Making it Official

It was brought to my attention that the moment I recieved my passport back, I was driving illegally. Granted, I purchased an international driver's license ($15.00 from AAA) prior to leaving the states, in recieving my residence visa I was now driving without a license in the country that I was claiming to be a resident of. Similar to having to change over your DL in the states when you move from one state to the other, I need to begin the process, yes the process of applying for my UAE Driver's License.

First I had to apply for my Emirates ID. It's kind of like a work ID. It states your nationality and why you are in the UAE! Honestly, I think my passport says all that but, hey, I only live here! Obtaining my Emirates ID was a journey in itself. You must begin the process by submitting your passport to a representative at the typing office and asking for an Emirates ID Application. They translate your information into Arabic so that when you take it to the TAMM center, the representative there can read it. The trick is, getting to the TAMM center before 2:00 p.m. Living in a muslim country, work hours are 9-2 and 6-9 (or later) The reason being, time to pray and eat and spend time with the family. Once your done getting finger prints and your picture taken at the TAMM Center for your Emirates ID, you can take your reciept to the Driver's License Department.

Unfortunately for me, the closest DL Department is an hour east or 90 west to Abu Dhabi. I choose to go to Abu Dhabi to visit with friends and to do some big time home decorating shopping! However, the hard part was over! When attempting to get my Emirate ID application the online payment site was down. Mohammed, the gentlemen who was typing my application said..."If it is hard in the beginning it is easy in the end....easy in the beginning...hard in the end..." He couldn't be more correct! The hour and half I spent in the beginning made for an easy process obtaining my DL. I was there for 10 minutes! As a woman, you get priority over everyone. For sure, there were nearly 50 men, but, I got bumped to the front of the line and bah-dah bing I was done!

The Cashier told me I would recieve a text message in the coming month of when my Emirates ID would be ready for pick up. I walked away with my driver's license in hand and as a legal driver! Boy was that a relief!