UAE

8 New Rules Taking Effect from January 2026

As the clock strikes midnight, the new year will bring more than just celebrations. From January 1, 2026, a number of major policy changes will come into effect across the UAE, with several taking effect from the very first day.

While January 1, 2026 is a public holiday for both private and public sector workers, it also marks the start of important updates that could affect daily life for residents. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing, when it starts, and who it impacts.

1. UAE schools to end Fridays early as prayer time changes

Most private schools in Dubai will finish much earlier on Fridays from 2026, following changes to the nationwide Friday prayer schedule.

On December 18, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai must end their school day no later than 11.30am on Fridays , starting January 9, 2026.

The move follows a nationwide change that sets Friday prayer at 12.45pm, giving Muslim students and staff enough time to return home before congregational prayers begin.

KHDA said the decision was made after consultations with schools across the emirate and is designed to balance learning needs with religious obligations.

2. Friday sermon and prayer time to be standardised nationwide

The change in school timings comes alongside a nationwide update to Friday prayer schedules.

From January 2, 2026 , the Friday sermon and prayer will be held at 12.45pm across the UAE, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has confirmed.

Authorities said the decision aims to standardise prayer times nationwide, improve organisation and ensure consistency for worshippers.

Worshippers have been advised to arrive early at mosques to avoid missing the sermon and to ensure they receive the full religious reward.

3. Sugar-sweetened drinks to be taxed differently from 2026

Sugary drinks in the UAE will be taxed under a new system starting next year, potentially affecting prices.

In October, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that updates to the UAE’s excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages will take legal effect on January 1, 2026.

What’s changing?

The UAE will move away from the current flat 50 per cent tax on all sugar-sweetened drinks. Instead, a tiered tax system will be introduced, where the amount of tax depends on how much sugar or sweetener a drink contains.

The update aligns the UAE with a GCC-wide volumetric model, aimed at making the tax system more precise, efficient and consistent across the region.

The changes are also part of broader efforts to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health outcomes.

4. Dubai Airport’s Red Carpet service expanding to arriving passengers

Arriving at Dubai International Airport could soon be much faster for some passengers.

Dubai Airports announced in November that its Red Carpet service, currently available for Business Class departures, will be extended to arriving passengers at Terminal 3 in the next two months (rollout expected by January 2026).

At the same time, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai began a trial phase of the service for arrivals, following its successful launch on the departures side earlier this year.

How the Red Carpet service works

As passengers walk across the red carpet, advanced cameras capture their biometric data, which is instantly matched with GDRFA records using AI-powered systems.

Travellers must complete a one-time registration at passport control on arrival, linking their passport details with their biometric profile. Once registered, they can use smart gates and corridors during future visits to Dubai, significantly reducing processing time.

5. UAE to expand ban on single-use plastics in 2026

The UAE’s plastic restrictions will widen again next year as part of its national sustainability strategy.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed that from January 1, 2026, the country will expand its ban on single-use plastic products under the second phase of Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022.

Plastic items to be banned nationwide

The import, manufacture and trade of the following single-use plastic items will be prohibited:

Beverage cups and lids
Cutlery, including forks, spoons, knives and chopsticks
Plates
Straws and drink stirrers
Food containers and boxes made from Styrofoam

The move is aimed at reducing waste, protecting marine and land ecosystems, and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

6. Dubai enters final phase of single-use plastic ban

Dubai will implement the final phase of its single-use plastic ban from January 1, 2026, further tightening restrictions across the emirate.

The phase will restrict items such as plastic plates, cutlery (including chopsticks), beverage cups and lids.

Dubai Municipality has prepared a detailed awareness guide to help businesses and affected entities transition to approved alternative materials that comply with the regulations.

What’s already been banned

Earlier phases of the ban included:

Single-use plastic bags (from January 1, 2024)
All single-use bags (from June 1, 2024)
Polystyrene cups, plates and containers
Plastic stirrers, cotton buds, table covers and straws (banned in 2025)

7. Another Dubai neighbourhood to introduce paid parking

Residents in Discovery Gardens will soon need to adjust to regulated parking.

Dubai Holding Community Management has informed residents that paid parking will be introduced across Discovery Gardens from Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The system will be implemented by Parkonic, with parking zone signage scheduled to be installed ahead of the launch.

