As the saying goes, “new year, new beginnings”; January 2026 will definitely bring a lot of updates for the residents of the country and various other places across the country. From transportation and education to sustainability to digital travel and the cost of living, major changes under the UAE new rules in January 2026 will come into effect, shaping daily life.
UAE new rules January 2026 Updated
Below is a simple breakdown of the eight major changes, including a fuel price update, which will come into force in the UAE from January 2026.
1. Red Carpet Airport Corridor Extended at DXB
Passengers coming to Dubai International Airport (DXB) can expect a faster and smoother experience. The airport will extend its biometric “Red Carpet” smart corridor to arrive at Terminal 3. The system allows travellers to pass through the passport control without having to present their documents and wait for their turn, using advanced facial recognition technology. Groups of up to ten passengers can pass through the corridor at the same time, thus greatly lowering waiting times. The expansion is part of Dubai’s efforts to increase the efficiency of the airport and provide a better experience for passengers at the busiest international airport in the world.
2. Sugar Tax Initiated Across the UAE
A modified excise tax on sweetened beverages will become effective on January 1, 2026 as part of a wider GCC health initiative. Unlike the previous flat-rate tax, the new model will apply the tax to the manufacturers based on the sugar content:
- High-sugar drinks will be subject to the highest tax.
- Moderate-sugar drinks will be covered by a reduced levy.
- Beverages with low and artificial sweeteners will be excluded from tax.
This rule aims to promote healthier eating and motivate manufacturers to reduce sugar in their drinks.
3. School Student Shortened Fridays in Dubai
Private school students in Dubai are set to have shorter school days on Fridays, with the end of classes before 11:30am, starting in mid-January. This adjustment is consistent with adjustments to the timings of Friday prayers throughout the UAE and will ensure that students and staff can return home in time to attend congregational prayers. It is a further step in synchronising the education time with the religious practices of the nation.
4. Ban on Single-Use Plastic Products
Commencing from the first day of 2026, Dubai is entering the last phase of its ban on single-use plastic products. Items like plastic plates, food containers, cutlery and cups with plastic lids will no longer be allowed. At the same time, a ban on the importation, production, and sale of single-use plastic products will come into operation on a nationwide basis. This initiative supports the broader sustainability and protection of the environment in the UAE.
5. Content Creator Licence Deadline
Influencers and digital content creators who earn money from advertising are required to obtain an official licence for advertising by January 31, 2026. Issued by the UAE Media Council, the licence is regulating online advertising activity and intends to improve transparency in digital marketing. The licence is free for UAE citizens and residents for the first three years and is renewable yearly. Some categories, such as minors who produce educational or awareness content, are exempt.
6. Nationwide Standardisation of Friday Prayer time
The UAE updated Friday prayer timing to 12:45pm, effective from January 2, 2026 across the country. Authorities say this standardise friday timing will ensure uniformity and better organisation at mosques. Worshippers are encouraged to arrive early to participate in the full sermon.
7. Paid Parking Implementation
Discovery Gardens will be the latest Dubai neighbourhood to introduce regulated paid parking from January 15, 2026. Residents without private parking will receive one free permit per unit, while households with more than one vehicle will have to purchase additional subscriptions. The use of the system will be under the control of a private parking operator, complete with notice boards installed before the launch.
8. UAE Fuel Price Change in 2026
As with every new year, the price of fuels in the UAE will increasingly be reviewed each month in line with the trends in the global oil market. While January prices are announced at the end of December, motorists are advised to expect fuel prices to change under UAE new rule January 2026 due to fluctuations in the international energy markets. Fuel costs continue to be a major factor that will influence transportation costs, as well as the cost of living overall.
What This Means to Residents
These new regulations, which will be in effect from January 2026, reflect the country’s emphasis on:
- Smarter Transport and Digital Services
- Health and sustainability initiatives
- Clarity of regulation for businesses and creators
- Improved work-likely balance as well as religious observance
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for these updates so we can have a smooth transition into the new year.
Related Reads:
Free Public Parking Dubai: RTA Suspends Fees on Jan 1 for New Year 2026
UAE Announces Public Holiday on New Year and Remote Work on 2nd January 2026
