Transport in the UAE

Wether it’s driving or by taxi, car is usually the preferred way to get around due to the affordable cost of fuel in the country.

Nevertheless, Dubai also has a very impressive and efficient Metro network, and you can get around by public bus in other emirates as well.

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Exchange a Driving LicenseTolls in DubaiPublic Transport in DubaiGet Help

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in the UAE with my local driving license?
Can I exchange my existing driving license to a UAE license?
Is there Public Transport in the UAE?

🪪 Check if you can Exchange your Driving License

Look for the nationality if your License in the following lists

These nationalities can exchange their driving licenses

GCC Countries
Albania
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
New Zealand
Norway
People's Republic of China
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
The Republic of Montenegro
Turkey

If you hold a license from the USA

If you hold a USA driving license, you can exchange it to a UAE license. However, the RTA website also states that driving licenses issued from the following locations cannot be used for this service:

- Puerto Rico
- North Mariana
- Guam island

If you hold a license from Singapore

If you hold a Singapore driving license, you can exchange it to a UAE license. However, according to the RTA website, to exchange a Singapore driving license, the customer must take a Knowledge Test in one of the registered driving institutes.

If you hold a license from UK, France or Switzerland

If you hold a driving license from one of these countries, you can exchange it to a UAE license. However, the RTA website also states that driving licenses issued from the following locations cannot be used for this service:

- Jersey island
- Monaco
- Liechtenstein

❌ If you cannot find your country listed above

You cannot exchange your license.
You will need to apply to get a UAE driving license and do all the required steps in the Emirate where you live.

How to exchange your existing driving license to a UAE licence

Once you have confirmed that you can exchange your existing driving license to a UAE license, you’ll need to carry out a number of steps, as required by the Emirate where you live.
Step 1: Get an Eye Test
You will need to undergo an eye test, which you can get done at the RTA Customer Happiness Centre or an approved RTA Optician.
Step 1: Apply for an exchange at RTA
You can visit an RTA Happiness Centre to start the process.

They’ll ask for a number of documents, online payment and provide you with a reference number.

The usual cost for exchanging your license is AED 870.
Step 3: Receive your license
Get a token at the Customer Happiness Center and provide:

- Reference Number or Payment
- Eye test result
- Your home country driving licence

And voilá! Your licence should be issued on the spot.
Step 1: Prepare all the documents
You’ll need the following documents:
- Eye test done through an optical store accredited by Abu Dhabi Police’s Traffic Licensing Department.
- Valid original foreign licence
- Legal Arabic translation of foreign licence: There are multiple offices around Abu Dhabi who offer this service
- Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Personal photos (two copies)
Step 2: Apply Online
Apply on tamm.abudhabi by clicking "Start". You will need to login with yout your UAE PASS
Step 3: Receive your license
After providing all the required documentation, you would need to visit the traffic licensing department of Abu Dhabi Police, with your reference number from tamm.abudhabi.

Your new UAE driving licence will then be issued by Abu Dhabi Police.
Step 1: Apply Online
If you live in one of the Northern Emirates – Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, the authority that will replace your foreign driving licence will be the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

To get started, visit the MOI website and click ‘start service’. You’ll be able to log in via UAE Pass.
Step 2: Upload your documents and pay
During the online application, you'll be asked to upload the required documents and pay the fees.
Step 3: Get Your License
Once your application is submitted successfully, you can go to the traffic licensing department in your Emirate, and present the receipt to receive your UAE license.

Tolls in Dubai - How it works

Salik is the electronic tolls system for the roads in Dubai. Every time you pass by a Toll checkpoint, you will be charged AED 4 automatically. You must have a prepaid Salik Account with credit to pass by the areas.
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The Salik Tag costs AED 50, and you have to top it up with AED 50 right away, bringing the cost to AED 100 (out of which half of it is redeemable). If you purchase it online, you must also pay an AED 20 delivery fee. You will need to place the Tag in your car, and every time you pass a Toll gate AED 4 will automatically be deducted from your Salik account.
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You should always ensure you have enough credit in your account. If you don’t, you may be subject to fines. If you pass by a toll without credit, you have a 5 days tolerance period to top it up, without paying a fine.
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This is how you register for Salik:

Step 1: Create an account
Go to the Salik Website, create your account and add all the information requested. Alternatively, you can also do it by downloading their app on your phone.
Visit Website
Step 2: Get your Tag
You will need a Tag to add to your car - this will be scanned by the toll gates every time you cross and deduct money from your prepaid account automatically.
Activate your Tag
Step 3: Top up account
Once you’ve registered and received your Tag, you will need to top it up with credit and ensure you have sufficient funds at all times. You can do this via your account or your app.

Public Transport in Dubai

Dubai has multiple options for public transport, including a well-connected world-class metro line that runs across the city.

Metro
The metro is not only super modern but affordable and stretches from north to south of Dubai. A trip can cost as little as AED 3 with a Nol Card.
See Metro Map
Buses
Buses cover about 80% of Dubai’s routes and a ride can cost a little as AED 3 when you tap with your Silver Nol Card. The larger the distance travelled, the higher the fare.
Buses in Dubai
Others
There are other alternatives when it comes to public transportation which are limited in location. Examples include the Tram and the Boat.

Need more help? Speak to an Advisor today!