What Changes Across the UAE in January 2026?
As 2026 begins, several new rules are coming into force across the United Arab Emirates, affecting schools, taxes, travel procedures, environmental policy and digital content creation. While 1 January is a public holiday, it also marks the start of an important transition period for residents, visitors and businesses.
Some changes apply nationwide, such as the new Friday prayer time, the sugar tax system and the wider ban on single-use plastics. Others are specific to Dubai, including revised Friday school hours, paid parking in Discovery Gardens and the final phase of the emirate’s plastic restrictions.
Below is a clear breakdown of the main measures, when they take effect and who will feel the impact most directly.
Earlier Friday Closures for Dubai Schools
From 9 January 2026, private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai must end classes by 11:30 am on Fridays. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that the revised schedule is meant to reflect the new nationwide timing for Friday prayers.
The change is designed to allow students, teachers and support staff to return home or reach their local mosques comfortably before the sermon. Parents may need to adjust pick-up routines and childcare plans, but the shorter day also provides families with more time together on Friday afternoons.
Friday Prayer Time Standardised Across the UAE
From 2 January 2026, Friday sermons and prayers will begin at 12:45 pm throughout the UAE, according to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs. This unified schedule is intended to remove confusion over local timings and make planning easier for worshippers and employers.
Authorities are encouraging people to arrive early to avoid missing the sermon. Companies and institutions are expected to respect the standardised time when setting Friday working arrangements.
New Tiered Tax on Sugary Drinks
On 1 January 2026, the UAE moved from a flat 50 percent tax on sugar-sweetened drinks to a tiered excise system linked to sugar content. The new model, aligned with wider GCC standards, is designed to push manufacturers to reduce sugar levels and to encourage healthier consumer choices.
Under the tiered structure, drinks with higher sugar content face higher tax rates, while lower-sugar options are taxed less. This change affects soft drinks, energy drinks and other sweetened beverages sold in supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and vending machines across the country.
Households can expect some price adjustments as companies update their product lines and pricing, but the government’s main objective is to support public health and reduce long-term medical costs linked to obesity and diabetes.
Faster Travel with Dubai Airport’s Red Carpet Service
Dubai Airports is expanding its Red Carpet biometric service at Terminal 3 to include arriving passengers during January 2026. After a one-time registration, eligible travellers can use AI-powered smart corridors for quicker immigration clearance.
The system uses facial recognition to match passengers to their travel documents, cutting down the time spent in queues. For frequent flyers and families, the service promises smoother arrivals and a more predictable airport experience.
Nationwide Crackdown on Single-Use Plastics
From 1 January 2026, the UAE has widened its national ban on single-use plastics. The import, manufacture and sale of a range of items is now prohibited, including beverage cups and lids, cutlery and chopsticks, plates, straws and stirrers, and Styrofoam food containers.
The move is part of the country’s sustainability agenda and push towards a circular economy. Supermarkets, cafés and restaurants are expected to switch to reusable or approved eco-friendly alternatives, while consumers will see more paper, metal and biodegradable options at the checkout.
Separately, Dubai is entering the final phase of its own single-use plastic ban from 1 January 2026. The emirate will enforce further restrictions on plastic plates, cutlery, cups and lids, with Dubai Municipality issuing guidelines to help businesses switch to compliant products.
Paid Parking Arrives in Discovery Gardens
From 15 January 2026, paid parking will be introduced across Discovery Gardens in Dubai. Each residential unit that does not already have a dedicated parking space will receive one free parking permit, but extra vehicles will require paid subscriptions.
The aim is to better manage high demand for parking in the community and to discourage long-term use of public spaces by multiple cars from the same household. Residents should review the new permit rules and subscription options to avoid fines once enforcement begins.
Deadline for Content Creator Advertiser Licences
Influencers and content creators who earn money from promotional posts now have a key compliance date to watch. By 31 January 2026, they must obtain an Advertiser Licence from the UAE Media Council if they earn income from paid advertising on social media.
The permit is free for the first three years for UAE citizens and residents. It is intended to bring more transparency and accountability to online advertising, ensuring that paid promotions follow local media and consumer protection rules.
Creators, agencies and brands working with influencers should make sure that all paid campaigns are handled by licenced account holders. Failure to comply with the new rules could result in penalties or restrictions on future commercial activity.
