UAE new driving license valid only for two years?

To enhance monitoring of driving behaviors, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai will begin enforcing a new federal law governing the validity of driver’s licenses starting July 1st.

According to Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency, the initial validity period for new driving licenses issued or replaced in the country has been reduced to two years for UAE citizens, GCC nationals, and other individuals aged 21 years and older, down from the previous 10 years.

After the new license expires, renewal periods will be 10 years for Emiratis and GCC nationals aged 21 years and older, and five years for other nationalities. For individuals under 21 years old, whether citizens, GCC nationals, or other nationalities, the initial validity of the driver’s license will be one year.

Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, commented that reducing the validity period from 10 years to five years, and potentially even shorter for drivers with certain chronic conditions, is sensible. This approach ensures that all road users are in good health, have adequate eyesight, and are physically fit to drive.