Need to convert your UK driving licence to a Dubai licence? Here's exactly how I did it – from walking in the building to licence in hand in 30 minutes.
Why You Need a Dubai Licence
If you're planning to:
- Buy a car
- Finance a car
- Get a long-term lease
Most providers require a local Dubai driving licence – not just your UK one. It also ensures your insurance is valid.
Total Cost
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Eye test | 185 |
| Licence transfer | 870 |
| Total | 1,055 AED (~£225) |
Step 1: Apply Online First
Before going to the RTA, apply online. This speeds everything up.
- Go to the RTA website
- Apply for a "Driving Licence Exchange"
- Upload photos of your Emirates ID
- Upload photos of your UK driving licence
Time: About 5 minutes
Sara did this for me because I'm useless at life admin. It's straightforward.
Step 2: Go to the RTA Happiness Centre
⚠️ Critical: Wear Trousers
I arrived wearing shorts. The security guard stopped me:
"Excuse me sir, you're not allowed into the building unless you're wearing trousers."
He paused, saw the panic on my face, smiled, and pointed to a clothes rack with temporary trousers I could borrow.
This is consistent across government buildings in Dubai – medical appointments, biometrics, Emirates ID, RTA. Always wear trousers.
What to Bring
- Emirates ID
- UK driving licence
- Trousers (on your body)
Step 3: Eye Test
First thing when you arrive: the eye test.
I say "eye test" in the politest sense. It's very different to the UK.
What Happens
- Gentleman at a desk walked me straight to a chair
- Read 6 lines of text (cover one eye, then both)
- Opened a book of coloured spots, read the numbers
- Done
Time: About 60 seconds
Cost: 185 AED
No paperwork – everything goes on your Emirates ID in the system.
Step 4: Licence Transfer
Walk upstairs to the RTA counter.
The Process
- Greeted by staff member
- Hand over your Emirates ID and UK licence
- They process everything
- Wait 5 minutes
- Receive your new Dubai driving licence
Time: About 15 minutes
Cost: 870 AED
The Buildings Look Tired – But Inside Is Incredible
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Whether it was my medical, biometrics, or driving licence – the buildings look a bit worn on the outside. Inside? Night and day.
"Amazingly clean, great technology. It's like going 5-10 years into the future."
The service is efficient and modern. Just don't let the exterior put you off.
Timeline Summary
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Online application (day before) | 5 minutes |
| Put on temporary trousers | 2 minutes 😅 |
| Eye test | ~5 minutes (including queue) |
| Licence transfer | ~15 minutes |
| Wait for licence | 5 minutes |
| Total time in building | ~30 minutes |
Checklist
Before you go:
- ☐ Complete online application on RTA website
- ☐ Bring Emirates ID
- ☐ Bring UK driving licence
- ☐ Wear trousers
- ☐ Have ~1,100 AED available
Key Takeaways
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total cost | 1,055 AED (~£225) |
| Total time | ~30 minutes |
| Documents needed | Emirates ID + UK licence |
| Dress code | Trousers required |
| Pre-application | Do it online first (5 mins) |
Useful Links
More Relocation Guides
- Visa costs, banks & schools FAQ
- Take the neighbourhood quiz
- Work with Sara – Get personalised support
Questions? Drop them in the comments!