United Arab Emirates

Dubai Police have announced the arrest of eight individuals suspected of operating a fraudulent driving licence scheme that charged customers AED 10,000 for each licence, warning residents that knowingly participating in such arrangements may expose them to legal consequences.

The announcement was made on Friday, October 16, 2026, following an investigation carried out by the General Department of Criminal Investigation in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.

According to Dubai Police, the suspects allegedly arranged driving licences from a neighbouring country for customers who had never travelled there and had not completed the driving lessons or examinations required to obtain a licence legally.

The operation was designed to exploit existing arrangements that allow eligible holders of driving licences issued by certain foreign countries to exchange those documents for UAE driving licences without repeating the entire training and testing process.

Police explained that these arrangements are intended to assist motorists who already possess valid, legally issued foreign licences. They are not intended to create a way for unqualified applicants to bypass driving education or licensing requirements.

Investigators from the Economic Crimes Department discovered that the suspects were using offices associated with transaction-processing companies to approach potential customers and promote their services.

The group allegedly promised to arrange licences from a neighbouring country without requiring applicants to travel abroad, learn to drive, or pass the relevant examinations. Each licence was offered for a payment of AED 10,000.

Once the foreign document had been obtained, the customer could attempt to exchange it for a UAE driving licence through the procedures available to eligible foreign licence holders.

Dubai Police warned that such arrangements undermine the safeguards designed to ensure that motorists possess the knowledge and practical skills necessary to drive safely on public roads.

The force emphasized that driving lessons and examinations are essential components of road safety because they assess a driver’s ability to understand traffic regulations, operate a vehicle, and respond appropriately to changing road conditions.

Allowing unqualified individuals to obtain licences through fraudulent procedures could expose other motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and the wider community to unnecessary risks.

Importantly, police warned that legal consequences may extend beyond the individuals organizing the fraudulent activity. Customers who knowingly pay for licences obtained through unlawful procedures may also face penalties and legal action.

Authorities further clarified that exchanging an improperly obtained foreign licence for a UAE licence does not make the original document legitimate or eliminate responsibility for violations committed during its issuance.

Residents were therefore advised to avoid individuals or businesses promising driving licences without the required training, examinations, or official procedures, regardless of how convenient or attractive such offers may appear.

Dubai Police encouraged members of the public to obtain driving licences only through approved channels and to report anyone promoting unlawful licensing arrangements.

The case highlights the importance of complying with official licensing rules and demonstrates that government service facilitation must not be exploited to bypass legal requirements or compromise public safety.

Source: Dubai Police General Headquarters