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As 2026 begins, Dubai is rolling out a series of changes that will impact residents, travellers, families, and businesses alike. From smarter airport experiences to new taxes and family-focused initiatives, January marks a fresh chapter for the emirate.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing—so you’re not caught off guard. pasted
1) ‘Red Carpet Corridor’ Expansion at DXB
The world’s busiest international airport, Dubai International Airport, is expanding its ultra-fast biometric “Red Carpet” corridor.
Originally launched for business-class departures, the service will now extend to Terminal 3 arrivals, allowing passengers to clear passport control in seconds—without presenting documents or stopping to queue. Groups of up to 8–10 people can move through simultaneously using real-time biometric verification.
2) New Tiered Sugar Tax Introduced
From January 1, the United Arab Emirates will introduce a tiered excise tax on sweetened drinks as part of a wider GCC health initiative.
Instead of a flat 50% tax, beverages will now be taxed based on sugar content:
- High sugar (8g+ per 100ml): AED 1.09 per litre
- Moderate sugar (5–8g): AED 0.79 per litre
- Low sugar (<5g): Tax-free
- Artificial sweeteners only: Tax-free
3) Shorter Fridays for School Students
Private school students in Dubai will now finish classes before 11:30am every Friday, starting January 9.
This change aligns with updated Friday prayer timings, which move from 1:15pm to 12:45pm, ensuring students and staff can reach home comfortably before prayers begin.
4) Single-Use Plastic Ban Comes into Force
A major sustainability milestone arrives on January 1 with the full enforcement of Dubai’s single-use plastic ban.
Items being phased out include:
- Plastic food containers
- Plastic plates and tableware
- Beverage cups with plastic lids
In addition, the import, manufacture, and trade of single-use plastic consumer products and bags will be banned nationwide.
5) 2026 Declared the ‘Year of the Family’
The UAE has officially named 2026 as the Year of the Family, reinforcing the family unit as the foundation of society and national development.
The initiative will influence policies, community programmes, and awareness campaigns across all seven emirates—focusing on family stability, cohesion, and long-term wellbeing.
6) Extended Dubai Metro Hours on New Year’s Day
With January 1 being a public holiday, Dubai Metro services are expected to operate for longer hours.
While official timings are yet to be announced, extended services—similar to previous years—are likely, especially due to high passenger traffic at DXB during the festive period.
7) Free Public Parking on New Year’s Day
Free public parking is expected across most of Dubai on January 1, following the emirate’s usual public holiday practice.
As always, multi-storey parking facilities may remain chargeable, so motorists should check signage before parking.
Final Takeaway
January 2026 brings meaningful changes to daily life in Dubai—spanning travel, education, sustainability, health, and family wellbeing. Whether you’re a resident, parent, or frequent traveller, these updates reflect Dubai’s continued push toward smarter living and future-ready governance.
