The UAE has entered 2026 with significant policy changes, infrastructure projects, and legal reforms affecting residents, families, businesses, and visitors.
From transport innovations and banking security updates to education adjustments and environmental regulations, several updates have already taken effect while others roll out in the coming months.
Here’s your complete guide to what’s changing this year.
1. Friday Prayer Times and Shorter School Days
Friday sermons and prayers across the UAE are now held at 12:45pm, following an announcement by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. This change came into effect on January 2, 2026.
As a result, schools end earlier on Fridays. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has directed all Dubai private schools and early childhood centres to finish the school day no later than 11:30am on Fridays from January 9, 2026.
Government school Friday schedules:
- Kindergarten: 8am – 11:30am
- Cycle 1: 7:10am – 10:30am or 8am – 11:30am
- Cycles 2 and 3 (Boys): 7:10am – 10:30am
- Cycles 2 and 3 (Girls): 8am – 11:30am
This gives students and staff adequate time to return home before prayers.
2. Etihad Rail Passenger Services Launch
Etihad Rail is preparing to launch passenger services in 2026, introducing a nationwide railway network connecting 11 cities from Al Sila to Fujairah.
Planned journey times:
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes
Each train carries up to 400 passengers across first, business, and economy classes. Projected annual ridership reaches 36.5 million by 2030.
Stations will feature direct connections to Dubai Metro, RTA buses, and taxi services through unified nol card ticketing.
3. Air Taxis Set to Take Off in Dubai
Dubai’s electric air taxi project is expected to begin operations in 2026.
Key specifications:
- 4 passengers plus pilot capacity
- Speeds exceeding 300km/h
- Range over 200 kilometres
- Inter-emirate travel times under 30 minutes
The first vertiport is under construction at Dubai International Airport, with additional locations planned near Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Mall. Both Archer and Joby Aviation are processing applications with the General Civil Aviation Authority.
4. Banks Phase Out SMS One-Time Passwords
Several UAE banks have begun phasing out SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs) for online card transactions.
From January 6, 2026, customers must authenticate payments exclusively through their bank’s mobile app.
This change follows new UAE Central Bank directives aimed at improving digital payment security. SMS and email OTPs are considered vulnerable to fraud such as SIM swapping and phishing attacks.
What to do: Download your bank’s official mobile app and enable biometric authentication before the deadline.
5. Nationwide Ban on Single-Use Plastics
From January 1, 2026, the UAE introduced a nationwide ban on single-use plastic products.
Banned items include:
- Beverage cups and lids
- Plastic cutlery (forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks)
- Plates, straws, and stirrers
- Food containers made of Styrofoam
- Single-use bags of any material (including paper bags thinner than 50 microns)
Dubai Municipality has implemented the final phase of its own plastic ban, expanding restrictions on products already prohibited during 2025.
Businesses must provide reasonably priced reusable alternatives and adopt recycled products where possible.
6. New VAT and Sugar Tax Rules
Amendments to the UAE’s VAT law came into effect on January 1, 2026, simplifying compliance for businesses. One key change removes the requirement for self-invoicing under the reverse charge mechanism, provided standard transaction records are maintained.
Sugar tax changes:
The UAE introduced updated excise tax rules for sugar-sweetened beverages. The system now uses tiered tax rates based on sugar content, replacing the previous flat 50% tax.
Drinks with higher sugar levels face higher taxes, encouraging healthier consumer choices and reformulation by manufacturers. Expect pricing adjustments on soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages throughout 2026.
7. Unified GCC Tourist Visa Expected
A single GCC tourist visa is expected to launch in 2026, allowing visitors to travel across all six Gulf countries using one permit.
Countries covered:
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
Currently, GCC residents need separate e-visas for each country. The unified visa aims to boost tourism and simplify regional travel.
8. 2026 Declared ‘Year of Family’
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2026 the Year of Family, highlighting the family as the foundation of UAE society.
Initiative focus areas:
- Strengthening family values
- Preserving cultural identity
- Supporting future generations through family-centred policies and programmes
Expect new government initiatives and benefits focused on families throughout the year.
9. Advertiser Licence Required for Content Creators
Content creators, influencers, and advertisers must obtain the Advertiser (Mu’lin) Permit by January 31, 2026.
The permit applies to anyone promoting or reviewing products or services on social media, even if unpaid.
Key details:
- Valid for one year, renewable
- Free for the first three years for UAE citizens and residents
- Applies alongside existing trade and media licence requirements
Exemptions:
- Individuals promoting their own products/services through personal accounts
- Minors under 18 creating educational, cultural, sports, or awareness content (subject to age classification laws)
Apply through the UAE Media Council website.
10. Major Federal Law Reforms
Several new federal laws have been announced:
Lowered age of maturity: The UAE has reduced the legal age of maturity from 21 to 18, allowing individuals to manage their financial affairs earlier. The updated law also outlines how assets of foreign residents who die without heirs or a will are handled, with such assets designated as charitable endowments.
Child digital safety law: New legislation introduces strict requirements for online platforms, including age verification, privacy protections, content filtering, and bans on children accessing online gambling-related games.
Higher education law: A new federal law overhauls governance of higher education and scientific research, setting national standards for licensing, quality assurance, and alignment with labour market needs.
Additional updates from late 2025:
- Tougher penalties for drug use
- Stricter punishments for sexual offences involving minors and prostitution
- Changes to foster care under Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, allowing foreign residents and single women to care for children of unknown parentage or under state care
11. Paid Parking in More Dubai Communities
Dubai International City: Paid parking begins February 1, 2026, with charges applying 8am to midnight. Parking is free on Sundays and public holidays.
Discovery Gardens: Regulated parking starts January 15, 2026. Residents without existing parking facilities receive one complimentary permit per unit. Additional vehicles require a paid subscription through Parkonic.
For more on Dubai’s parking fee structure, see our guide on variable parking fees.
Key Takeaway
The UAE enters 2026 with major changes across transport (Etihad Rail passenger services, air taxis), education (earlier Friday school hours), finance (bank OTP phase-out, new sugar tax rules), environment (plastic ban), and digital regulation (content creator permits). Residents should prepare for February paid parking in International City, update banking apps before January 6, and content creators must obtain their Mu’lin permit by January 31.
FAQs
When do the new UAE Friday school hours take effect?
New Friday school hours take effect from January 9, 2026. Government schools follow varying schedules by cycle, while all Dubai private schools must finish by 11:30am. This accommodates the new Friday prayer time of 12:45pm.
What single-use plastic items are banned in the UAE from 2026?
From January 1, 2026, the UAE bans beverage cups and lids, plastic cutlery (forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks), plates, straws, stirrers, Styrofoam food containers, and single-use bags of any material including paper bags thinner than 50 microns.
Do content creators need a licence in the UAE in 2026?
Yes, content creators promoting or reviewing products/services on social media must obtain the Advertiser (Mu’lin) Permit by January 31, 2026. The permit is free for three years for UAE citizens and residents. Exceptions apply for self-promotion and minors creating educational content.
When will Etihad Rail passenger services start?
Etihad Rail is preparing to launch passenger services in 2026. The network will connect 11 cities, with Abu Dhabi to Dubai taking 57 minutes and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah taking 105 minutes. The exact launch date hasn’t been announced.
What is the Year of Family in the UAE?
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed declared 2026 the Year of Family, focusing on strengthening family values, preserving cultural identity, and supporting future generations through family-centred policies and programmes.
JobXDubai 
Leave a comment