People are talking about six changes in Dubai in January 2026
At the start of 2026, Dubai made a number of changes that will change how people live, work, and plan for the future. One of the most modern cities in the world is Dubai. It is still ahead of the rest when it comes to changes that make the city more sustainable, improve people’s lives, make government services work better, and make the economy more competitive. This January, everyone is talking about these six big changes and why they are important.
1. 🌱 The Last Step in the Ban on Single-Use Plastics
One of the biggest changes to the environment that will happen on January 1, 2026, is the bigger ban on single-use plastics. The last set of rules in the UAE’s larger plan for sustainability now says that
- Plastic cups and lids for drinks
- Plastic plates, forks, spoons, straws, and stirrers
- Styrofoam boxes and containers for food to go
You can’t make, sell, or bring these things into the country anymore unless they are made from plant-based or recycled materials that have been approved. If a business breaks the law for the first time, it will have to pay AED 2,000. It will have to pay AED 10,000 every time after that.
This push shows that Dubai is serious about cutting down on waste and promoting a circular economy, which is something that both residents and visitors care about.
2. New Friday and school hours
Another big change that affects daily life is that everyone now has the same Friday prayers and school dismissals. As of January 2, 2026:
- Every mosque in the UAE will hold Friday prayers at 12:45 PM so that everyone can pray at the same time.
- Starting on January 9, 2026, students at Dubai private schools must be able to go home by 11:30 AM on Fridays.
- Students in higher grades might be able to keep learning online on Fridays, but they need to get permission first.
This change is meant to make Fridays, which are usually big days for worship and family gatherings, easier to get to and more useful.
3. 🚗 New types of transportation, like RoboTaxis, are on the way.
Not only is Dubai changing its rules, but it’s also changing how people get around. In January 2026, the city officially began preparing for the first phase of commercial driverless RoboTaxi services in 65 locations. Dubai’s ambitious smart-mobility plan will include these self-driving electric cars, which will be controlled from a central operations center.
The early rollout is a big step toward making public transportation safer, more efficient, and better for the environment in the future. This is just one of the many things Dubai is doing to become a high-tech city in the future.
4. 🌳 Putting in a lot of trees to make the city more green
In January 2026, the government plans to plant 20,000 new trees in Dubai. This will be 20 years since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the ruler.
This project is about more than just making public spaces nicer. The goals are to:
- Add more plants to cities
- Clean up the air
- Get people involved in their communities
- Support environmental education
Dubai is changing quickly, and planting tens of thousands of trees makes it a better place to live and helps it deal with climate problems.
5. Cameras with AI that keep the streets clean
Dubai is using technology in unexpected ways, like to make sure people follow the rules for protecting the environment. In early January, the city set up cameras with AI that could catch people throwing trash and littering in real time. These cameras automatically report violations, and people can be fined up to AED 500 right away.
Dubai has come up with a smart way to keep the city clean and safe by combining technology with civic duty. It not only keeps public places clean, but it also makes it easier for people to watch them. This helps them focus on getting people to join the community.
6. 📊 Changes in the economy, taxes, and rules have an impact on business life
In January 2026, a lot of things changed that affect businesses, investors, and everyday people:
Tax and VAT changes
The new VAT rules say that you can only get back money you owe for five years. They also give auditors more power to check that businesses in the UAE are following the rules.
Tax on Sugar
To keep people healthy, the UAE changed the rules for the sugary drink excise tax. Taxes are no longer the same for all products; they are now based on how much sugar is in them. This is in line with what is normal in the area and encourages people to make better choices.
🏦 More information about online banking
A lot of banks in the UAE are getting rid of one-time passwords (OTPs) that are sent through email or text message. Instead, they are moving toward in-app authentication that uses biometrics or secure push notifications. This makes it safer to use electronic devices.
New Ideas for Home Loans
Dubai has launched Yubi Mortgage, a fully online home loan platform that lets buyers compare offers from more than 25 lenders. This is the first of its kind in the area, and it will make it easier for people to buy homes.
Even if they don’t always make the news, these changes are important because they change how people and businesses deal with money, the economy, and government systems.
What these changes mean for Dubai’s future
The changes that happened in January 2026 show how Dubai’s identity is changing as a whole:
- The Environment and Sustainability: Cities that ban plastic more strictly and add more green spaces show that they care more about the environment.
- Smart City Leadership: Dubai is using the latest technology, such as AI enforcement and self-driving cars.
- Bringing People Together: When everyone goes to school and prays at the same time, the community is stronger.
- Making the economy more modern: Changes to taxes, banks, and property keep Dubai a global business center.
This wave of change isn’t just for the government; it’s for everyone. Dubai will be a better place to live by 2026. It will be more modern, efficient, and pleasant. This will change everything, from how you get around and pay for things to how you care for your family or run your business.
