Have you seen posts claiming that any foreign driving licence can now be swapped for a UAE one? Dubai Police have confirmed this information is completely false — and sharing it could land you in legal trouble.
Over the past two days, messages circulated widely across social media platforms suggesting that driving licences from any country could now be exchanged for a UAE licence. Dubai Police have officially dismissed these claims, confirming that no such circular or policy change has been issued.
What Did Dubai Police Actually Say?
Brigadier Juma Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, urged residents to verify information before sharing it online — especially when it involves official traffic regulations.
He confirmed that any updates or amendments to driving licence exchange procedures are announced exclusively through official channels. Social media posts from unverified accounts are not recognised as credible sources for traffic policy changes.
Brigadier Bin Suwaidan also recommended that residents use official platforms and smart applications to stay informed. These include:
- Police Eye — Dubai Police’s official app
- Traffic Information Centre — for verified traffic updates
If you’re wondering which countries actually qualify for UAE driving licence exchange, the current list remains unchanged. Only holders of licences from 20+ approved countries can exchange directly without road tests.
Spreading Rumours Online Is a Criminal Offence in the UAE
This isn’t just a matter of misinformation — it carries real legal consequences.
Major Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Cybercrime Department at Dubai Police, warned social media users to stop spreading or reposting unverified information. He noted that many circulating messages lack accuracy and credibility.
Under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, Article 52, anyone who uses information networks to publish, circulate, or re-share false or misleading news — or content that contradicts official announcements or harms public interest — may face:
- At least one year in prison
- A fine of no less than Dh100,000
This applies whether you created the false information or simply re-shared it. If you’ve seen posts about this UAE social media law, you’ll know authorities take online misinformation seriously.
Which Countries Can Actually Exchange Licences in Dubai?
The current driving licence exchange rules have not changed. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues to recognise licences from a specific list of countries, allowing holders to convert their licence without taking driving tests.
These include countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, United States, Japan, South Africa, and several other European and international nations. GCC licence holders have a separate, streamlined conversion process.
For the complete and up-to-date list, check our guide on Dubai driving licence exchange for 20+ eligible countries.
If your country is not on the approved list, you’ll need to complete driving lessons and pass road tests through an RTA-approved driving school — a process that can cost upwards of Dh5,000.
How to Verify Traffic News in the UAE
Before you hit share on any traffic-related post, here’s how to confirm whether information is legitimate:
Check official sources first. Visit Dubai Police’s website, the RTA portal, or use the Police Eye app. Verified announcements are published through these channels before anywhere else.
Be sceptical of viral messages. Forwarded WhatsApp messages and viral social media posts are the primary vehicles for traffic-related misinformation in the UAE.
Report false information. If you spot misinformation about traffic regulations, you can report it to Dubai Police. Our guide on UAE social media guidelines explains the legal framework around online content.
Understanding UAE traffic laws and staying updated through official channels protects you from both misinformation and potential legal penalties.
Key Takeaway
Dubai Police have confirmed that viral social media claims about universal driving licence exchange in the UAE are false. No policy change has been made. Sharing unverified information online is a criminal offence under UAE law, carrying penalties of at least one year in prison and Dh100,000 in fines. Always verify traffic news through official Dubai Police and RTA channels before sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange any foreign driving licence for a UAE one?
No. Only driving licences from a specific list of 20+ approved countries can be exchanged directly through the RTA. If your country is not on the list, you must complete driving lessons and pass road tests.
What countries are eligible for UAE driving licence exchange?
Eligible countries include the UK, Germany, France, USA, Japan, South Africa, and several other European nations. GCC licence holders have a separate streamlined process. Check the full list here.
Is sharing false news on social media illegal in the UAE?
Yes. Under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, Article 52, spreading false or misleading information online is punishable by at least one year in prison and a minimum fine of Dh100,000.
Does the penalty apply even if I just re-shared a post?
Yes. The law covers anyone who publishes, circulates, or re-shares false information — including forwarding a message you didn’t create.
Where can I get verified traffic updates in Dubai?
Use the Police Eye app, the Dubai Police website, or the RTA portal. These are the only official channels for traffic regulation announcements.
Has Dubai changed any driving licence rules recently?
The UAE Traffic Law 2025 introduced some changes regarding licence suspension and exemptions, but the licence exchange country list remains unchanged.
Further Reading
- Dubai Driving Licence Exchange: 20+ Eligible Countries Guide 2025
- How to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence for a Dubai Licence
- UAE Social Media Laws 2025: Comments Can Lead to Dh500k Fines
- UAE Traffic Law 2025: New Licence Rules, Exemptions & Penalties
- GCC to UAE Driving Licence Conversion Guide
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