A Dubai driving licence: how I exchanged my Israeli licence, without tests

Who can exchange

• A licence from a listed country. The RTA publishes a list of countries whose licences can be exchanged without tests, and Israel is one of them.
• A residence visa. The exchange is possible once you have residence, for example a golden visa (see the golden visa guide). According to the RTA, if your residence was issued in another emirate, you need to show a link to Dubai, such as living or investing there.

What you need

• A copy of both sides of your licence.
• A legalised translation, if the licence is not in English or Arabic. I had mine translated by a notary.
• An eye test at an approved centre.
• A phone number registered in your name, to receive a verification code in the online application.

How it went for me

1. I booked an appointment at an RTA branch and had an eye test there, for a fee.
2. I had my Israeli licence translated by a notary.
3. I filled in the licence exchange application on the RTA website, uploaded a copy of both sides of the licence and the translation, and paid.
4. Within an hour of applying, I had the licence in hand.

All in all, an easy process once you already have residence.

Worth knowing

• According to the RTA, if the licence has no security features, you may need a certificate from the embassy of the country that issued it.
• The list of countries and the requirements can change. Check the RTA website before you start.