The UAE is starting 2026 with a series of regulatory changes that will directly impact residents, families, businesses, and commuters. From school schedules and prayer timings to plastic bans, airport travel, taxes, and parking, these updates are practical, immediate, and nationwide in scope. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing and how it may affect day to day life for residents.

Education & Religious Schedule Changes

Shorter School Fridays in Dubai

Fridays have always been challenging day in the UAE. Schools and Friday prayers road and foot traffic start to converge at some point on Friday as schools finish at 1145am and prayers start at 1230pm and go till 130pm. So from January 2026, most private schools in Dubai will be required to end classes by 11:30 AM on Fridays. This change aligns school schedules with the updated national Friday prayer timing, allowing families and students adequate time to get home and attend prayers.

Unified Friday Prayer Timing Across the UAE

Starting January 2, 2026, Friday prayers nationwide will be held at 12:45 PM.
The aim is to standardize prayer times across emirates, improve mosque organization, and ensure worshippers can attend the sermon without rushing from work or school.

Health & Taxation Updates

Tiered Sugar Tax on Soft Drinks

The UAE is trying to tackle it’s obseity problem and as such are replacing the flat 50% excise tax on sugary drinks with a tiered tax system.

• Drinks with higher sugar content will be taxed more
• Lower-sugar alternatives will face reduced tax pressure

This change aligns with GCC standards and supports national public health goals by discouraging excessive sugar consumption.

Travel & Airport Experience

Expansion of Dubai Airport’s Red Carpet Biometric Service

From early 2026, arriving passengers at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 will be able to use the AI-powered Red Carpet biometric fast-track. This will allow passengers to walk through smart corridors without passports or boarding passes, using AI-driven facial recognition linked to pre-verified data for a seamless, seconds-long clearance.

• One-time registration
• No passport or boarding pass checks at immigration
• Faster and smoother arrival experience

This expansion targets frequent travelers and aims to reduce congestion during peak periods.

Environmental Regulations

Nationwide Ban on Single-Use Plastics

The UAE is doing it’s bit to tackle waste and protect the environment from excessive use of single use plastics. As such, from January 1, 2026, the UAE will enforce a nationwide ban on several single-use plastic items, including:

• Plastic cups, plates, and cutlery
• Plastic straws
• Styrofoam food containers

Businesses will be required to switch to approved reusable or biodegradable alternatives to make a concerted effort to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Dubai’s Final Phase of the Plastic Ban

In parallel, Dubai will enter the final phase of its plastic restrictions, tightening enforcement and compliance requirements even further. Retailers, restaurants, and suppliers will face stricter checks and penalties for non-compliance.

Transport & Community Living

Paid Parking Introduced in Discovery Gardens

Parking in Discovery Gardens used to be a free for all and first come first serve system. From January 15, 2026, paid parking will be implemented in Discovery Gardens.

• Each residential unit will receive one free parking permit
• Additional vehicles will require a paid subscription

This move aims to reduce congestion and improve parking availability for residents wihtin the community.

Final Thoughts

As the population of Dubai increases by almost 17-18,000 every month, from prayer timings and school schedules to taxation, airport travel, sustainability, and parking, 2026 marks a practical shift in how daily life operates in the UAE for our every growing population. These are not symbolic changes to be felt somewhere down the line but operational ones and will be felt immediately.

Residents, parents, business owners, and commuters should prepare early to avoid disruption and stay compliant from day one. For ongoing updates, policy changes, and local trends, keep checking https://viewit.ae/ for the latest updates in Dubai and the UAE!