Delivery and courier companies in the UAE are set to benefit from a new support package aimed at keeping services running smoothly and easing cost pressures, according to the Postal Sector Regulatory Committee.

The measures target firms in the courier, express and parcels (CEP) sector, which plays a key role in supporting e-commerce and everyday deliveries across the country.

Under the new plan, companies will be allowed to defer all regulatory fees for the first quarter of 2026 to the second quarter, along with a waiver of penalties linked to that period.

Officials say the move is designed to improve cash flow, reduce financial strain, and ensure uninterrupted delivery services, particularly at a time when operators are dealing with rising costs, shipment delays, and growing demand.

For residents and expats, the decision helps support the reliability of delivery services, from online shopping to essential shipments, at a time when demand continues to rise.

The CEP sector remains a backbone of the UAE’s e-commerce ecosystem, enabling faster and more flexible deliveries for businesses and consumers alike.

Some of Dubai’s busiest malls are set to introduce AI-powered parking enforcement to address the misuse of spaces reserved for People of Determination (PoD).

Parkin Company has signed a multi-year agreement with Emaar Properties to roll out the system across Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Marina Mall.

The move aims to protect dedicated parking bays, improve compliance, and ease congestion at high-traffic retail destinations frequently visited by residents and tourists.

How the tech works

The system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to monitor vehicles entering PoD-designated spaces.

Number plates are scanned and checked against valid permits. If no permit is found, the case is flagged for review at a central control centre. Drivers may face penalties, although a short grace period will allow time to move vehicles in case of mistakes.

On-ground inspections will continue alongside the new technology to ensure compliance with parking rules.

At Dubai Mall, parking systems are already integrated with Salik Company technology, including ticketless entry, number plate recognition, and automatic fee collection.

Stricter parking rules

For shoppers and mall visitors, the change means stricter enforcement of PoD parking rules to ensure these spaces remain available for those who genuinely need them.

It also signals a wider shift towards smart city solutions in Dubai, where AI is increasingly used to improve everyday services, from traffic flow to parking management, while enhancing accessibility and fairness.

Motorists in Abu Dhabi will see changes to their daily commute, as two new toll gates were activated today.

The move, announced by the Integrated Transport Centre, is part of ongoing efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow across key routes in the emirate.

The new toll points will be located on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road in Ghantoot and on Karama Oasis Road at the entry and exit of Sheikh Zayed Road, areas identified through traffic studies as high-density corridors.

Dh4 per crossing

Drivers passing through these gates will be charged Dh4 per crossing, in line with existing toll rules. The system will operate 24/7, with current exemptions continuing for eligible groups, including senior citizens, People of Determination, low-income residents, and retired Emiratis.

To help motorists plan their journeys, authorities have also highlighted alternative routes. Drivers can divert via Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road or Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, while those travelling through Ghantoot can use Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road.

What it means for drivers

For residents and expats, the new toll gates may mean slightly higher commuting costs, but they are designed to improve travel times and reduce bottlenecks, especially during peak hours.

Officials say the rollout reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to support urban growth and manage increasing traffic volumes, with the impact of the new gates set to be reviewed regularly.