Like almost everything else there, nothing is consistent or clear. Depending on which individual you deal with at the licensing authority, you may be off the hook, or otherwise in deep trouble and complications.
A friend of mine from an Arabic origin had a UK driver's license since 1978. He had been driving all over the world using it. In the UAE, he was told that he could easily exchange it with a local license. All went well until they found out that he was not British!!!!!!!!!! He was trying to argue the relationship between the nationality and the origin of the license. This was Chinese to the officer who got fed up and decided that my friend needed to go to a driving school (theory for 20 lessons and 5 practical) then make an appointment after three months to take the test. He had to go through all this which cost him a fortune and a very long time.
This is to say that anything can happen, so be as patient as possible. Welcome to Arabia.
