Emirates: New laws and regulations for 2025

Horacle
March 12, 2025
2:02 pm

The year 2025 promises to be a period of significant transformation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the introduction of new regulations, technological advances and green initiatives. These changes will affect various aspects of residents' daily lives, and reflect the country's determination to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainable development.

New traffic regulations

From March 29, 2025, the UAE will be implementing substantial changes to its traffic laws. These adjustments include a revision of the minimum age required to obtain a driver's license, as well as the application of harsher penalties for traffic offences. The main aim of these measures is to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents on the country's roads.

Introduction of flying cabs

In 2025, Dubai and Abu Dhabi will launch flying cab services, an innovation that promises to revolutionize urban travel. These aerial vehicles will reduce journeys from 45 minutes by car to just 10 minutes by air, offering a fast, efficient alternative to traditional modes of transport. This initiative positions the UAE at the forefront of futuristic mobility solutions.

Increase in parking rates

From March 2025, public parking rates in key areas of Dubai will increase. Prices will rise from AED 4 to AED 6 per hour during peak hours. In addition, parking in special event zones will cost up to AED 25 per hour. These adjustments are designed to encourage the use of public transport and reduce urban congestion.

Higher sanitation costs

After a decade without change, wastewater treatment charges in Dubai will gradually increase from 2025. The rate will reach 1.5 threads per gallon that year and continue to rise until 2027, when it will reach 2.8 threads per gallon. This measure is intended to finance the infrastructure needed to meet population growth and increased sanitation requirements.

Increase in Salik toll charges

For the first time since their introduction, Salik toll rates in Dubai will increase at the end of January 2025. Peak-hour passages will now cost AED 6 instead of AED 4. The time slots affected by these higher rates will extend from 6am to 10am in the morning and from 4pm to 8pm in the evening. This measure is designed to better regulate traffic during peak periods.

Ban on single-use plastics

Continuing its efforts towards environmental sustainability, Dubai will ban the use of certain single-use plastics from January 1, 2025. This includes plastic utensils such as straws, swizzlers and polystyrene containers. This initiative follows the ban on plastic bags introduced in 2024, and demonstrates the UAE's commitment to environmental protection.

Source: Railway news