Ministry offers service that facilitates the exchange of licence
Obtaining a driving licence in the UAE tops the list of priorities for most expats. While a majority of residents have to undergo several tests before being granted a license, there are a select few countries whose licence-holders are exempt from it and allowed to drive in the country.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) offers a service that facilitates the exchange of driving licenses within the 'Markhoos' initiative. It grants visitors the right to drive with their national driving license or exchange it with a UAE license if they hold a residence permit.
According to a list posted on the MoI's website, licence-holders from these 43 countries are allowed to swap a driving licence from their home country for a UAE licence:
Estonia
Albania
Portugal
China
Hungary
Greece
Ukraine
Bulgaria
Slovak
Slovenia
Serbia
Cyprus
Latvia
Luxembourg
Lithuania
Malta
Iceland
Montenegro
United State of America
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
Australia