Everything about driving licenses, buying or leasing cars, insurance, and transportation in the UAE
If you hold a license from certain countries, you can directly exchange it for a UAE license without testing.
GCC Countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar
Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Romania
Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong
Americas: USA, Canada
Other: South Africa, Turkey
If your country is not on the direct exchange list, you'll need to complete driving school and pass tests.
*Costs increase if you need to retake tests (AED 200-300 per attempt)
Pro Tip: Popular driving schools include Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), Galadari Motor Driving Centre, and Belhasa Driving Centre. Process typically takes 2-6 months depending on your learning speed.
New car: AED 50,000-200,000+
Used car: AED 20,000-100,000
Down payment: 20-30% if financed
Registration: AED 400-700/year
Monthly lease: AED 1,500-5,000
Security deposit: AED 1,500-3,000
Mileage limit: 3,000-5,000 km/month
Excess km charge: AED 0.50-1.00/km
Buy if:
Lease if:
All vehicles in UAE must have at least third-party insurance. Driving without insurance is illegal and results in heavy fines and vehicle impoundment.
Minimum legal requirement - covers damage to other people's property and injuries
Full coverage - protects your vehicle and third parties
AED 500-2,000 (amount you pay per claim)
Note: Vehicles over 5 years old must pass technical inspection before renewal. Inspection centers: Tasjeel, ADNOC, and others.
Important: Ensure your Salik account always has balance. Negative balance results in AED 50 administrative fee plus AED 100 fine per unpaid crossing.
Parking Fines: Parking violations result in fines (AED 150-300). Multiple violations can lead to vehicle impoundment. Always check parking signs and regulations.
Note: Vehicles over 5 years old must pass technical inspection before renewal. Inspection centers: Tasjeel, ADNOC, and others.
Important: Ensure your Salik account always has balance. Negative balance results in AED 50 administrative fee plus AED 100 fine per unpaid crossing.
Parking Fines: Parking violations result in fines (AED 150-300). Multiple violations can lead to vehicle impoundment. Always check parking signs and regulations.
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