The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new initiative that exempts expatriates from 43 countries from taking a driving test to obtain a license.
Under the new “Markhoos” initiative launched by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), expats from these countries will be permitted to drive with their national driving license or exchange it with a UAE license if they hold a residence permit.
The initiative aims to simplify the driving license process and encourage tourism and trade by making it easier for expats from select countries to obtain a driving license.
Previously, most expats were required to undergo several tests before being granted a driving license.
List of 43 Countries Exempted
The following countries have been included in the list of those exempted from the driving test:
S. No. | Country |
---|---|
1 | Albania |
2 | Australia |
3 | Austria |
4 | Belgium |
5 | Bulgaria |
6 | Canada |
7 | China |
8 | Cyprus |
9 | Denmark |
10 | Estonia |
11 | Finland |
12 | France |
13 | Germany |
14 | Greece |
15 | Hong Kong |
16 | Hungary |
17 | Iceland |
18 | Ireland |
19 | Italy |
20 | Japan |
21 | Latvia |
22 | Lithuania |
23 | Luxembourg |
24 | Malta |
25 | Montenegro |
26 | Netherlands |
27 | New Zealand |
28 | Norway |
29 | Poland |
30 | Portugal |
31 | Romania |
32 | Serbia |
33 | Singapore |
34 | Slovak |
35 | Slovenia |
36 | South Africa |
37 | Spain |
38 | Sweden |
39 | Switzerland |
40 | Turkey |
41 | Ukraine |
42 | United Kingdom |
43 | United States of America |
Impact on Expats and Tourism
The new initiative is expected to benefit expats from these countries who want to drive in the UAE. It will allow them to obtain a driving license quickly and easily without having to go through the cumbersome process of taking a driving test.
Additionally, the initiative is also expected to boost the country’s tourism industry as it makes it easier for tourists to drive in the UAE.
Expats from these 43 countries who hold a driving license from their home country can now rent a car and explore the country on their own, without the need to hire a driver or go through the licensing process in the UAE.
Conclusion
The “Markhoos” initiative by the Ministry of Interior in the UAE is a welcome move for expats from 43 countries who can now obtain a driving license without taking a driving test. The initiative is expected to simplify the licensing process and encourage tourism and trade in the country.
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