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 is a breakdown of nine important laws and policy updates now in effect.
1. Modernised HR Law for Government Employees
Effective 1 January 2026, Abu Dhabi 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 the 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 now end earlier on Fridays to align with updated Friday prayer times. From 9 January 2026, the new timings are:
- Kindergarten: 8am – 11:30am - Cycle One: 7:10am – 10:30am or 8am – 11:30am - Cycles Two and Three: Boys 7:10am – 10:30am, Girls 8am – 11:30am
5. Higher Minimum Wage for Emirati Private-Sector Workers
From 1 January 2026, Emirati nationals working in the private sector receive a new minimum wage of Dhs6,000, up from the previous Dhs5,000. Employers have until 30 June 2026 to implement the updated figure, which will be enforced via the MoHRE smart app.
6. Tiered Sugar Tax Introduced
The Ministry of Finance has implemented a tiered excise tax on sweetened drinks to encourage healthier consumption habits. Under the new UAE sugar tax rules:
- Drinks with 8g or more sugar per 100ml are taxed Dhs1.09 per litre - Drinks with 5–8g per 100ml are taxed Dhs0.79 per litre - 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 31 December of the admission year, rather than 31 August. Pre-K students must turn three by 31 December, KG1 students four, and Year 1 students five.
8. Banks to Phase Out OTPs
The Central Bank of the UAE is replacing one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email with in-app transaction confirmation for digital payments. The full rollout is expected by March 2026, shifting authentication to secure ID verification built directly into mobile banking apps.
9. Single-Use Plastic Ban Expanded
From 1 January 2026, the UAE prohibits the import, manufacture, and sale of single-use plastics. The ban goes beyond the plastic bag restrictions introduced in Abu Dhabi in 2022, covering all single-use plastic items and reinforcing the emirate's broader sustainability commitments.
With these nine new laws now in effect, residents and businesses alike will need to adapt to changes that modernise governance, protect the environment, and enhance quality of life across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
