April 2007 – All/most nationalities must now take a driving test?
Information below about certain nationalities exchanging licences may not be correct as of 15 January 2007, or 06 April 2007. The Khaleej Times (an English language UAE newspaper) carried a report on 06 April 2007 that Shihab Hamad Bu Shihab, Manager of Driving Licences at the RTA (Dubai Roads and Transport Authority) said holders of licences from countries that were previously allowed to simply exchange them for a UAE driving licence, must now do a minimum 21 classes and a driving test. Apparently this rule has been in place since 15 January 2007. Whether or not this will be implemented/enforced is unknown, despite what Mr Shihab says. See Dubai driving licence forum topic for Khaleej Times newspaper article and comments.
