UAE 2026: 11 major updates to know

2026 is already bringing some big changes across the UAE. Friday school days are shorter, trains between cities are about to run, air taxis are preparing to take off, and single-use plastics are officially out. Here’s the scoop on the UAE 2026 changes that will affect how we live, work and get around this year.

‘Year of Family’ declared in the UAE

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has officially declared 2026 the Year of Family. The initiative is about putting family at the centre of UAE life, supporting policies and programmes that strengthen family values, preserve cultural identity, and focus on future generations.

Unified GCC tourist visa expected

Travelling around the Gulf could get a lot easier in 2026. A single GCC tourist visa is set to launch, covering all six countries – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Instead of getting separate permits for each country, visitors will be able to explore the region on one visa, giving tourism and regional travel a big boost.

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New VAT and sugary drinks tax rules

From January 1, 2026, the UAE’s VAT system got a bit simpler for businesses. Self-invoicing under the reverse charge is no longer needed as long as standard transaction records are kept. At the same time, sugar-sweetened beverages are now taxed based on sugar content rather than a flat 50%. Drinks with higher sugar levels face higher taxes, nudging manufacturers to reformulate recipes and encouraging consumers to make healthier choices.

Advertiser licence required for content creators

Influencers, content creators, and advertisers now need an official Advertiser (Mu’lin) Permit by January 31. This applies to anyone promoting or reviewing products on social media – even unpaid. The permit lasts for a year and is free for the first three years, giving creators time to register. It’s part of wider efforts to regulate online advertising while supporting the growing digital content sector.

Major federal law reforms announced

2026 brings a wave of legal changes across the UAE:

• The legal age of maturity drops from 21 to 18, letting young adults manage finances earlier.

• New rules govern assets of foreign residents who pass away without heirs, designating them as charitable endowments.

• A child digital safety law introduces strict rules for online platforms, including age verification, content filtering, and restrictions on gambling-related games.

• Governance of higher education and scientific research has been overhauled, with new standards for licensing, quality assurance, and alignment with labour market needs.

• Other updates from late 2025 include tougher penalties for drug use, stricter punishments for sexual offences involving minors, and changes to foster care policies allowing foreign residents and single women to care for children under state care.

Paid parking introduced in more Dubai communities

Parking is getting a new structure in Dubai in 2026. Dubai International City will introduce paid parking from February 1, running 8am to midnight, with Sundays and public holidays free. Discovery Gardens starts regulated parking on January 15. Residents without existing facilities get one free permit per unit, while additional vehicles will need a subscription. It’s a small but practical change for city commuters and residents alike.

Friday prayers and shorter school days

Friday prayers across the UAE now start at 12.45pm, following a new directive from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat that took effect on January 2. As a result, private schools and early childhood centres have adjusted their schedules. From January 9, students will finish school by 11.30am on Fridays, giving families and staff time to get home before prayers. It’s a small change that will make a noticeable difference to weekend routines.

Etihad Rail passenger services set to launch

One of the UAE’s biggest transport projects, Etihad Rail, is gearing up to launch passenger services in 2026. The network will link 11 cities, from Al Sila to Fujairah, with journey times like 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and just over 100 minutes to Fujairah. Each train will carry up to 400 passengers, and annual ridership is projected to hit 36.5 million by 2030. For daily commuters and weekend travellers, this means faster, smoother intercity trips, and a real chance to skip the roads.

Air taxis to change inter-emirate travel

Dubai’s electric air taxi project is expected to take off in 2026, offering a new way to get around the city and beyond. Each aircraft will carry four passengers plus a pilot, fly over 300km/h, and cover distances of more than 200km – potentially cutting inter-emirate travel times to under 30 minutes. The first vertiport is under construction at Dubai International Airport, with more planned near Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Mall. If all goes to plan, air taxis could become a familiar part of city life this year.

Banks phase out SMS OTPs

UAE banks are making online transactions more secure by phasing out SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs). From January 6, all online card payments must be authenticated through a bank’s mobile app. The change follows new UAE Central Bank regulations aimed at reducing fraud risks like SIM swapping and phishing, making digital payments safer for everyone.

Nationwide ban on single-use plastics

From January 1, the UAE banned the import, production, and sale of certain single-use plastics. This includes items like cups, lids, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and food containers made of Styrofoam. The ban also covers thin paper bags (under 50 microns) and expands Dubai Municipality’s existing restrictions on items already prohibited in 2025. It’s a big step for sustainability, and residents and businesses will notice the difference quickly.

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