UAE sets driving licence validity of one to ten years from 1 January 2027

New federal traffic regulations will set the validity of UAE driving licences at anything from one to ten years, depending on the holder's age and residency. The rules take effect on 1 January 2027. They come from Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which puts into practice Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024.

Under Article 55, a licence issued to anyone under 21 is temporary and lasts one year, with one further year of renewal possible. A first-time adult applicant receives a two-year licence.

Later validity depends on nationality and residency. UAE nationals and citizens of GCC countries are entitled to ten-year licences. Expatriate residents receive five-year licences. Both can be renewed for equivalent periods.

The regulations create eight categories of licences and permits, with minimum ages from 17 to 21. Under Article 54, a light vehicle licence requires the applicant to be 18, and a heavy vehicle licence requires 20. Bus licences require 21, and mechanical equipment licences require 20. Motorcycle Category 1 starts at 17 and Category 2 at 21.

Applicants need a valid Emirates ID, must meet the age requirement, pass the driving tests and pay the fees. A report from an approved healthcare authority must confirm medical fitness. People of determination are covered by separate regulations.

Some drivers need no UAE licence, including military, security and police personnel driving their own organisations' vehicles with permits from their authorities.

Four categories of visitors may drive light vehicles and motorcycles without a local licence. They must hold a valid foreign or international licence and be authorised to stay for a reason other than taking up residence. The categories include nationals of countries with bilateral recognition agreements and holders of licences from countries exempted by Cabinet decisions. Holders of international licences and licences issued by GCC countries are also covered. These permissions apply during the authorised stay and do not automatically extend to expatriates living in the UAE.

For visitors planning to hire a car in Dubai, the exemption depends on holding one of these valid licences. Gulf News reported the details on 4 November 2026.