Dubai Police arrested eight suspects in a Dubai driving licence scam involving allegedly fraudulent foreign licences sold for Dh10,000 each. Authorities warned that customers knowingly using illegal services could also face legal action.
DUBAI: Dubai Police have arrested eight suspects accused of operating a Dubai driving licence scam that allegedly offered customers foreign driving licences for Dh10,000 without requiring them to travel abroad, complete driving lessons or pass mandatory tests.
The arrests, reported on October 16, 2026, followed investigations into a network suspected of exploiting international driving licence exchange agreements to help customers obtain UAE driving licences through unlawful means.
The operation was carried out by Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
How did the illegal driving licence scheme work?
According to Dubai Police, the suspects allegedly arranged driving licences from a neighbouring country for customers who had never visited that country or completed its required driving examinations.
These foreign licences were then intended to be exchanged for UAE driving licences under existing international agreements.
Such agreements normally allow eligible holders of legally issued foreign licences to exchange them without repeating driving lessons or tests in the UAE.
However, investigators found that the suspects allegedly exploited these arrangements to bypass the legal requirements for obtaining the original licences.
Gang allegedly charged Dh10,000 per licence
Dubai Police’s Economic Crimes Department uncovered how the suspects allegedly used offices belonging to transaction-processing companies to approach potential customers.
The group reportedly promoted services promising foreign driving licences without requiring applicants to travel, undergo training or complete examinations.
Each licence allegedly cost Dh10,000.
Authorities said the Dubai driving licence scam misused legitimate international agreements intended to simplify licensing procedures for qualified drivers.
Can customers face legal action?
Dubai Police warned that individuals who knowingly pay for driving licences obtained through unlawful procedures may also face legal consequences.
Authorities stressed that exchanging an illegally obtained foreign licence for a UAE licence does not make the original document legitimate.
Customers cannot rely on completing an official exchange procedure to avoid responsibility for earlier violations.
Police also highlighted the dangers of allowing individuals without proper driving skills or training to use public roads.
How can residents avoid driving licence fraud?
Residents seeking UAE driving licences should follow approved procedures and deal only with authorised driving schools and licensing authorities.
Dubai Police urged the public to avoid individuals or businesses promising licences without legally required training, examinations or documentation.
Anyone encountering suspicious offers should report them to the relevant authorities.
Impact to expect
The arrests highlight the importance of verifying driving licence services and protecting road safety across Dubai. By targeting the alleged Dubai driving licence scam, authorities are reinforcing the need for legitimate licensing procedures while reminding residents that knowingly using fraudulent services can lead to legal consequences.
