UAE, Oct 27: The UAE government announced a significant change to its traffic laws on Friday, reducing the minimum age to obtain a driving license to 17. The new federal decree will take effect on March 29, 2025.

Under the previous regulations, individuals had to be 18 years old to hold a car driving license and 17 for a motorcycle license. The new ruling standardizes the legal age for both motorcycles and cars at 17, making the UAE the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to implement such a change.

In contrast, neighboring Oman maintains an age limit of 18 for obtaining a driving license, while Saudi Arabia has different age requirements: individuals can apply for a motorcycle license at 16, a car license at 18, and a temporary permit at 17. Similarly, Bahrain follows Oman’s regulations, requiring individuals to be 18 before obtaining a driving license.

Qatar has distinct age requirements based on vehicle type; applicants must be 18 to obtain a license for light motor vehicles and 21 for heavy vehicles. In Kuwait, the minimum age for obtaining a driving license differs between citizens and expatriates: Kuwaiti citizens must be 18, while expatriates must be 21.

Globally, age limits for obtaining a driving license range from 15 to 18 years, with some countries allowing licenses at 14, provided the young drivers are under supervision.