The UAE kicks off 2026 with significant policy changes affecting schools, prayer times, plastic bans, airport services, and social media regulations. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or content creator, these updates will impact your daily life.
Here’s your complete breakdown of what’s changing and when.
1. Dubai Schools to Finish Early on Fridays
Starting January 9, 2026, all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai must dismiss students by 11:30am on Fridays.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced this adjustment following nationwide changes to Friday prayer schedules. The earlier finish gives Muslim students and staff sufficient time to reach home before congregational prayers begin at 12:45pm.
Schools across the emirate were consulted before implementing this change. Parents should update pickup arrangements accordingly.
For more on school regulations, read our guide to UAE student attendance rules 2025-2026.
2. Friday Prayer Time Standardised Across UAE
From January 2, 2026, Friday sermon and prayer will be held at 12:45pm nationwide.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat confirmed this standardisation aims to improve organisation and consistency for worshippers across all emirates.
Arriving early at mosques is recommended to receive the full religious reward and avoid missing the sermon.
3. New Tiered Tax on Sugary Drinks
The UAE’s excise tax system for sugar-sweetened beverages changes from January 1, 2026.
What’s different?
The current flat 50% tax on all sugary drinks will be replaced with a tiered system. Tax rates will now depend on sugar or sweetener content per beverage.
This volumetric model aligns the UAE with GCC-wide standards and forms part of broader public health initiatives to reduce sugar consumption.
Expect pricing adjustments on soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages throughout 2026.
4. Dubai Airport Red Carpet Service Expands to Arrivals
Dubai International Airport’s Red Carpet service extends to Terminal 3 arrivals from January 2026.
Previously available only for Business Class departures, this biometric corridor now welcomes arriving passengers.
How it works:
- Advanced cameras capture biometric data as passengers walk the red carpet
- AI-powered systems match data with GDRFA records instantly
- First-time users complete one-time registration at passport control
- Registered travellers can use smart gates on future visits
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has been trialling this service following successful departure-side implementation.
For airport preparation tips, check our Dubai Customs New Year passenger plan.
5. UAE Expands Single-Use Plastic Ban
From January 1, 2026, the UAE implements the second phase of its national plastic ban under Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022.
Items now prohibited nationwide:
- Beverage cups and lids
- Cutlery (forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks)
- Plates
- Straws and drink stirrers
- Styrofoam food containers and boxes
Import, manufacture, and trade of these items will be banned across all emirates.
Businesses should source sustainable alternatives immediately. Read our comprehensive UAE single-use plastic ban 2026 guide for compliance requirements.
6. Dubai Enters Final Plastic Ban Phase
Dubai Municipality implements the final phase of its single-use plastic ban from January 1, 2026.
Restricted items include plastic plates, cutlery, chopsticks, beverage cups, and lids.
Previously banned in Dubai:
- Single-use plastic bags (January 2024)
- All single-use bags (June 2024)
- Polystyrene cups, plates, containers
- Plastic stirrers, cotton buds, table covers, straws (2025)
Dubai Municipality has published awareness guides to help businesses transition to approved alternative materials.
7. Discovery Gardens Introduces Paid Parking
Starting January 15, 2026, Discovery Gardens residents will need to adjust to regulated parking.
Dubai Holding Community Management confirmed Parkonic will implement the paid parking system.
Key details:
- Each residential unit without existing parking facilities receives one complimentary permit
- Additional vehicles require paid parking subscriptions
- Parking zone signage installation scheduled before launch
- Contact 800 PARKONIC (72756642) for inquiries—available 24/7
Residents can also visit the Parkonic website for subscription details.
For more on Dubai’s parking changes, see our Dubai variable parking fees guide.
8. Content Creator Licence Deadline Extended
Content creators and influencers earning from promotional posts must obtain an official permit by January 31, 2026.
The UAE Media Council extended this deadline for the Advertiser Licence (Mu’lin Permit), originally introduced in July 2025.
Good news: The permit is free for three years for UAE citizens and residents.
Who must apply:
- Individuals 18 years or older
- Those with no previous media content violations
- Holders of valid electronic media trade licences
Exemptions apply to:
- Individuals promoting their own products or services through personal social media accounts
- Minors under 18 producing educational, cultural, sports, or awareness content (subject to age classification laws)
Apply through the UAE Media Council website.
For detailed licensing requirements, read our guides on UAE influencer business licences and the UAE Mu’lin permit.
Key Takeaway
January 2026 brings substantial regulatory updates across education, religion, environment, transport, and digital media sectors in the UAE. Residents should mark key dates—especially January 1, January 9, January 15, and January 31—to stay compliant and avoid disruptions to daily routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do UAE schools finish on Fridays in 2026?
From January 9, 2026, Dubai private schools and early childhood centres must end their Friday school day by 11:30am. This change accommodates the new nationwide Friday prayer time of 12:45pm.
What single-use plastic items are banned in UAE from January 2026?
The UAE bans beverage cups, lids, cutlery (forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks), plates, straws, drink stirrers, and Styrofoam food containers. Import, manufacture, and trade of these items are prohibited nationwide.
Do content creators in UAE need a licence in 2026?
Yes. Content creators and influencers earning money from promotional posts must obtain the Advertiser Licence (Mu’lin Permit) by January 31, 2026. The permit is free for three years for UAE citizens and residents.
How does Dubai Airport’s Red Carpet service work for arrivals?
Cameras capture biometric data as passengers walk the red carpet. AI systems match this data with GDRFA records. First-time users register at passport control, then use smart gates on future visits.
When does paid parking start in Discovery Gardens Dubai?
Paid parking begins January 15, 2026. Each residential unit without existing parking facilities receives one free permit. Additional vehicles require paid subscriptions through Parkonic.
What is the new UAE Friday prayer time in 2026?
From January 2, 2026, Friday sermon and prayer will be held at 12:45pm across all UAE mosques. This standardisation applies nationwide.
How will sugar-sweetened drinks be taxed in UAE from 2026?
The UAE moves from a flat 50% tax to a tiered system based on sugar content. Drinks with higher sugar levels will attract higher taxes under the new GCC-aligned volumetric model.
Who is exempt from the UAE content creator licence?
Individuals promoting their own products or services through personal accounts don’t need the permit. Minors under 18 creating educational, cultural, sports, or awareness content are also exempt, provided they comply with age classification laws.
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