Getting or renewing a driving licence in Dubai is about to become even easier.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its network of approved eye test centres by 30%, adding 100 new locations across the emirate during the first half of 2026. That brings the total number of approved centres to 434.

The move is designed to make one of the mandatory steps for obtaining or renewing a driving licence faster and more convenient as demand for licensing services continues to grow.

Motorists can complete the required vision test at any RTA-approved optical centre, ophthalmology clinic, participating driving institute or Customer Happiness Centre. Results are sent directly to the RTA through an integrated digital system, eliminating paperwork and reducing waiting times.

According to the RTA, the eye test typically takes between five and 10 minutes.

The authority recorded more than 854,000 electronically submitted eye test transactions during the first six months of 2026, highlighting the growing demand for the service.

With the expanded network and fully digital process, many motorists can now complete their eye test and renew their driving licence in a single visit. Once approved, the renewed licence is issued electronically and can be added directly to a smartphone’s digital wallet, with a physical card only needed if requested.

The expansion is part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to make licensing services quicker, simpler and more accessible for residents across Dubai.

1. Dubai is setting up a new committee to combat misinformation and fake news while strengthening clear, transparent communication about the emirate’s achievements.

The move follows a directive from Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The new Dubai Media Narrative Committee will be chaired by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council.

The committee will shape Dubai’s official media narrative, define key communication priorities for government and private sector entities, and recommend policies and strategies to the Dubai Media Council for approval and implementation.

Sheikh Ahmed said a strong and credible media narrative has become an essential part of Dubai’s development journey, adding that the emirate’s creative and intellectual talent provides a solid foundation for telling Dubai’s story in line with the leadership’s vision.

The initiative aims to ensure accurate communication, counter false information and reinforce public confidence through a unified and transparent approach.

Shoppers in Abu Dhabi will soon see fewer chocolates, crisps, sugary drinks and other unhealthy snacks at supermarket entrances, checkout counters and other high-visibility locations under a new policy aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits.  

From January 1, 2027, supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet and online grocery platforms will no longer be allowed to prominently display food and drinks classified as high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) under the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s SEHHI nutrition classification system.

The initiative, led by Healthy Living in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) and supported by several government entities, is designed to make healthier choices easier without restricting what people can buy.

Under the new rules, HFSS products cannot be displayed at store entrances, end-of-aisle promotions or checkout areas. Online retailers must also remove these products from homepage promotions, search recommendations, pop-up advertisements and checkout pages.

Authorities stressed that the products are not being banned. They will remain available in their usual aisles, allowing shoppers to purchase them while reducing impulse buying driven by prominent placement.

Officials said the policy is based on behavioural science and international best practices to create shopping environments that naturally encourage healthier decisions.

Retailers across Abu Dhabi are preparing for the changes ahead of the mandatory deadline, with some stores already implementing the new placement standards across their stores in the emirate.

The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider preventive health strategy, which focuses on reducing lifestyle-related diseases by embedding healthier choices into everyday life.