DUBAI: With the arrival of the new year 2026 in the UAE, some new rules and some changes will be seen.
If you are living in the UAE or planning to visit the Emirates in 2026, you need to know about some changes in the rules and regulations that will be implemented with the new year that will affect your daily life.
Friday Prayer
The timing of Friday prayers and sermons will be changed in the UAE from 2026. The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has announced a change in the timings of Friday sermons and prayers in the UAE, which will be effective from Friday, January 2, 2026.
Under the new schedule, the Friday sermon and prayer will be at 12:45 p.m.
School Timings
With the change in prayer times, schools will close early on Fridays. Most private schools in Dubai to close early on Fridays from 2026 after changes to Friday prayer schedules nationwide
On December 18, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that private schools and early childhood centers in Dubai will have to end their school day by 11.30am on Fridays starting January 9, 2026.
Tax on beverages
Sweetened beverages will be taxed differently from 2026. Sugary drinks in the UAE will be taxed under a new system starting next year, which is likely to affect prices.
In October, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that updates to the UAE’s excise tax on sugary drinks will come into legal effect from January 1, 2026.
Red Carpet
Arrival at Dubai International Airport could soon be a breeze for some travelers. Dubai Airports announced in November that its Red Carpet service, currently available for business class departures, will be extended to passengers arriving at Terminal 3 in the next two months.
As passengers walk the red carpet, advanced cameras capture their biometric data, which is instantly matched to GDRFA records using AI-powered systems.
Passengers will be required to complete a one-time registration at passport control upon arrival, linking their passport details to their biometric profile. Once registered, they can use smart gates and corridors during future visits to Dubai, which could significantly reduce processing times.
