Starting January 2025, Dubai and the broader UAE have introduced several new laws, regulations, and price adjustments impacting various aspects of daily life, from taxation and transportation to consumer goods and healthcare. These reforms aim to streamline governance, encourage sustainable practices, and bolster economic development.
Key Highlights of the New Measures
Taxation and Corporate Regulations
- 15% Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax: Effective January 1, 2025, multinational corporations with global revenues exceeding €750 million are subject to a 15% minimum tax. This aligns with the OECD’s global tax framework, ensuring large enterprises pay fair taxes.
- Alcohol Sales Tax: Dubai has reinstated the 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales, ending the two-year suspension. The change took effect on January 1, 2025, with retailers instructed to comply immediately.
Transportation and Mobility
- Dynamic Salik Toll Pricing:
- Peak hours (6am–10am, 4pm–8pm): Dh6 per crossing.
- Regular hours (10am–4pm, 8pm–1am): Dh4 per crossing.
- Night hours (1am–6am): Free.
- Paid Parking Adjustments:
- In Dubai, premium parking areas now cost Dh6 during peak hours (8am–10am, 4pm–8pm) and Dh4 during regular hours.
- In Sharjah’s Al Dhaid City, paid parking has been implemented from January 1, 2025, covering Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 10pm.
- Event Parking: A Dh25 hourly fee is introduced near major event zones, starting February 2025.
Health and Nutrition
- Nutrition Grading System: Abu Dhabi launched the “Nutri-Mark” labeling system to grade food items from A to E based on nutritional value. The initiative begins in June 2025, initially covering baked goods, oils, dairy, children’s food, and beverages.
Traffic Regulations
- Federal Traffic Law Updates:
- Minimum driving age reduced to 17 years.
- Car horns banned within city limits except for emergencies.
- Pedestrian crossing prohibited on roads with speed limits above 80 km/h.
- Strict penalties introduced for serious violations such as hit-and-run incidents.
Insurance Premiums
- Health and motor insurance premiums are set to rise due to inflation, increased healthcare costs, and higher vehicle repair expenses. Health insurance is expected to see the most significant hikes.
Environmental Initiatives
- EV Charging Tariffs: The UAE’s first government-owned EV network, UAEV, will introduce tariffs for charging services. Rates are Dh1.20 per kWh for DC chargers and Dh0.70 per kWh for AC chargers, effective January 2025.
Infrastructure Fees
- Sewerage Tariffs: Dubai Municipality has revised sewerage fees for the first time in a decade. Rates will gradually increase from 1.5 fils per gallon in 2025 to 2.8 fils per gallon by 2027, aiming to support water conservation efforts.
Economic and Social Reforms
Women’s Representation
- Starting January 2025, private joint-stock companies are mandated to appoint at least one woman to their boards of directors, enhancing gender diversity in corporate leadership.
Mandatory Premarital Genetic Testing
- Genetic testing is now compulsory for Emirati couples to identify and prevent hereditary disorders, safeguarding the health of future generations.
Emiratisation Targets
- Private sector companies with 20–49 employees must employ at least two Emiratis. Non-compliance incurs penalties ranging from Dh96,000 in 2025 to Dh108,000 in 2026. Fraudulent Emiratisation practices will face fines of Dh20,000–Dh100,000 per violation.
Public Impact
These sweeping changes reflect Dubai’s vision for sustainable urban development, robust governance, and enhanced quality of life. Residents and businesses are urged to adapt to these changes, ensuring compliance and alignment with the emirate’s forward-looking goals.