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GCAA accepts EASA Part 66 licences as a basis for UAE licence conversion but requires additional steps including validation of experience, English language proficiency, and knowledge of GCAA-specific regulatory differences.
Licence conversion process
Engineers holding an EASA Part 66 licence can apply to convert it to a GCAA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence (AMEL). The conversion is not automatic — GCAA reviews the applicant's training records, examination history, and practical experience. Gaps in type rating experience or knowledge of Gulf-specific operational conditions may require additional assessment.
The GCAA conversion process typically requires submission of the original EASA licence, logbook evidence of practical experience, verification of examination credits, and in some cases a bridging examination covering GCAA regulatory differences and local operational requirements.
Category structure and recognition
GCAA uses a licence category structure that mirrors EASA Part 66 categories (A1, A2, B1.1, B1.2, B2, C). However, the scope of privileges and the conditions for exercising them may differ. In particular, GCAA may impose specific limitations based on the types of aircraft maintained in the region and the environmental conditions under which maintenance is performed.
Type rating endorsements obtained under EASA may be accepted by GCAA, but the authority may require evidence that the training was conducted on aircraft variants commonly operated in the Gulf. This can be a practical barrier for engineers with type ratings on configurations not widely used in the region.
Continuing validity and recency
Both EASA and GCAA require licence holders to demonstrate continuing competence. GCAA recency requirements include a minimum period of relevant maintenance experience within a defined timeframe. Continuation training requirements may differ in content or hours from EASA Part 66 requirements.
Engineers working across both jurisdictions should maintain comprehensive records of all maintenance activity, training, and examination to facilitate renewal and conversion in either system.
How this applies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
GCAA CAR 66 establishes the UAE licensing framework for aircraft maintenance engineers. While aligned with EASA Part 66, GCAA exercises independent authority over licence issuance, conversion, and validation. GACA in Saudi Arabia and QCAA in Qatar have their own licensing frameworks, each requiring separate conversion processes even if the engineer already holds a GCAA or EASA licence.
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