What residents need to know

Each residential unit without existing parking facilities will receive one complimentary parking permit
Residents with more than one vehicle will need to purchase a paid parking subscription for additional cars

For more details, residents can visit the Parkonic website or contact 800 PARKONIC (72756642), which operates 24/7.

8. UAE’s content creator licence deadline

Content creators and influencers who earn money from promotional posts must obtain an official permit by January 31, 2026.

The UAE Media Council announced in October that it had extended the deadline for content creators and advertisers to apply for the Advertiser Licence until this date. The licence, introduced in July, is aimed at regulating advertising activity across social media platforms.

The permit can be applied for through the UAE Media Council’s official website and is valid for one year, with the option to renew. As a form of support, the permit is free for the first three years for UAE citizens and residents.

Who can apply?

To qualify for the permit, applicants must:

Be 18 years or older (exceptions may be granted by the Council)
Have no previous media content violations
Hold a valid electronic media trade licence issued by the relevant authority (for UAE citizens and residents)

Who does not need the permit?

The Mu’lin Advertiser Permit is not required for:

Individuals promoting their own products or services through personal social media accounts, or those of their own company
Minors under 18 producing educational, cultural, sports or awareness content, provided it complies with existing age classification laws.

Story by Gulf News

Business

Dubai Gold Falls Again: Time to Buy?

Gold prices in Dubai fell further on Wednesday morning, giving jewellery buyers a good price break after rates pulled back from the highs seen earlier this month.

At 8.50 am, 24-karat gold stood at Dh491.50 per gram, compared with Dh498.75 on Tuesday, while 22-karat gold was at Dh455.25, down from Dh461.75. The latest decline gives UAE shoppers a lower entry point, although traders say buyers should still expect quick price swings because global bullion remains sensitive to the dollar, US interest-rate expectations and equity market volatility.

The fall marks a retreat from the start of June, when 24-karat gold was trading above Dh539 per gram and later touched Dh542.50 on June 2. Prices remained elevated in the first week, with 24-karat gold at Dh538.50 on June 4 before easing to Dh522.50 on June 5 and holding near Dh521 levels over the following days.

Prices pull back from June highs

The most notable move came around June 10, when 24-karat gold dropped to Dh492.50 and 22-karat fell to Dh456, before prices recovered again in the middle of the month. By June 15 and 16, 24-karat gold had climbed back above Dh521, while 22-karat returned to the Dh482 to Dh483 range.

That recovery did not last. Prices eased again from June 18, when 24-karat gold stood at Dh509.25 and 22-karat at Dh471.50. By June 22, 24-karat had slipped to Dh506, followed by Dh498.75 on June 23 and a further decline on Wednesday morning. The latest price leaves 24-karat gold more than Dh50 below its June 2 level, giving buyers a much lower rate than they would have paid earlier this month.

Should shoppers buy now?

The latest drop improves affordability, especially for those purchasing wedding jewellery, gifts or larger pieces where a Dh40 to Dh50 move per gram can make a visible difference to the final bill. Buyers who have been waiting through June’s price swings may see current levels as more attractive, particularly after the metal’s pullback from record highs.

Still, analysts say the decision depends on whether shoppers are buying for immediate use or trying to time the market. Those purchasing for near-term needs may benefit from the current correction, while buyers with flexibility may prefer staggered purchases because the market remains exposed to sudden moves.

Dollar strength weighs on bullion

Globally, gold fell for a second day as a stronger US dollar and a tech-led selloff in equities prompted some investors to cut bullion holdings and raise cash to cover losses elsewhere.

Spot gold dropped as much as 1.2% to below $4,070 an ounce, after falling 1.7% in the previous session to record its lowest close in two weeks. US Treasuries rallied on Tuesday, while a gauge of the dollar gained 0.6% so far this week, making dollar-priced bullion more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

Gold is usually seen as a haven during periods of uncertainty, but it can also fall during broad market selloffs because investors use it as a source of liquidity. Tuesday’s Wall Street decline was driven by concerns that the AI-led equity rally had moved too far, although Asian markets later showed a cautious recovery.

Rate outlook remains a risk

Gold is also facing pressure from persistent inflation risks and expectations that central banks may keep interest rates steady for longer or move towards further hikes. Higher borrowing costs tend to weigh on gold because the metal does not offer interest income.

