What To Know
- Abu Dhabi residents are in for a year of significant legal changes as 2026 brings a host of new regulations affecting daily life across the emirate.
- With these nine new laws in effect, residents and businesses alike will need to adapt to changes that aim to modernise governance, protect the environment, and enhance quality of life across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
- From January 1, 2026, Emirati nationals working in the private sector will receive a new minimum wage of Dhs6,000, up from the previous Dhs5,000.
Abu Dhabi residents are in for a year of significant legal changes as 2026 brings a host of new regulations affecting daily life across the emirate. From workplace reforms to environmental rules, these updates impact government employees, students, and the wider community. Here’s a breakdown of nine important laws and policy updates coming this year.
1. Modernised HR Law for Government Employees
Effective January 1, 2026, Abu Dhabi has introduced a new Human Resources law for government employees, emphasising performance and merit over years of service. The law establishes career advancement pathways based on results, offers flexible working arrangements, enhances parental leave, and provides support for employees exploring entrepreneurial ventures.
2. Legal Adulthood Now Starts at 18
The government has lowered the age of legal adulthood from 21 to 18. This change allows young adults to sign contracts and manage their legal and financial responsibilities earlier, granting them full independence in key areas of personal and business affairs.
3. Updated Protections for Plant and Animal Species
Replacing the 22-year-old Federal Law No. 11 of 2002, new federal legislation strengthens protection for endangered plants and animals, modernises quarantine procedures, and regulates international trade. Violations, such as illegal import or export of protected species, carry fines ranging from Dhs30,000 to Dhs2 million.
4. Adjusted Friday School Timings
Public schools across the UAE will now end earlier on Fridays to align with updated Friday prayer times. From January 9, timings are as follows:
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Kindergarten: 8am – 11:30am
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Cycle One: 7:10am – 10:30am or 8am – 11:30am
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Cycles Two and Three: Boys 7:10am – 10:30am, Girls 8am – 11:30am
5. Higher Minimum Wage for Emirati Private Sector Workers
From January 1, 2026, Emirati nationals working in the private sector will receive a new minimum wage of Dhs6,000, up from the previous Dhs5,000.
6. Tiered Sugar Tax Introduced
The Ministry of Finance has implemented a tiered excise tax on sweetened drinks to encourage healthier consumption habits. Drinks with 8g or more sugar per 100ml will be taxed Dhs1.09 per litre, 5–8g per 100ml taxed Dhs0.79, while low-sugar and artificially sweetened drinks are exempt.
7. Changes to School Admission Ages
From the 2026–27 academic year, school and kindergarten cut-off ages are now based on December 31 of the admission year, rather than August 31. For example, Pre-K students must be three by December 31, KG1 students four, and Year 1 students five.
8. Banks to Phase Out OTPs
The Central Bank of the UAE is introducing a new system for digital payments, replacing one-time passwords (OTPs) with in-app confirmation for transactions. Full rollout is expected by March 2026.
9. Single-Use Plastic Ban Expanded
From January 1, the UAE has prohibited the import, manufacture, and sale of single-use plastics. The ban extends beyond plastic bags to all single-use plastic items, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ongoing sustainability initiatives.
With these nine new laws in effect, residents and businesses alike will need to adapt to changes that aim to modernise governance, protect the environment, and enhance quality of life across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
