GCC mutual driving licence recognition and dedicated border lanes now in effect

GCC citizens will gain easier movement across the bloc through three key measures announced by the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General. Mutual recognition of driving licences between GCC states will allow citizens relocating to another member country to exchange their licence for a local one, often without retaking a driving test. Requirements vary by country: Bahrain processes replacements in one working day for BD25 (around Dh244), while Oman requires an approved vision test, residence card copy, and blood group certificate. Dedicated lanes at land border crossings—such as the King Fahd Causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain operating a "one-stop" system since 2018—will speed up passport and customs procedures. GCC states have also electronically linked security systems, including a shared database of traffic violations, allowing authorities to exchange information on individuals with records across member states.