The United Arab Emirates has announced that residents from 43 countries can now exchange their driving licences without having to undergo a driving test. The initiative aims to streamline the process and make it easier for foreign residents to obtain a UAE driving licence.
The decision was made by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. It is part of the country’s efforts to attract and retain foreign talent, as well as promote tourism and investment.
Residents from the following countries are eligible to exchange their driving licence without a driving test:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Kuwait
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican City
- Latvia
- Estonia
- Lithuania
- Hungary
- Czech Republic
Residents from these countries will only need to complete an eye test before exchanging their driving licence. However, residents from other countries will still need to undergo a driving test to obtain a UAE driving licence.
This move is expected to have a positive impact on the UAE economy, as it will encourage more foreign talent to work and invest in the country. It will also make it easier for tourists to rent cars and drive in the UAE.
The UAE has been implementing several measures to attract foreign talent and investment in recent years, including long-term residency visas and a remote work visa. The country aims to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, and initiatives like this are a step towards achieving that goal.
