ICYMI
If you’ve been working hard and missed the important news updates in Dubai this week, we’ve rounded up everything you need right here.
UAE legal age of adulthood reduced from 21 to 18 under new law
Turning 18 in the UAE is about to look very different. From June 1, young adults will officially gain full legal capacity under the UAE’s new Civil Transactions Law, marking a major shift in everything from contracts and banking to business and financial independence. For students, young professionals and future entrepreneurs, it’s a change that reflects how much opportunity opens up at 18 today.
Read more here.
Eid Al Adha 2026 holidays announced for UAE public sector
The UAE has officially announced the Eid Al Adha 2026 holidays for the public sector, with federal government employees to enjoy a five-day break. Based on current projections, the holiday is set to run from Tuesday, May 26 for Arafat Day through Friday, May 29 for Eid Al Adha; however, the public sector also have Monday off.
Read more here.
Parkin rolls out AI-powered smart parking cameras across Dubai
Parkin, the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, is installing more than 500 kerbside and pole cameras – the first of their kind in the region – across Trade Centre 1, Burj Khalifa and Al Corniche. Building on this, parking lot cameras have also been deployed in controlled parking areas, with a further 200 cameras set to be installed across the city.
Read more here.
Etihad Rail launches nationwide safety campaign ahead of passenger services
One of the UAE’s most anticipated megaprojects, Etihad Rail’s passenger service, is set to launch this year and has taken another step forward with the rollout of a nationwide rail safety campaign. The campaign is designed to educate the public on staying safe around railway infrastructure, with awareness efforts rolling out across TV, digital platforms and community initiatives in all seven emirates. It will play a critical role in ensuring communities, road users, and passengers know how to interact safely with the rail.
Flydubai suspends flights to these cities in Pakistan
Due to ‘operational reasons’, the daily flights to some cities in Pakistan have been suspended until further notice, according to The National. The flights to Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar have been affected and are now suspended and are unable to be booked on the flydubai website.
Read more here.
The world’s most powerful passports revealed
The 2026 Henley Passport Index is out, and Singapore has once again claimed the title of the world’s most powerful passport, offering the highest number of visa-free destinations.
Read more here.
New bridge opens as part of Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project
If you work in Downtown Dubai or DIFC, you know the rush-hour traffic struggle, but relief is on the way as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new 500-metre bridge as part of the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project to improve traffic flow around the WTC, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC. The new bridge, designed to carry outbound traffic from Al Bada’a towards 2nd of December Street with direct connections to Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mustaqbal Street, aims to ease congestion in the area and can accommodate up to 1,200 vehicles per hour.
Read more here.
Dubai launches world’s first AI smart bus station
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled the world’s first AI smart bus station at Mall of the Emirates. The station uses AI-powered cameras to monitor crowd movement, track occupancy levels and help manage commuter flow in real time. Screens inside the station also show how crowded incoming buses are before they arrive, making rush-hour decisions a little less stressful. The station also leans heavily into sustainability.
Read more here.
Bus-On-Demand service rolls out in four more key Dubai neighbourhoods
If you’re big on public transport and saving dirhams, this could be good news. Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its Bus-On-Demand service to now include four popular neighbourhoods: Al Qusais, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park.
Read more here.
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