Requirements for Operating Aerial Work Platforms in the Middle East

In the Middle East (mainly the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar), to operate self-propelled aerial work platforms (MEWPs: scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts), the core requirements are: IPAF certification + local government/institutional certification + medical examination + basic English proficiency + driving license (if traveling on public roads).

No road motor vehicle driving license is required for off-road operation within construction sites without official registration.

1. General Basic Requirements (Applicable to All Countries)

• Age: Minimum 18 years old; some countries and projects require at least 21 years old.
• Physical Health:No acrophobia, heart disease, epilepsy, vertigo or severe physical disabilities.An English-version international health certificate / occupational health card is required.
• Language Proficiency: Able to understand English operation manuals and safety signs, with basic oral communication skills.
• Drug Screening: Pass employer or third-party anti-drug test.

2. Mandatory Core Certifications (Latest 2026 Standards)

1. IPAF International Certification (Globally Recognized & Mandatory in the Middle East)

Full name: IPAF MEWP Operator License

Classification by equipment type:

• 3a: Scissor lifts / vertical mast self-propelled platforms
• 3b: Articulated & telescopic boom lifts (including electric-diesel dual-power models)Validity period: 5 years, globally recognized and compulsory for access to construction sites, developer projects and main contractor sites.Available for training and assessment within 1–2 days at authorized IPAF centers in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

2. Local National Certifications (Legally Required)

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Aerial work certification issued by MOHRE / ESMA / TÜV Rheinland.

Additional requirement for dual-power units: Special training for hybrid and diesel safety operation.

Saudi Arabia (KSA)

TVTC Operator Certificate issued by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, valid for 2 years.

Mandatory theoretical and practical training at official TVTC authorized centers.

Qatar

MEWP certification issued by TÜV SÜD / DNV, compulsory for QP and ASGHAL projects.

Requirements: Minimum 1 year working experience + English written exam + practical operation assessment.

3. Working at Height Certification (Mandatory for Site Entry)

Equivalent to China’s emergency management work-at-height certificate; issued by authorized OSHA and international safety institutions in the Middle East.

Training content: Fall protection, safety harness use, high-altitude rescue and emergency response.

3. Driving License Requirements (Site Internal vs Public Road Use)

• Operating only inside construction sites / industrial zones (unregistered vehicles): No C/B class motor vehicle driving license required; only the above operation certifications are valid.
• Traveling on public roads (officially registered vehicles):

4. Additional Requirements for Electric-Diesel Dual-Power Platforms

• Specialized training: Electric/diesel mode switching, hybrid power generation, battery maintenance and low-temperature protection.
• Key operational knowledge: Zero-emission mode, off-road climbing performance, emergency power cut-off, and on-site charging during operation.
• Certification endorsement: IPAF and local certificates must clearly indicate Hybrid / Dual-Power operational qualification.