Dubai Municipality has introduced a new planning standard for early childhood centres, aiming to enhance educational facilities, optimise land use, and support the growing needs of the early education sector. The move is part of the emirate’s broader strategy under the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 to create sustainable, high-quality urban spaces that benefit future generations.

Key Highlights of the New Planning Standard:

• New Floor Allowance: Centres can now build a first floor exclusively for administrative and service use.
• Building Coverage: Centres are permitted a building coverage ratio of up to 45%.
• Parking & Plot Requirements:
  • 1 parking space per classroom
  • 1 space per 50 sqm of office area
  • 1 dedicated bus space for every 3 classrooms
  • Minimum 3m setback on all sides
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Standard developed in coordination with KHDA and the Knowledge Fund, based on an extensive study assessing sector needs.
• Objectives:
  • Optimise land use and increase centre capacity
  • Enhance service levels without additional financial burden on investors
  • Provide modern, safe, and effective learning environments for children

Eng. Nasser BuShehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality, said: “This initiative supports the sector’s growing needs, provides modern learning environments for children, and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global city renowned for quality of life and liveability.”

Eng. Sanaa Al Alili, Director of the Urban Planning Department at Dubai Municipality, added: “By allowing additional floor space, the new standard improves urban flexibility, optimises land use, increases capacity, and elevates service levels without additional fees.”

Motorists in Sharjah, take note: starting November 1, new lane rules will come into effect across the emirate’s major and secondary roads.

In cooperation with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), the Sharjah Police General Command has announced that specific lanes will now be designated for motorcycles, delivery bikes, heavy vehicles, and buses. The move is aimed at improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and making better use of the emirate’s road network.

According to police officials, the rightmost lane on all main roads will be reserved for heavy goods vehicles and buses.

• On four-lane roads, motorcycles can use the third and fourth lanes on the right.
• On three-lane roads, they can ride in the middle or right-hand lane.
• On two-lane roads, they must stay in the right lane only.

To ensure compliance, smart radars, cameras, and patrols will monitor vehicles around the clock. Any violations will be penalised according to the Federal Traffic Law:

• Article 8: Dh1,500 fine and 12 black points for heavy vehicles not keeping to mandatory lanes.
• Article 70: Dh500 fine for failure to follow traffic signs or instructions.

The Sharjah Police urged all drivers and riders to follow the new rules and use the lanes designated for their vehicle type. Officials said the regulation is part of broader efforts to promote road safety, reduce congestion, and improve overall quality of life in Sharjah.

With preparations underway for Hajj 2026, UAE authorities have issued a reminder for all pilgrims to strictly follow the health and safety requirements set by both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf UAE) emphasised that the well-being of pilgrims remains a top national priority, ensuring every journey to the holy sites is safe, organised, and spiritually fulfilling.

Health Requirements for Hajj 2026

Pilgrims must be medically fit to perform Hajj and free from certain conditions that could pose risks during the pilgrimage. Those with the following health issues will not be cleared to travel:

• Major organ failure or any physical condition preventing Hajj rituals
• Neurological or psychological disorders affecting cognition
• Old age accompanied by dementia
• Pregnancy during the last three months
• Active infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or hemorrhagic fevers
• Active cancer cases undergoing chemotherapy or similar treatments

Mandatory Vaccinations

All pilgrims are required to complete their immunisations well before Hajj, including:

• Meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccines
• Covid 19 and other recommended vaccines based on individual health conditions

Awqaf UAE confirmed it will review the results of all medical examinations in coordination with the country’s health authorities to ensure each pilgrim meets the approved standards.

Record Number of Applicants

This year saw an impressive 72,000 applications submitted via the official Awqaf UAE app and website before the October 9 deadline. The authority has already begun reviewing applications, and those who receive preliminary approval will be contacted directly to complete their final registration within the specified timelines.

The UAE has called on all pilgrims to fully comply with the health guidelines issued by both countries, ensuring that Hajj 2026 is performed in a safe, healthy, and spiritually enriching environment.