Dubai has approved a major travel innovation that could reshape the passenger experience at the world’s busiest international airport.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has approved the City Terminal Project, enabling travellers to check in for flights at multiple locations across Dubai before heading to the airport.

The initiative will serve passengers flying from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), making air travel faster, more efficient and more convenient.

How The City Terminal Will Work

Under the new system, passengers will be able to:

• Complete flight check-in procedures within the city
• Drop off luggage at designated locations
• Travel directly to the airport departure halls via secure, dedicated transport

The project aims to reduce congestion around DXB, streamline passenger flow and support Dubai’s long-term transition toward Al Maktoum International Airport as its primary aviation hub.

Who Is Leading the Project

While official check-in locations have not yet been revealed, the initiative is being led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) in collaboration with:

• Dubai Police
• Dubai Airports
• Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
• General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai
• Emirates Airline
• e& Group

Part of the Dubai 10X Initiative

The City Terminal Project is one of three future-focused initiatives approved under the Dubai 10X Initiative, which aims to position Dubai 10 years ahead of other global cities through innovation and government collaboration.

The other approved projects include:

• 20-Minute City, led by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), ensures residents can access 80 per cent of essential services within 20 minutes using sustainable transport
• Disease Early Detection System, led by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), focused on proactive and predictive healthcare

Together, these initiatives target key sectors including mobility, health and travel, with a strong focus on improving quality of life.

Why It Matters

Dubai handles tens of millions of passengers annually, and projects like City Terminal are expected to:

• Ease airport congestion
• Improve traveller comfort and efficiency
• Support the gradual shift to DWC
• Strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global aviation and smart-city leader

The three initiatives were selected from 79 proposals developed by more than 120 employees across 33 government entities, and were evaluated for impact, speed of implementation, cross-government integration, and quality-of-life outcomes.

What Sheikh Hamdan Said

Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai 10X Initiative has driven a major shift in government operations by embedding a culture of innovation and collaboration.

“Accelerating government performance is central to our future vision. We will continue to empower government entities to pioneer bold, high-impact projects that redefine excellence in public service,” he said.

Ajman has announced the establishment of a new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at streamlining landlord-tenant disputes and strengthening stability in the emirate’s real estate sector.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has issued Law No. (1) of 2026, formally creating the centre and replacing the existing rental disputes committee.

Clearer, Faster Rental Dispute Resolution

The new law introduces transparent and clearly defined mechanisms for reviewing and adjudicating rental disputes, with the objective of:

• Protecting the rights of landlords and tenants
• Enhancing confidence in Ajman’s property market
• Supporting a stable and attractive investment environment

Jurisdiction and Scope

The specialised centre will have authority over all rental-related disputes between landlords and tenants, including:

• Residential and commercial properties
• Properties located within free zones

Cases will be handled using procedures aligned with recognised legal and judicial standards, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Boosting Market Stability

Officials said the new centre is designed to:

• Speed up dispute resolution
• Reduce litigation timelines
• Ensure swift and effective justice

The move is expected to contribute to social and economic stability in Ajman’s leasing and real estate sector, while reinforcing investor confidence.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced new amendments to Abu Dhabi’s traffic diversion regulations, aimed at improving traffic flow, safety and compliance at construction and roadwork sites across the emirate.

The updated framework strengthens oversight of traffic permits, enhances enforcement powers and introduces clearer procedures for emergency works.

Key Changes to Traffic Diversion Rules

Under the revised regulations:

• Definitions related to traffic permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been updated to improve clarity
• Traffic permits are non-transferable; any attempt to transfer a permit will render it invalid
• Emergency works may proceed without prior permit approval, provided all road safety requirements are met
• ITC must be notified before emergency work begins, and a formal permit application must be submitted within 24 hours if work exceeds 12 hours

Permit Suspension and Enforcement Powers

The amendments grant ITC expanded authority to:

• Temporarily suspend issuing traffic permits based on site conditions or safety risks
• Reject extension requests or cancel permits if requirements are not met
• Take action against entities that exceed approved timelines or commit repeated administrative violations

The schedule of violations and fines has also been updated to reflect current standards, with conflicting older provisions officially repealed.

Training, Inspections and Compliance

ITC said the changes followed specialised workshops and training programmes for contractors, consultants and relevant stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of safety standards.

The Centre will continue inspection campaigns and field visits, with fines imposed on violators to:

• Protect road users and workers
• Maintain public safety
• Safeguard road infrastructure

Changes to Abu Dhabi’s Darb Road Toll System

Separately, ITC (Abu Dhabi Mobility) confirmed updates to the Darb road toll system.

New Darb Toll Timings

• Morning peak: 7am to 9am (unchanged)
• Evening peak: 3pm to 7pm
• Toll-free: Sundays and official public holidays

The Dh4 toll per gate crossing remains unchanged.

Removal of Toll Caps

The revised system removes:

• Daily toll cap of Dh16
• Monthly caps of Dh200, Dh150 and Dh100 for first, second and additional vehicles

Exemptions Remain

Existing exemptions continue for eligible groups, including:

• People of Determination
• Low-income families
• Senior citizens and retirees

The Darb system is operated by Q Mobility, a subsidiary of ADQ, in coordination with relevant authorities.