New consumer protection agreement to enforce Federal Law, prevent problems for motoring tourists

Dubai, September 16, 2012: Emirates Post has joined forces with the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE to tell travellers that official International Driving Permits issued in accordance with Federal Law are as valuable as their passports.

A joint awareness campaign has been launched to target hundreds of thousands of UAE residents with the message that those planning to drive overseas must possess a legitimate International Driving Permit to avoid legal implications in the event of an accident.

The message is highlighted in leaflets being placed in PO boxes at Emirates Post outlets across the country, and also through an email and SMS campaign reaching hundreds of thousands of consumers.

It is the latest step in a six-year partnership between the ATCUAE and Emirates Post which is dedicated to steering UAE residents away from insurance and legal problems when they rent cars or drive private vehicles overseas.

Ibrahim Bin  Karam, Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Post Group, said: "This is an important public service exercise, as people need to know that buying from the wrong source can get them into trouble, and it marks another important step in the evolution of Emirates Post into a one-stop centre for community services.

"Our staff are trained to handle enquiries for International Driving Permits, and we will work closely with the ATCUAE to make the service user-friendly and speedy."

The latest campaign also supports the regulations laid down by UAE Federal Law No. (9) of 2011 on road transport.  Under the law, the ATCUAE is the only organisation in the country authorised to issue legitimate International Driving Permits (IDPs).

The  International Driving Permits will be available from each of the Emirates Post outlets across the country.

ATCUAE President Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose face will be carried on posters displayed at post offices and on roadside advertisements across the UAE, said: "I'm grateful to Emirates Post for their continued support as we look to safeguard travellers from the perils of driving overseas with a fake international driving license."

"This is not simply a commercial exercise.  People buying a forged International Driving Permit and using it when they drive overseas can find themselves in serious trouble.  If they have an accident, the fact that they are not carrying a legitimate permit may mean that their insurance is invalid, and that can be very costly."

Costing AED150, official IDPs are available from ATCUAE offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah, from Emirates Post Offices across the country, from the offices of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, and a number of other ATCUAE agents.  All outlets are listed in the mobility and travel section at www.atcuae.ae. 

Those applying for an IDP require a copy of a valid UAE driving licence, passport copy with a valid residence visa in the case of expatriates, and two passport size photographs.

International Driving Permits (IDPs)
The UN introduced official International Driving Permits in 1949 to overcome difficulties faced by motorists travelling in foreign countries in view of widely varying drivers licence requirements. 

While many countries  allow visitors to use their domestic driving licences when travelling abroad, this can lead to variances in practices and lack of awareness and understanding of the country's legislation and regulations , the new  International Driving Permit ensures improved and better understanding of the requirements. 

In addition to ensuring that insurance cover taken out is valid, it is  a proof that the holder has a valid driving licence in their own country.  

It is also printed in many languages, including Arabic. This helps overcome potential language barriers between drivers and police, while the document can also be a useful form of identification in the event of a lost passport. 

For further press information please contact:
Gareth Wright / Ahmad Huzayen
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909
Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
Email: gareth@totalcompr.ae / ahmad@totalcompr.ae

© Press Release 2012