The beginning of 2026 will deliver greater than fireworks and festivities. From January 1, a sequence of regulatory and coverage updates will roll out throughout the UAE, a lot of them coming into power on day one of many new yr.
Though January 1, 2026 is a public vacation for each private and non-private sector staff, residents will start to see adjustments that have an effect on colleges, journey, client costs, sustainability guidelines and digital media exercise. Here’s a clear, sensible information to what’s altering, when it begins and who it impacts.
Colleges to finish Fridays early as prayer time adjustments
Most non-public colleges in Dubai will end a lot earlier on Fridays from subsequent yr, following a change to the nationwide Friday prayer schedule.
On December 18, the Data and Human Improvement Authority introduced that personal colleges and early childhood centres should finish courses by 11.30am on Fridays, beginning January 9, 2026.
The adjustment follows the nationwide resolution to maneuver Friday prayers to 12.45pm, permitting college students and workers enough time to return residence earlier than congregational prayers. KHDA stated the transfer was made after consultations with colleges and goals to steadiness instructional wants with non secular observance.
Friday sermon and prayer time standardised nationwide
From January 2, 2026, the Friday sermon and prayer will likely be held at 12.45pm throughout the UAE.
The change was confirmed by the Common Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, which stated the replace will standardise prayer timings nationwide, enhance organisation and guarantee consistency for worshippers.
Residents are suggested to reach early at mosques to keep away from lacking the sermon.
Sugar sweetened drinks to face a brand new tax system
Sugary drinks within the UAE will likely be taxed otherwise from January 1, 2026, a transfer that might affect retail costs.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks will shift from a flat 50 per cent fee to a tiered system. Beneath the brand new mannequin, tax ranges will rely on how a lot sugar or sweetener a drink incorporates.
The change aligns the UAE with a GCC-wide volumetric framework and helps wider public well being objectives geared toward lowering sugar consumption.
Dubai Airport’s Purple Carpet service to incorporate arrivals
Arriving passengers at Dubai Worldwide Airport may quickly expertise sooner immigration processing.
Dubai Airports introduced that its Purple Carpet service, at present out there for Enterprise Class departures, will likely be prolonged to arriving passengers at Terminal 3 by January 2026.
The rollout is being carried out in coordination with the Common Directorate of Identification and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, which has already begun trial operations.
Passengers who full a one-time biometric registration on arrival will be capable to use sensible corridors and gates throughout future visits, considerably lowering processing instances.
UAE to widen ban on single-use plastics
Single-use plastic restrictions will increase nationwide from January 1, 2026, below the second part of Ministerial Choice No. 380 of 2022.
The Ministry of Local weather Change and Surroundings confirmed that the import, manufacture and commerce of a number of plastic objects will likely be banned, together with:
- Beverage cups and lids
- Cutlery corresponding to forks, spoons, knives and chopsticks
- Plates
- Straws and drink stirrers
- Styrofoam meals containers and bins
The transfer helps the UAE’s sustainability agenda and transition to a round financial system.
Dubai enters closing part of its plastic ban
Dubai will implement the ultimate part of its single-use plastic ban from January 1, 2026, tightening restrictions throughout the emirate.
Objects affected embrace plastic plates, cutlery, beverage cups and lids. Dubai Municipality has issued steering to assist companies shift to accredited various supplies.
Earlier phases already banned single-use plastic luggage, polystyrene containers, plastic stirrers, cotton buds and straws.
Paid parking to be launched in Discovery Gardens
Residents of Discovery Gardens will see regulated parking launched from January 15, 2026.
Dubai Holding Group Administration confirmed that the system will likely be operated by Parkonic, with signage put in forward of the launch. Every residential unit with out current parking will obtain one free allow, whereas extra automobiles would require a paid subscription.
Deadline set for UAE content material creator licence
Content material creators and influencers incomes revenue from promoting should acquire an official allow by January 31, 2026.
The UAE Media Council stated the Advertiser Licence applies to monetised promotional content material on social media platforms. The allow is legitimate for one yr and is free for the primary three years for UAE residents and residents.
The licence will not be required for people selling their very own services or products, or for minors producing instructional or consciousness content material consistent with age classification guidelines.
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