An earlier version of this article first appeared in May 2021
No matter where in the world you live, gaining a driving licence is seen by many as a passage to freedom.
It is a skill that can take you almost anywhere.
In May, UAE residents welcomed news that drivers who passed their driving test in the Emirates can now exchange their licence for a British one.
It costs £43 (Dh224) to convert the licence for an automatic vehicle. Additional lessons are required if a driver wants to switch to a manual car.
The minimum age to be allowed to drive a car in the UAE is 18. Applications for a licence can be submitted six months before turning 18.
Here is The National guide on how to obtain your licence and apply for your test in Dubai.
Converting your foreign licence to a UAE one
If you have a driving licence issued by your country of citizenship, in some cases it is possible to convert it to a UAE one without having to take lessons or a test.
This applies to citizens of a large number of countries, including Australia, France, the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia and Ireland.
In Dubai, you need to visit a Roads and Transport Authority centre and submit the following documents:
- Original driving licence of the exception country plus a copy
- Electronic eye test results
- Original valid Emirates ID
- Passport
- Legalised translation of the licence if it is not in English or Arabic
The licence is applied for and processed on the same day, meaning you will walk out of the centre with your shiny new UAE licence within hours of submitting your documents.
You will be required to pay:
- Dh200 for opening a file
- Dh600 for issuing a licence
- Dh50 for a handbook
- Dh20 for knowledge and innovation fees
How to get a licence from scratch
If you are not from one of the countries that allow for a simple conversion, you have a few more steps to complete. Basically, you will have to start from square one.
Under the RTA guide, a Dubai resident can apply for a driving licence provided they meet the following requirements:
- They are 17 years and six months old or above
- They are medically fit
- They join a training and qualification programme offered by an approved driving institute
- They pass the theoretical and practical tests
To apply for a licence, the driver will need a valid passport, Emirates ID, at least eight passport photographs, eye test results and a traffic file number.
You will be required to pay service fees to the RTA, including Dh200 in test fees and Dh20 of knowledge and innovation fees.
Take an eye test
To proceed with lessons, you need to undergo an eye test.
These tests can be carried out by an optician approved by the RTA.
Take the paperwork with you when applying for a licence and booking lessons and tests.
Ready, set, test
The number of lessons you take depends on your experience. Learner drivers who do not possess any licence, from any country, have to register for 20 lessons, usually 10 x two hours.
Theory test
You have to pass a few tests to obtain a driving licence in Dubai, the first being the theory test. This is taken on a computer and has to be completed before the final on-road test.
Your driving school registers you for the theory test. It examines your knowledge and understanding about traffic laws and driving risk perception, as well as your awareness of safety procedures. It usually consists of 35 multiple-choice questions and is carried out at your driving school.
Tips for the RTA theory test
- Thoroughly read and understand the RTA handbook
- Practise as much as you can on the RTA mobile app
- Memorise what all road and traffic signs mean
- Take online mock tests to assess your ability
Parking test For any new driver, parking can often be the bane of the learning journey.
Before taking the on-road test, you must pass the parking test, which is carried out in the yard of the driving school.
You will be tested on slope/hill parking, an emergency stop, angle parking, parallel parking and garage parking.
Assessment test
This is basically a mock test of the on-road exam. Your instructor will advise you on when best to book the assessment and it will allow them to gauge when you can book your final on-road test.
Your time is limited during this phase. You usually get about 10 minutes to show your instructor your worth.
On-road driving test
This is what all the preparation has been for. This is the final leg of your learner journey, so make sure you are mentally prepared.
On your assigned date for the test, reach the RTA driving licence centre with your:
- Emirates ID
- Driving file
- Two passport photographs
- Payment for the road test fee
Wait until your name is called then follow the examiner to the car.
In some cases, you may ride in the same car as other drivers doing their test, but do not let this faze you.
The on-road test can last a few minutes or up to 30 minutes, so be prepared.
When your turn comes, drive confidently in a way that demonstrates your overall driving skills.
Thankfully, there is no waiting around once you have completed your test. You will receive your result once you return to the driving centre.
If you fail, you need to complete seven additional classes before you can arrange anothe road test.
If you pass, the examiner will give you the approval paper. Submit it at the pass counter along with ID and the driving licence fee.
Your licence will be issued then and there. Well done!
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
SERIES INFO
Schedule:
All matches at the Harare Sports Club
1st ODI, Wed Apr 10
2nd ODI, Fri Apr 12
3rd ODI, Sun Apr 14
4th ODI, Sun Apr 16
UAE squad
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Zimbabwe squad
Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers
Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades
Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic
First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations
Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades
Improve the appearance of textbooks
Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings
Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught
Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
More coverage from the Future Forum
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Revival
Eminem
Interscope
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Match info
Deccan Gladiators 87-8
Asif Khan 25, Dwayne Bravo 2-16
Maratha Arabians 89-2
Chadwick Walton 51 not out
Arabians won the final by eight wickets
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed PDK
Power: 630bhp
Torque: 820Nm
Price: Dh683,200
On sale: now
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT)
Tuesday
Mairobr v Liverpool
Spartak Moscow v Sevilla
Feyenoord v Shakhtar Donetsk
Manchester City v Napoli
Monaco v Besiktas
RB Leipzig v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday
Benfica v Manchester United
CSKA Moscow v Basel
Bayern Munich v Celtic
Anderlecht v Paris Saint-Germain
Qarabag v Atletico Madrid
Chelsea v Roma
Barcelona v Olympiakos
Juventus v Sporting Lisbon
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Teams in the EHL
White Bears, Al Ain Theebs, Dubai Mighty Camels, Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Scorpions and Vipers
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E299hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E420Nm%20at%202%2C750rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12.4L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh157%2C395%20(XLS)%3B%20Dh199%2C395%20(Limited)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Power: 300hp
Torque: 420Nm
Price: Dh189,900
On sale: now
Biog:
Age: 34
Favourite superhero: Batman
Favourite sport: anything extreme
Favourite person: Muhammad Ali
