The UAE Ministry of Finance has confirmed that new rules for taxing sugary drinks will come into effect on January 1, 2026. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise the tax system and align with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s new standards.

From Flat to Tiered: How the Tax Will Change

• Current system: A flat 50% excise tax on all sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).
• New system (from Jan 1, 2026): A tiered tax based on the sugar or sweetener content of each drink.
  • Drinks with more sugar – higher tax
  • Drinks with less sugar – lower tax

The goal is to encourage producers to reduce sugar levels and give consumers more healthier options.

What This Means for Businesses

• Importers and producers who paid the old 50% tax on unsold stock may deduct the difference if the new tax rate is lower.
• Companies have ample time to adjust before the new system kicks in next year.

Why the Change?

1. Align with GCC and global best practices: The UAE’s tax system becomes fairer, more flexible, and easier to manage.
2. Support public health goals: By taxing sugar based on content, the government hopes to reduce sugar consumption, helping to tackle obesity, diabetes, and related health issues.
3. Modernize the financial system: Strengthens trust in the UAE’s tax framework and contributes to a stable, sustainable economy.

From January 1, 2026, the amount of excise tax on sugary drinks in the UAE will depend on how much sugar they contain. For consumers, this could mean cheaper low-sugar drinks and more options for healthier choices. For businesses, it’s a chance to innovate and reformulate products while staying compliant with GCC regulations.

Dubai Airports has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy to transform both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) into the world’s most accessible and inclusive airports by 2035.

This long-term commitment is part of Dubai’s broader vision to become a truly disability-friendly city, focusing on enhancing the travel experience for People of Determination (PoD) across every touchpoint.

What Does the Plan Involve?

The strategy focuses on a fundamental shift in mindset and culture, moving beyond just infrastructure improvements. It aligns with international best practices and the UAE’s commitment to PoD rights.

Recent initiatives already in place include:

• Sunflower Lanyards: A discreet identifier for travellers with hidden needs, granting them access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route.
• Hearing Loops: Installed across more than 520 touch points for travellers with hearing loss.
• Autism-Friendly Certification: DXB is recognised as an autism-friendly airport.
• Assisted Travel Lounge: A quiet, sensory-friendly lounge located in Terminal 2.
• Online Travel Planner: A visual guide to help guests prepare for their journey in advance.

The “DXB for All” Campaign

To launch the next phase of this plan, Dubai Airports has partnered with the PoD community to create a new public awareness campaign, anchored by the pledge “DXB for All.”

The campaign features six powerful, real-life stories of people with determination, including advocates like Fatma Al Jassim and former Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, showcasing how they navigate the busy airport. The stories highlight the importance of:

• Employee sign language skills for deaf guests.
• Tactile guidance for those with visual impairments.
• Managing sensory sensitivities for children on the autism spectrum.

A Collaborative Effort

Making this vision a reality is a collaborative effort involving the entire oneDXB community, including key partners like Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, dnata, and many others, ensuring a seamless and inclusive journey for every guest.

The UAE’s landmark Etihad Rail project is set to transform the nation’s transport system, and Dubai’s Nol card will be at the heart of it.

When the first phase of passenger services launches in 2026, commuters will be able to use a single Nol card to travel across Etihad Rail trains, Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, and other public transport services.

This marks a major milestone in the UAE’s ambition to deliver a seamless, cash-free, and fully integrated public transport system.

Unified Ticketing Across the Emirates

As part of the integration plan:

• Dubai’s Etihad Rail stations will link directly to feeder buses, metro lines, and taxi services.
• Abu Dhabi’s stations will connect to city buses for easy transfers.
• Sharjah and Fujairah will integrate local public transport networks with Etihad Rail hubs.

The move will eliminate the need for multiple tickets or separate payment systems, simplifying connectivity and making public transport more attractive to residents and visitors.

Officials say the initiative will help cut traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and encourage more commuters to shift from cars to sustainable transport options.

A Smarter, Greener Commute

The integration of Nol cards across rail and local transit is expected to:

• Boost public transport adoption.
• Provide one-tap access to trains, metro, buses, and taxis.
• Support a sustainable, future-ready mobility ecosystem nationwide.

The UAE government has framed the move as a key step toward reducing congestion, increasing productivity, and improving quality of life.

Etihad Rail: The UAE’s Future-Ready Mobility Backbone

• The 1,200-km Etihad Rail network will connect major spots across all seven emirates.
• Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to around 50 minutes.
• The system will carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030, supported by 13 trains, each accommodating up to 400 passengers.
• The project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 goals, cutting emissions by replacing thousands of road journeys.