Dubai Police arrest eight over alleged illegal driving licence scam

Dubai Police have apprehended eight individuals allegedly operating an illicit network that provided driving licences to bypass the required training and tests in the UAE. For a fee of Dh10,000 ($2,720), the suspects allegedly procured foreign licences for customers who had never visited the UAE. This scheme exploited the UAE's international driving licence exchange rule, which enables eligible holders to convert their licences into UAE ones directly.

The arrests were made by Dubai Police's General Department of Criminal Investigation in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The suspects reportedly utilized offices of transaction-processing companies in the UAE to solicit potential customers and advertise their services.

Buyers were offered licences from neighboring countries without the necessity of traveling there, undergoing driving lessons, or passing mandatory tests. These licences could then be submitted to Dubai's RTA for exchange under international agreements between the UAE and other nations. Dubai Police emphasized that obtaining driving lessons and passing tests are crucial to ensure motorists possess the necessary skills and knowledge for safe driving.

They warned that bypassing these requirements and permitting unqualified individuals to drive could endanger other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Those who pay for driving licences obtained through illegal means may face penalties and legal consequences. The force clarified that exchanging a fraudulently obtained international licence for a UAE licence does not legitimize the original licence or absolve the individual from any wrongdoing.

Dubai Police urged residents to follow official procedures and engage only with authorized entities when seeking a driving licence. They also encouraged residents to report individuals or companies offering licences through unlawful means.