The hawkish tone from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has added to investor caution and partly offset the supportive impact from last week’s interim US-Iran peace deal. Until there is greater clarity on inflation, interest rates and the dollar, Dubai gold prices are likely to remain volatile, even if current levels look more appealing for shoppers than the highs seen earlier this month.

UAE

Barakah attack condemned, global nuclear safety

A wide international coalition, including the UAE, EU and dozens of countries such as the US, UK, France, Saudi Arabia and Japan, has issued a joint statement condemning a drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE.

The May 17, 2026 strike, attributed to armed factions in Iraq, targeted electrical infrastructure outside the plant’s inner perimeter and was described as a “flagrant violation of international law”. The signatories warned of serious safety, environmental and humanitarian risks, urged an immediate halt to attacks on the UAE, and reaffirmed support for the peaceful operation and security of nuclear facilities under IAEA oversight.

A joint statement on the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Plant has been issued by the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Egypt, Ecuador, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tonga, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, and Yemen. Following is the statement:

“We condemn in the strongest terms the drone attack of 17 May 2026 launched by armed factions in Iraq on electrical infrastructure outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.

This attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and threatens regional and international peace and security. The attack posed significant risks for civilian lives and objects and of potential severe transboundary radiological, environmental, and human health consequences.

We express our deep concern over this dangerous escalation and demand the immediate and permanent cessation of all attacks against the United Arab Emirates, including attacks against nuclear facilities devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes. We call on States to refrain from acts of aggression and to respect their obligation, under international law, to ensure that their territory is not used by non-state actors to launch attacks against other States.

We strongly support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

We commend the prompt and transparent information provided to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by the United Arab Emirates through its competent authorities about the consequences of this attack, successful mitigation actions and radiation levels around the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant which remained normal.

We appreciate the continued efforts of the United Arab Emirates authorities to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful operation of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant under Agency safeguards and in accordance with the highest international standards, and welcome the ongoing coordination between the IAEA and the relevant United Arab Emirates authorities.

We reaffirm that the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant was designed, constructed, and is operated in accordance with the highest international standards and under the oversight of the United Arab Emirates’ Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and in line with the safety standards of the IAEA.

We support the continued efforts of the IAEA and the Director General in monitoring developments relevant to nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards in member States.

We call on States to refrain from any action that may endanger the safety and security of nuclear power plants devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes.

This drone attack affecting infrastructure in proximity to the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant facility underscores the urgent importance of protecting nuclear infrastructure devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes from threats and hostile acts.

We call for strengthened international cooperation aimed at protecting nuclear power plants devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes and related sites and infrastructure, including through enhanced physical protection, emergency preparedness, and resilience measures.”

Sports

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in UAE

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner meaning football fans in the UAE need to prepare for a summer of late nights and early mornings.

While not having free-to-air World Cup coverage, the UAE will still have full access to every single match through beIN SPORTS, the official broadcaster for the Middle East and North Africa region. That means all 104 games will be shown live, but via subscription-based platforms.

There are a few ways fans can tune in with the most traditional option through a beIN SPORTS satellite subscription, which delivers dedicated World Cup channels straight to your TV.

For those who prefer streaming, beIN CONNECT offers live coverage on mobile, laptop and smart TV devices. Meanwhile, TOD by beIN has become a popular standalone streaming option, giving fans more flexibility to follow the action without needing a full satellite package.

What time do the games kick-off in UAE?

With the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, spanning multiple time zones, matches will follow a structured daily rhythm designed for global audiences, but it isn’t so helpful for UAE fans.

During the group stage, the matches will most frequently rotate through the following set of kick-off windows:

11:00 PM GST
2:00 AM GST
5:00 AM GST
8:00–11:00 AM GST

It means fans in the Emirates will get a real mix of late night and sunrise football. Whether it’s gathering with friends late at night or catching highlights over morning coffee, the World Cup will be part of daily life across the country for a month-long stretch.

While the absence of free-to-air coverage means viewers need a subscription to follow every match, the upside is complete access to the entire tournament in one place, with full coverage, analysis, and dedicated World Cup programming across beIN’s platforms.

And of course, football in the UAE rarely stays behind closed doors. Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, fans can expect packed sports bars, fan zones, and public screenings throughout the tournament, creating that shared World Cup atmosphere that brings people together no matter who they support.

So, whether you’re watching at 11pm, 2am or even grabbing a quick nap before a 5am kick-off, one thing is certain, the World Cup is set to take over life in the UAE once again.