Brief
Dubai Police arrest eight in Dh10,000 illegal driving licence scheme
The suspects allegedly used foreign licences to bypass UAE driving tests, charging Dh10,000 per illegal licence.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai Police announced on 16 October that eight suspects were arrested for operating a scheme that sold foreign driving licences without lessons or tests, allowing customers to convert them into UAE licences for Dh10,000 each.
What happened
The General Department of Criminal Investigation, working with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, uncovered the operation after the Economic Crimes Department traced the use of transaction‑processing offices to market the illegal service. Customers were promised a foreign licence from a neighbouring country without having to travel, attend driving lessons or pass the mandatory examinations. Once obtained, the foreign licence could be presented to the RTA for exchange under existing international licence‑exchange agreements.
What the reports add
Gulf News reported that the scheme exploited legitimate exchange agreements intended for eligible holders of legally issued foreign licences, but the suspects allegedly used the loophole to bypass the training and testing safeguards designed to ensure driver competence. The outlet also noted that Dubai Police warned the practice poses a serious threat to road safety because unqualified drivers could end up on public roads.
What was said
Dubai Police said, "Obtaining a driving licence illegally poses a serious threat to road safety," and urged residents to be wary of offers that promise licences without the required training or examinations.
How it came about
The investigation built on earlier Dubai Police efforts to curb illegal activities, such as the 28 September arrest of a 22‑member begging gang and the 2 October operation that seized 2.3 tonnes of narcotics. Those actions, reported by Felo News, demonstrate the department's broader focus on public‑safety threats, from drug trafficking to scams that undermine traffic safety.
Key facts
- Eight suspects were arrested for running an illegal driving licence scheme. (gulfnews.com)
- The scheme charged Dh10,000 per licence and bypassed required lessons and tests. (gulfnews.com)
- Dubai Police, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the RTA cooperated in the arrests. (gulfnews.com)
- Police warned the scheme threatens road safety by allowing unqualified drivers on the road. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE driving licence without tests? Dubai Police bust fraud scheme”
