I recently got my Drivers License in Dubai , am a US Citizen with a US Drivers License from New Jersey.
1.Get the Eye test done at any optical shop in Dubai ( 25 DHS , take passport and one photo , will save time at the agency)
2.Go to the typist / typing area , with your DL / Passport , Photograph , Residence Visa page copy , they will fill it up in Arabic and charge 50 DHS
3.Go to the counter , take a token , wait , and they shud swap it
In my case the Guy told me they CANNOT change New Jersey Drivers license as they dont accept them which is strange , as on RTA site it states US Passport + US Drivers License ( no restriction on state mentioned) = Dubai License ,
I was fortunate enought to have a UK license as well from my London days , which they used to give me a Dubai License ....
waiting on my wife residence visa and she ONLY Has NJ License , wondering how to tackle this .......