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What To Know
- The first vertiport is expected to reach completion by the end of March which places the city at the front of a new era in quick travel.
- The Dubai Fountain reopened in October 2025 after a long maintenance period and still has new features arriving in 2026.
- This past year shifted the project forward at a steady pace, and the next step brings it directly into daily life.
New routes, fresh policies, and lifestyle shifts shape the next chapter.
The countdown to 2026 arrives with a list of updates that will shape everything from morning routines to weekend plans. The city has lined up new transport options, policy changes, and lifestyle shifts that arrive sooner than many expect. Some of these updates will feel immediate, while others settle in gradually as people adjust. The new year enters with momentum that creates a noticeable shift across daily life. This is the kind of transition that draws attention even from those who rarely track what changes from year to year. You may read through these updates and instantly picture how quickly they find a place in your routine.
Etihad Rail Passenger Service Arrives
The Etihad Rail passenger train opens its next era in 2026 after years of anticipation across the UAE. Freight already runs across the nationwide tracks, and soon passengers get the chance to travel between all seven emirates with far shorter travel times. The project received confirmation in May 2025 that public service begins in 2026, though the exact launch day remains pending. This past year shifted the project forward at a steady pace, and the next step brings it directly into daily life. This update will quietly slip into your weekend plans sooner than you expect, especially once people start sharing how easy their trips become.
Flying Taxis Begin Service
Flying taxis debut across the city in 2026 with routes linking DXB, Atlantis The Royal, Dubai Mall, and American University in Dubai. These ten minute flights introduce a new way to move through busy areas without dealing with road traffic. The first vertiport is expected to reach completion by the end of March which places the city at the front of a new era in quick travel. People will be curious about the first flights once the service becomes visible from familiar spots. You may catch yourself bragging about taking the air route long before the rest of your group even thinks about trying it.
Dubai Fountain Upgrade Finishes
The Dubai Fountain reopened in October 2025 after a long maintenance period and still has new features arriving in 2026. Emaar plans to complete advanced tech updates, fresh lighting enhancements, improved sound elements, and new choreography within the first half of the year. These additions keep the fountain experience current while still maintaining the appeal that attracts visitors daily. Downtown gatherings have always circled around the fountain, and this upgrade gives the area another round of attention. Chances are high that someone in your circle will drag you there for a quick look that turns into a full photo session.
Sugar Tax Rules Shift On January 1, 2026
A new tiered sugar tax system begins on January 1, 2026 which adjusts drink pricing based on sugar content. The previous system placed a single rate across all soft drinks, and this update introduces a more detailed structure. Drinks with artificial sweeteners are included in the revision which makes pricing vary between brands. These changes aim to guide consumers toward more thoughtful choices when selecting beverages. Your grocery cart might turn into a small discovery mission as you start noticing details you never bothered checking before.
Phase 3 Of The Single Use Plastic Ban Starts
Dubai’s phase out of single use plastics reaches its final stage at midnight on January 1, 2026. Plastic plates, plastic tableware, plastic containers, and beverage cups with plastic lids will no longer be allowed. The multi year plan began on the final day of 2023 and gave businesses time to transition into alternatives. This shift encourages more eco friendly habits across the city and influences how takeout meals are packaged. Takeout nights will suddenly feel fresh purely because the packaging starts telling a different story.
Banks Phase Out OTPs By March
Banks across the UAE continue their shift away from SMS and email OTP codes with full adoption of app based verification by March 2026. This applies to online shopping, QR code payments, and various digital transactions that previously relied on single use codes. The adjustment began in July 2025 and continues to roll out across banks in phases. Customers will see the new system appear more frequently as the deadline approaches. Your banking app will quietly become the new backstage pass for everything you approve online.
GCC Unified Visa Launches
The GCC Grand Tours visa arrives in 2026 and offers travel across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman under one application. Travellers will be able to apply online once the platform becomes available. Officials shared updates in November that the visa is expected to launch next year although terms and dates remain pending. This change creates an easier path for exploring cities across the region with a single process. Travel plans will turn surprisingly adventurous once you realize a single application opens a whole set of destinations.
The Year Of The Family Begins
The UAE names 2026 the Year of the Family as announced by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Programs and policies throughout the year will spotlight the role of the family and support stronger connections across households. The initiative places focus on long term stability and the social value families bring to the country. This theme will guide projects and community efforts through all seven emirates. Your calendar might fill up faster than usual as gatherings take on a more meaningful tone throughout the year.
Dubai enters 2026 with changes that reach into transportation, personal habits, banking routines, regional travel, and family focused experiences. Each update adds something noticeable to everyday life and sets a clear direction for the months ahead. These shifts may feel natural once they settle in, but reading them now shows how much the new year plans to introduce. The moment the year begins, the changes begin to shape what comes next.
