While there are many options for travelling about in Dubai including buses, trains, abra and taxis, a very popular option is owning and driving your own car. You will need to follow government authorized procedures for obtaining your driving license, transferring your license and buying or selling a car.
Obtaining a driving licence and renewal
Considering the vast nationalities that have made Dubai their home, there is bound to be varied driving cultures. To ensure some uniformity and discipline, in line with international regulations and standards, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority has stringent tests before issuing driving licenses in Dubai.
The good news is that 36 countries that have a very high international standard of driving are on the approved list. Citizens of such countries holding driving licenses can automatically obtain transfers and obtain an UAE license without undergoing any training. For nationals of all other countries, you can obtain your license after training from an authorized driving school. If you are 18-21 years of age, you can apply for a probationary license.
Renewing your licence is simple and can be done at any RTA Traffic Office branch or mall outlet within less than 30 minutes. From end October 2010, the RTA in association with the Federal Traffic & Licensing System, Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior has permitted renewal of car registration of vehicles issued from other emirates, as well as non-Dubai driving licenses. Apart from renewal of licences and registration of vehicles, the new RTA system will also facilitate no-objection certificates (NOCs). These facilities are being tried at RTA's main customer centre at Umm Al Ramool, Deira Licensing Centre and Al Barsha Licensing Centre and in the next phase will be made available at other RTA centres.
Approved list of 36 countries for transfer of driving licenses – Dubai.ae
Procedures for getting a driving license in Dubai – Dubai.ae
Request to open a new file for learner’s licence and download the form – Roads & Transport Authority
Authorized driving schools – Dubai.ae
Request a traffic signs test appointment – Roads & Transport Authority
Request NOC for Handicapped – Roads & Transport Authority
Request to renew driving licence and vehicle registration – Roads & Transport Authority
Get an international driving licence –Automobile and Touring Club of UAE
RTA to renew registration of non-Dubai vehicles - Khaleej Times
All UAE drivers can now renew their driving licenses in Dubai - Gulf News