Dubai driving license: What is there to consider?

In Dubai, the car is by far the most popular means of transportation to get from one place to another quickly. However, in order to be able to get into a car at all, you need a driver's license. And this is exactly where there are a few differences that you need to be aware of in order to legally drive a car in the UAE. That's why we've put together the most important thing you need to know about driving in Dubai in the following blog post.

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The most important thing about driving licenses in Dubai

If you have a German driving license and are vacationing in Dubai, you can temporarily drive a car - provided that your tourist visa is valid. However, it is recommended to carry an international driving permit so that you are on the safe side during possible checks. An international driving permit is nothing more than a translation of your driver's license, which is intended to serve as additional proof of your driving license.

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Attention: If you apply for a resident visa, your German driver's license is “invalid” and no longer authorizes you to drive a car in the UAE. Failure to comply with this provision could result in a fine of up to 50,000 dirhams or imprisonment of up to 3 months.

So if you already know that you want to live in Dubai for the long term, you should rewrite your German driving license in good time. The requirements you must meet depend primarily on your country of origin. However, if you come from the DACH region, an eye test and a translation of your previous driving license are sufficient. However, it should be mentioned that no car may be registered on you without an Emirates ID. It doesn't matter whether it is a used or new car.

Necessary documents

In order to have your German driver's license rewritten, you need the following documents:

• An eye test
• A passport photo
• your passport with a valid residence permit (original and copy)
• A copy of your residence permit
• Your current driver's license (original and copy)
• Optional: A translation of your driving license

What do I have to do if I don't have a driver's license yet?

If you move to the UAE but do not yet have a driver's license, you can of course also obtain one in your adopted country.

To do this, as a citizen or resident, you must apply to a registered driving school in your Emirate. You can then take part in the respective driving school courses and then take the necessary tests. If you have passed this, you will be issued a driver's license for 2 years.

Good to know: To get a driver's license in the UAE, you must have a certain minimum age, which is staggered as follows:

• 17: Motorbike
• 18: Cars and light vehicles
• 20: Heavy vehicles and tractors
• 21: Buses

You must also be able to produce a number of documents so that a traffic file can be opened about you. Therefore, you will need a copy of your passport, residence visa and Emirates ID, 2 photos, and your eye test report. It may also be that some traffic authorities require a safety certificate from your sponsor.

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3 tips for road traffic in Dubai

1. Respect traffic rules

As in any other country, Dubai has traffic rules that you must abide by. Therefore, find out about the relevant road regulations in advance, as a violation could cost you dearly. For example, crossing a red light costs the equivalent of 750€ and you receive 12 of the so-called black points.

2. Drive with foresight

Traffic in Dubai can often be very chaotic, which is why it is even more important that you drive defensively and carefully to prevent accidents. Because if you are responsible for a car accident due to your reckless driving style, you could face a fine of up to 12,500€.

3. Avoid hitting times

There are rush hours in Dubai when you're guaranteed to be stuck in traffic. Therefore, try to avoid the following hitting times: Monday to Friday between 8:30 - 10:30 and 17:00 - 20:30.

Good to know: The two main roads where traffic jams easily form are the ramps of Al Khail Road and Sheik Zayed Road.

FAQ

Can I drive a car in Dubai with my German driver's license?

In the UAE, you can drive a car with your German driver's license — at least for a limited period of time. If you are just visiting or planning to go on vacation in Dubai, it is therefore not necessary to have a local driving license issued.

How much does a driver's license cost in Dubai?

The costs of acquiring or rewriting your driver's license vary depending on your driver's license type and nationality. On average, the costs are around 870 AED. This includes the costs of the transfer fee and opening a traffic file. The same applies if you want to have your driver's license renewed. For more information, visit the RTA website, where you can see a breakdown of all costs.

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