January 2026 will mark the rollout of multiple regulatory changes across the UAE, with updates affecting residents’ routines, businesses, and public services from the very first day of the new year.
Private schools in Dubai will adjust Friday schedules, ending the school day by 11.30am to align with the revised nationwide Friday prayer time of 12.45pm. Authorities confirmed the move balances academic needs with religious observance.
In line with this, Friday sermons and prayers will be held at 12.45pm across all emirates from January 2, ensuring uniform prayer timings nationwide.
Consumers may notice changes in beverage prices as the UAE introduces a new excise tax model for sugar-sweetened drinks. Effective January 1, 2026, taxation will depend on sugar content rather than a flat rate, supporting healthier consumption habits.
Dubai International Airport will also enhance passenger experience by extending its Red Carpet biometric immigration service to arriving passengers at Terminal 3, reducing processing times through AI-enabled identification.
Environmental measures will expand significantly, with the UAE enforcing a wider ban on single-use plastic products nationwide from January 1, 2026. Dubai will complete its final phase of plastic restrictions, targeting items such as plates, cutlery, cups, and lids.
Additionally, Discovery Gardens residents will see paid parking introduced from January 15, 2026, managed by Parkonic, with complimentary permits issued to qualifying households.
These updates reflect the UAE’s ongoing efforts to improve sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life for residents.
