UAE to allow two-year car registration from January 2027: Who qualifies?

Starting January 1, 2027, the United Arab Emirates will permit two-year registration for specific light vehicles. This change replaces the current annual renewal requirement under new federal traffic regulations. The provision allows licensing authorities the discretion to approve the extended registration period, contingent upon meeting specific criteria.

To qualify, a vehicle must have been newly manufactured at the time of its first registration, be no older than six years from its manufacturing date, and owned by an individual rather than a company or legal entity. Right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited from being registered for road use. Vehicles that have been expired for more than five years or have undergone significant modifications without prior authorization may be removed from traffic records or have their registration suspended.

The regulations also exempt one vehicle owned by a person with a disability from registration fees. Driving licence validity varies based on age and category, with applicants under 21 receiving temporary one-year licences that can be renewed.