8 new changes every UAE resident, employer and landlord should know
Latest reforms reshape everyday life across the emirates
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have introduced a series of legal reforms in 2026 that affect millions of residents, businesses and visitors.
The changes span employment, healthcare, housing, online safety, banking, civil law and public safety, reflecting the country's continued focus on modernising its legal framework while strengthening consumer and community protections.
Some of the reforms introduce new rights, while others impose stricter responsibilities on employers, landlords, developers, financial institutions and event organisers. Understanding these developments is essential for anyone living, working or doing business in the country.
Minimum age for social media
The UAE has set a minimum age of 15 for creating and using personal social media accounts, introducing one of the country's biggest online safety reforms.
The measure aims to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful content, privacy risks and excessive exposure to digital platforms. It applies to services that allow users to create personal accounts, communicate with others, publish content or receive algorithm-driven recommendations.
Popular platforms expected to fall within the scope include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat and X. Technology companies will be given a transition period to introduce age verification systems and other compliance measures.
The reform also reinforces the importance of parental supervision while placing greater responsibility on social media companies to improve safeguards for younger users.
Dubai Longevity Authority
Dubai has established the Dubai Longevity Authority to position the emirate as a global hub for preventive healthcare, longevity science and medical innovation.
The authority will oversee emerging fields including regenerative medicine, healthy ageing, wellness technologies and scientific research. It is also expected to develop a regulatory framework that supports innovation while maintaining patient safety and ethical standards.
The initiative is designed to attract biotechnology companies, healthcare providers, research institutions and international investment, strengthening Dubai's ambitions in advanced healthcare.
Private sector salary payment rules
Private sector employers must now comply with updated salary payment deadlines under the Wage Protection System (WPS).
The revised framework provides clearer timelines for paying wages earned during the previous month, helping reduce disputes linked to delayed salaries. Employers are expected to review payroll systems and ensure salaries are processed within the prescribed period.
Businesses relying on third-party payroll providers or manual payment systems are also required to ensure compliance. The changes provide employees with greater certainty over salary payments while improving monitoring under the WPS.
Legal age of adulthood
The UAE has amended its Civil Transactions Law by lowering the age of full civil legal capacity from 21 lunar Hijri years to 18 Gregorian years.
The amendment brings greater consistency across UAE legislation by recognising 18 as the age of adulthood for most civil matters.
Young adults can now independently enter contracts, conduct business transactions, manage financial affairs and exercise civil rights without requiring legal representation that may previously have been necessary. The reform also offers greater legal certainty for businesses, educational institutions and financial organisations dealing with individuals aged 18 and above.
Public safety law
Dubai has introduced a comprehensive public safety law covering public spaces, commercial facilities, recreational venues and organised events.
The legislation defines clearer responsibilities for individuals, businesses and event organisers while promoting accident prevention and stronger emergency preparedness.
Residents and visitors are expected to follow official safety instructions, respect restricted areas and comply with measures introduced by relevant authorities.
Event organisers must implement emergency evacuation plans, provide firefighting equipment, first-aid facilities, alarm systems, safety signage and trained personnel. The law also strengthens controls over hazardous materials, including fireworks, flammable substances, explosives and toxic chemicals, ensuring they are handled and disposed of according to applicable regulations.
Tougher building maintenance and safety standards
Dubai has introduced updated legislation requiring higher maintenance and structural safety standards for residential, commercial, mixed-use and free zone buildings.
Building owners, developers and property managers must ensure regular inspections, maintenance and operation in line with recognised technical standards.
The reforms also reinforce quality assurance and safety certification requirements designed to identify structural issues before they develop into significant risks. The measures support Dubai's wider urban development strategy while helping preserve property values and occupant safety.
Shared housing regulations
Dubai has introduced stricter rules governing shared accommodation to tackle overcrowding, unlawful subletting, fire safety concerns and unsuitable living conditions.
The new framework establishes clearer requirements covering occupancy limits, licensing, safety standards and property suitability. Not every residential property will qualify for shared accommodation, and landlords must ensure compliance with municipal regulations before offering shared housing.
The reforms also strengthen oversight of the rental market, encouraging compliance with licensing obligations while reducing informal housing practices. Tenants are expected to benefit from improved safety standards and better living conditions.
Banks banned from using WhatsApp for customer service
Banks and licensed financial institutions in the UAE can no longer use WhatsApp or similar messaging applications to provide customer service involving financial services or customer information.
The restriction, introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE, is aimed at reducing cybersecurity risks such as fraud, phishing, identity theft and the unauthorised disclosure of confidential financial information.
Banks are expected to communicate with customers through more secure channels, including official mobile banking applications, online banking platforms, verified email services and authorised customer support systems.
Customers are encouraged to remain cautious of unexpected messages claiming to be from their bank and to verify suspicious communications through official channels. The move strengthens the protection of customer information while reinforcing confidence in the UAE's digital banking sector.