic and driving rules in Dubai. Preferably that will not happen so ensure you know any changes to the laws so that you do not have issues driving in Dubai.