Renew your UAE driving licence online only from this month

From June 24, drivers registered in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah shall have their driving licences renewed only electronically as the procedure goes completely online. Smart apps will help them carry out the job.
The move is in line with the ministry of interior strategy to provide more convenient and smart services to the public, said Brigadier Adel Ali Al Ghais, director of licensure department, RAK Police.
"By the end of this June, all drivers registered in the traffic system in the emirate will be able to renew their licences through the smart apps of the ministry of interior."
Smart platforms are secured for training customers on the right way to have their driving licence renewed, he added.
"The decision - which covers all types of drivers - will help save money, time and effort, and give a boost to the smart conversion of the RAK police services."
More eye test centres, necessary for having driving licences renewed, have been accredited to give customers more options, he pointed out.
"The six eye test centres now available for RAK drivers include Al Jaber Optical Centre, RAK Hospital, Specialist Medical Centre, Sameer Optical, Belhasa Drivers Training Centre, apart from the RAK Police Licensure Department."
This is actually the first time in the country that we have such large number of eye test centres accredited for the job, he underlined.
"The renewed driving licence shall then be delivered by courier to the customer's requested address in a short time."
Two segments of the society shall be exempted from the new rule, including the elderly and people of determination.
Brochures in several languages - Arabic, English and Urdu - have been distributed to raise public awareness about the procedures for electronic renewal of driving licences through the smart apps of the ministry, he said. "All applicants need to fully adhere to the new rules."
The decision has evoked an overwhelming response from the RAK residents, who say it will save them money, time and effort.
Ashraf Yassin, a Jordanian resident, said, "I hope to see such smart schemes in all departments so that we can finish these procedures personally with no need for typing centres."
Ahmad Salem, an Egyptian resident, said he was happy to know about this smart move.
"Actually, I am a huge supporter of smart apps, and feel people should be able to follow these procedures from anywhere anytime."
Ibtihal Khalaf, a Syrian resident, urged the RAK Police to post a short video on their website to enlighten the applicants on the right and easy way to get the licence renewed electronically. "The video will help applicants in a big way."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com