2026 is bringing some of the biggest upgrades across the UAE to date
From groundbreaking public transport updates to new sustainability laws and revised taxes, the coming year is set to be one of the most transformative yet. Here’s a sneak peek at the key changes that’ll shake up daily life across the UAE.
Etihad Rail is on track to arrive
The much-anticipated Etihad Rail passenger service is just around the corner. Currently serving freight, the rail network already spans the entire country. When it switches to public transport in 2026, it’ll connect all seven emirates, providing a fast, efficient alternative to driving. The service will kick off with routes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
By 2030, the rail network will cover all the Emirates. Travel times will be impressive—like just 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, around 100 minutes to Fujairah, and about 50 minutes from Dubai to Fujairah. Even the trip from Abu Dhabi to Ruwais will take just over an hour. For daily commuters, weekend getaways, and anyone fed up with the traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road, this is a game-changer.
Flying taxis will take off
Yes, you read that right—the flying-taxi era is officially here. The RTA has confirmed that fully electric air taxis will be taking flight in the first quarter of 2026. The first vertiports will be at Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, and Dubai Marina. Each air taxi will carry a pilot and up to four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 320km/h. That means the trip from DXB to Palm Jumeirah could go from a 45-minute drive to just 10-12 minutes.
New single-use plastic rules
Dubai’s major crackdown on single-use plastics hits its final phase on January 1, 2026. From that date, plastic plates, tableware, food containers, and beverage cups with plastic lids will be banned across the emirate. This follows a phased rollout announced at the end of 2023, all aimed at cutting down waste and encouraging sustainable habits. Get ready to see more eco-friendly alternatives at takeaways and cafés.
Sugar tax updated
A big change to the soft-drink tax kicks in on New Year’s Day. Beverages will now be taxed according to their sugar content, with the new tiered system also applying to artificially sweetened drinks. This means prices will vary depending on how much sugar or sweetener is in each drink.
Bank OTPs on the way out
Online banking is getting a security boost. Starting July 25, banks began replacing SMS and email OTPs with app-based verification. By March 2026, the old OTP system will be fully phased out. Customers are encouraged to update their apps to stay ahead of the change, as the Central Bank works to make digital banking safer and more reliable.
GCC Unified Visa coming soon
Traveling around the Gulf is about to get a lot easier. The new GCC Unified Visa, similar to the Schengen system, is set to launch its pilot phase, with the UAE and Bahrain leading the way. If successful, it will roll out across all six GCC countries. An integrated digital platform will allow nations to share border and travel data, making the process smoother and boosting safety.
