Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 16 March 2025.
Driving in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. If you are a Qatari resident planning to drive in the UAE, you may be wondering if driving in UAE with Qatar license is possible.
This article will answer your questions regarding this. We will also explain how you can exchange your Qatar driving license in the UAE.
Can I Drive in UAE With Qatar License?
If you are a visitor in the UAE with a Qatar driving license, and wondering if you can drive there, the answer is yes. However there are some important things you need to know.
The first thing to note is that you may only drive with a Qatar driving license in the UAE while on a visit visa.
If you plan to stay in the UAE for a long time, you will need a residence permit. Once you have a UAE residence permit, you cannot use a Qatar driving license.
In that case, you need to exchange your Qatar license for a UAE license, which can be done without a driving test.
Driving In UAE With Qatar License
According to the UAE government’s official website, residents of GCC countries can drive in the UAE with their driving license issued by the country they reside in.
As a visitor, passports and visas must always be carried, as you may need to present them at checkpoints. The UAE also requires that you be at least 18 years old to drive.
While driving in the UAE with a Qatar driving license is allowed, there are some restrictions. For example, if you are planning to drive a UAE resident’s private vehicle, you need to check with their insurance provider if it is covered.
UAE car rental companies usually allow tourists to drive with Qatar licenses. According to Hertz Car Rentals the original license should be from the same country as the customer’s residence visa.
You can drive a Qatar-registered car in the UAE, but ensure you have UAE-valid motor insurance.
How To Exchange Qatar Driving License In UAE
If you are a new resident in the UAE and hold a driving license from Qatar you may be eligible to directly exchange your previous license for the UAE license.
Driving licenses issued by GCC countries must be valid upon their replacement. Original licenses are withdrawn from their holders. You would also need to undergo an eye test.
To apply for a exchange of a driving license in UAE, you must submit the following documents:
- Original driving license
- Eye test
- Original valid Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Passport size photos
The application process will be different depending on the Emirates you live. For instance, in Dubai, you can apply through the Road Transport Authority (RTA) website, while in Abu Dhabi, you can apply through the TAMM portal.
If you live in one of the Northern Emirates – Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, you should apply through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal.
The cost for replacing a foreign driving license in UAE is AED 600. There may be additional charges for eye test and registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qatar driving license valid in UAE?
You can drive in the UAE with a Qatar driving license while on a visit visa. However, once a residence permit is issued, it is illegal to drive using a Qatar driving license.
Can I drive in Qatar with UAE license?
While on a visit visa, you can drive in Qatar with your UAE driving license.
A UAE driving license cannot be used once a Qatar ID has been issued.
Can I change my Qatar driving license to UAE?
Yes, a Qatari driver’s license can be directly exchanged for an UAE driving license when you become a new resident in the UAE. The process will be different depending on the Emirates you live.
Related Articles:
- Driving in Qatar Rules for Visitors
- How To Get International Driving License in Qatar
- How To Change Driving Test Date in Qatar Using Metrash
- How To Get Driving Experience Certificate in Qatar
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hi
I’m currently in doha and moving to abu dhabi in a month. I have Valid Qatar Driving License valid for 4 years. Once, I’ll have Emirates ID, being the resident (Not Citizen), will I be eligible for DL conversion or I have to appear for Test?
Hi good afternoon I’m here uae but when I will try change Qatari license to uae but they can’t give I have to go test road and theory why in the goggles have this kind massage
This is really not nice
Hi Kumar, Sorry about that. In UAE, there are different rules for different Emirates and often these rules change from time to time. Which Emirate did you apply?
can we drive Qatar num plate car in Dubai for long time and can we convert Qatar num plate car to Dubai num plate
Hi Ali, It is possible to change number plate (registration) if you get the export permit from Qatar. Please contact the Traffic Department for more details. Otherwise you can drive during your visit period (not if you are become a Dubai resident).
my name is mark Ansah form ghana leaving in qatar Doha can l use my qatar driving license in Dubai
Hi Mark, You can use Qatar license only if your Qatar residence visa is still valid.
Hi ,
do you have any article on exporting the vehicle from Doha to UAE via road by individual without any agency support.
Please can you guide in this part. I m currently in doha but got job in UAE and want to take my car with me. Is it necessary to cancel the QID to export the car permanently to UAE
Hi Sankar, We do not have an article about this because it is a rare case and there is not enough information on the official websites. As per our understanding, you have to visit the Traffic Department, cancel the registration, and obtain an export certificate. There may be a fee for this. It would be better if you directly inquire with the Traffic Department. If you get any reliable information, please do share it so that we can create an article to help others. Thank you.
Driving in the UAE with a Qatar license is generally accepted for a limited period, usually 7 days, allowing visitors or new residents to familiarize themselves with local regulations. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the specific rules and regulations of each emirate. Residents planning to stay longer must obtain a UAE driving license. Ensure your Qatar license is valid and carries an English translation. Familiarize yourself with local road signs and follow traffic rules diligently. Remember, rules may vary between emirates, so staying informed is essential. Safe travels on the UAE roads with your Qatar license!
Thank you Guildhall Agency.
hi Am mark form ghana leaving in qatar I want t ask lf l can use my qatar driving license in Dubai
Hi Mark, You can use Qatar license if you are on UAE visitor visa. You cannot use that on a resident visa.
Have a goodday sir , i want to know i have qatar light driving licence how to i gel EAE driving licence can you information me… thank you
i have qatar valid license now iam in dubai can i exchange direct license without signal,road test.
Hi Gopal, If you have UAE Residence Visa you can try that. However as per the available info, direct conversion from GCC license is available for GCC nationals only. In that case you may be required to take a test.
Very useful points.I am fully satisfied with this details explanation.Thank you so much to doha guide giving us this useful information.
Thanks Manoj!
I have a Qatar driver lisence I have plan a to work in UAE for truck driver it is possible that can I convert.?
Hi Julan, Kindly check this with a driving school in UAE.
How much is the fee for changing Qatar driving license to UAE
Hi Jidesh, It depends on the Emirate you are changing at. Please check with their local traffic department. For Dubai you can check with RTA.