What To Know
- The service first launched in business class departures earlier in the year and was confirmed for expansion by Dubai Airports leadership during the Dubai Airshow.
- Here is a full breakdown of what officially changes in Dubai during January 2026, explained in plain language and kept factual.
- The same date will also mark a nationwide ban covering the import, manufacture, and trade of single use consumer plastic products and bags.
Everything changing in Dubai this January, explained clearly
January 2026 starts with confirmed updates that touch travel, school schedules, food prices, sustainability rules, and public transport access. These changes sit on official announcements and published government notices, with clear start dates already set. Residents, visitors, parents, travelers, and businesses will all notice the shift right from the first week of the year. Here is a full breakdown of what officially changes in Dubai during January 2026, explained in plain language and kept factual.
Faster airport clearance arrives at DXB Terminal 3
Dubai International Airport will extend its biometric Red Carpet Corridor service to arriving passengers at Terminal 3 during January. The service allows passengers to complete passport control using real time biometric verification, removing the need to show passports or boarding passes. Groups of up to eight or ten passengers can pass through the smart corridor at the same time.
The service first launched in business class departures earlier in the year and was confirmed for expansion by Dubai Airports leadership during the Dubai Airshow. Dubai Airports stated the upgrade supports smoother passenger processing during busy travel periods.
New tiered sugar tax begins January 1
The UAE Ministry of Finance will introduce a new tiered excise tax on sweetened beverages starting January 1, 2026. The updated structure replaces the flat excise model that launched in 2019.
High sugar drinks containing eight grams or more per 100 milliliters will carry a tax of AED 1.09 per litre. Drinks containing five grams or more but less than eight grams will be taxed at AED 0.79 per litre. Low sugar drinks containing less than five grams will remain exempt. Beverages containing only artificial sweeteners will also remain exempt.
Shorter Fridays confirmed for private schools
Dubai private schools will introduce earlier Friday dismissals starting January 9, following guidance from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Classes will finish by 11:30am every Friday.
The schedule update aligns with new Friday prayer timings, which shift to 12:45pm starting January 2. Schools already operate half days on Fridays, though this adjustment shortens the school day further for students and staff.
Single use plastic ban enters final phase
Dubai will enforce the final phase of its single use plastic ban at midnight on January 1. Plastic plates, plastic food containers, plastic tableware, and beverage cups with plastic lids will no longer be permitted.
The phase follows earlier steps announced during late 2023, giving businesses time to prepare. The same date will also mark a nationwide ban covering the import, manufacture, and trade of single use consumer plastic products and bags.
UAE officially launches Year of the Family
2026 has been declared the Year of the Family by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The theme will guide initiatives and policy focus during the year, with attention placed on family stability, growth, and long term social cohesion.
The announcement was made in November 2025 and applies throughout the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.
Metro hours and parking updates for New Year’s Day
Public transport adjustments are expected on January 1, which remains an official public holiday. The Dubai Metro typically extends operating hours during public holidays, and similar timings are expected again for New Year’s Day. Free public parking usually applies on public holidays, excluding multi storey parking. Authorities typically confirm the final parking notice shortly ahead of the holiday.
January 2026 brings practical changes that affect daily routines, travel experiences, family schedules, and consumer habits. Each update comes with confirmed timelines and official backing. Whether passing through DXB, sending kids to school, shopping for drinks, or planning transport on New Year’s Day, these changes set the tone for how Dubai begins the new year.
