10 major UAE updates you need to know this June
UAE updates to know this June
June is bringing a new wave of updates across the UAE. Abu Dhabi has suspended rent increases on lease renewals until further notice, the Islamic New Year public holiday has now been officially confirmed, and a new nationwide pledge campaign is inviting residents to take part. Here are 10 of the biggest UAE updates to have on your radar this month.
Abu Dhabi freezes rent increases on homes and offices
Good news for tenants across Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has suspended rent increases on lease contracts until further notice, covering residential, office and commercial properties. The move is expected to provide greater certainty for tenants approaching lease renewals, while offering more stability across the emirate’s rental market.
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Islamic New Year public holiday officially confirmed
Good news for anyone already counting down to their next day off. The UAE has officially confirmed the Islamic New Year public holiday, with Monday, June 15 set to be a day off for employees across both the public and private sectors. Work will resume on Tuesday, giving many residents a long weekend to look forward to.
5% VAT to be added to Salik toll charges from June
Motorists in Dubai will soon notice a small increase in Salik-related charges. From June 1, 2026, a 5 per cent VAT will be applied to Salik toll gate usage fees and Salik tag activation charges. The company confirmed that VAT collected will be remitted to the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority in line with applicable regulations.
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UAE lowers legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18
A major legal change has come into effect in the UAE. From June 1, 2026, individuals aged 18 and above are recognised as having full legal capacity under the country’s new Civil Transactions Law. The update affects a range of areas including contracts, banking and business activities, giving young adults greater legal and financial independence at an earlier age.
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UAE residents invited to take part in new national pledge campaign
A new nationwide initiative is encouraging citizens and residents to take part in a “Pledge & Commitment” campaign launched in honour of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Led by Sandooq Al Watan under Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the campaign forms part of a wider community initiative aimed at encouraging participation and shared commitment to the UAE’s values and future.
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Dubai Harbour bridge connecting to Sheikh Zayed Road is now 90% complete
Good news for anyone who regularly drives through Dubai Marina. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the new bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour is now 90 per cent complete. Once open, the Dhs431 million project is expected to ease congestion across Dubai Marina and Dubai Media City, with a capacity of 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
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Abu Dhabi is launching a new smart parking system
Parking in Abu Dhabi is about to become easier. Smart mobility company Q Mobility is introducing a new smart parking service that will automatically deduct parking fees through the Darb app wallet, removing the need for manual payment. The rollout forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider push towards smarter and more connected transport solutions across the emirate.
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New renderings reveal what Dubai Metro Blue Line stations could look like
Dubai’s next major Metro expansion is continuing to take shape. Newly released renderings offer an early look at what stations along the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line could eventually look like. The project is set to connect several fast-growing residential and academic areas across the city, marking one of the biggest additions to Dubai’s public transport network in years.
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Big change to UAE salary rules for private sector employees
A new salary payment rule has come into effect across the UAE’s private sector. From June 1, 2026, companies are required to pay employee salaries on the first day of every month under updated regulations introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The move is designed to strengthen wage protection and improve compliance, with employers required to provide proof that salaries have been paid.
UAE rolls out AI-powered government services
The UAE is taking another major step in its digital transformation plans. The government has announced the rollout of Agentic AI across public sector services, becoming the first government in the world to implement the technology at this scale. The first phase has already launched across key sectors, with the aim of speeding up processes, improving customer service and helping residents access information and government services more efficiently.
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