The UAE is preparing for a landmark year in 2026, with major policy updates, infrastructure milestones, and new services set to influence daily life across the country. From transport and banking to education and technology, here are the top developments to watch.
1. New Friday Prayer and Sermon Timing
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has confirmed that Friday prayers across the UAE will take place at 12:45 pm starting January 2, 2026. The unified timing applies nationwide.
2. Etihad Rail to Launch Passenger Services
Etihad Rail is gearing up to start its long-awaited passenger operations in 2026.
The new network will connect 11 cities from Al Sila to Fujairah, offering:
- Travel times: Abu Dhabi–Dubai in 57 minutes, Abu Dhabi–Fujairah in 105 minutes, Abu Dhabi–Ruwais in 70 minutes
- Capacity: Trains carrying up to 400 passengers with multiple daily departures
- Projected demand: 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030
The service is expected to ease road congestion and create a faster, safer mobility corridor across the UAE.
3. CBSE Global Curriculum Coming to UAE Schools
Indian schools in the UAE will adopt the CBSE Global Curriculum beginning April 2026.
The updated framework is designed to offer a more internationally aligned education model for students across all CBSE-affiliated schools.
4. UAE Banks to End SMS OTPs
Banks will phase out SMS and email one-time passwords by March 2026, following new directives from the UAE Central Bank.
Customers will shift to app-based authentication, which is considered significantly more secure.
The move aims to combat risks associated with SIM swapping, phishing and OTP interception.
5. Dubai’s Air Taxis Set for Take-off
Dubai continues to push the boundaries of urban mobility, with electric air taxis expected to enter service in 2026.
Key features include:
- Capacity: Four passengers plus a pilot
- Speed: Over 300 km/h, covering more than 200 km
- Travel time: Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah in under 30 minutes
- Infrastructure: The first vertiport is under construction at Dubai International Airport, with additional sites planned at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall and the American University of Dubai
6. GCC Unified Visa to Transform Regional Tourism
The long-anticipated GCC Unified Tourist Visa is expected to launch in 2026.
This single-entry permit will allow visitors to travel freely across all six GCC nations: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
The initiative is designed to boost tourism and enhance economic cooperation across the region.
7. Smarter Parking Systems Across Dubai
Finding parking in Dubai will become easier from 2026 as Parkin begins rolling out a large-scale digital upgrade.
The project includes cameras, sensors and real-time availability tools covering more than 250,000 parking spaces.
The expected impact includes smoother traffic flow and quicker parking turnaround across busy zones.
8. New Flight Routes and Expanded Airline Services
UAE airlines will introduce new routes and increased frequencies in 2026, supporting rising travel demand.
Etihad Airways will add eight new destinations, including:
Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Almaty, Bucharest, Salalah and Krakow.
Emirates will triple its Dubai–London Gatwick flights, offering four daily round trips from February 2026.
9. 2026 Declared UAE’s ‘Year of Family’
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has designated 2026 as the ‘Year of Family’, highlighting the central role families play in UAE society.
The national initiative will focus on strengthening family values, preserving cultural identity and supporting future generations through dedicated programmes.
