A new month is just around the corner, bringing plenty of changes across Dubai

From travel updates and school holidays to the return of one of biggest summer festivals in Dubai and visa on arrival updates, here’s what to look out for this July.

1. Dubai Summer Surprises is back

Dubai Summer Surprises returns on Thursday July 2, bringing two months of shopping, entertainment and family fun.

Running until Sunday August 30, the annual festival will feature citywide sales, concerts, dining offers and attractions, with more events set to be announced in the coming days.

2. Schools close for the summer

Students across Dubai and the UAE will begin their summer holiday on Friday July 3.

As schools break up, many families will be travelling overseas, while those staying in the city can expect lighter traffic during the morning rush. If you’re flying, Emirates has advised passengers to arrive at the airport well ahead of departure due to the busy holiday season.

3. UAE visa grace period ends

The temporary visa grace period introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) will finish on Thursday July 9.

The initiative was introduced following recent travel disruptions, allowing eligible residents and visitors to update their visa status without paying fines. Those leaving the UAE during the grace period can also depart without completing additional procedures.

4. Emirates free hotel offer is ending

Travellers don’t have much longer to enjoy Emirates’ complimentary hotel stay promotion.

Anyone booking an eligible Emirates return flight to or through Dubai before Sunday July 12 can receive a free stay at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Business and First Class passengers receive two nights, while Economy and Premium Economy travellers receive one night.

5. Visa-free travel to Armenia changes for UAE residents

From Tuesday July 1, many UAE residents will no longer be able to travel to Armenia without a visa.

The temporary visa exemption introduced last year has now ended. While UAE citizens remain unaffected, residents travelling on other passports should check the latest entry requirements before booking their trip.

6. Etihad Rail passenger bookings begin

Etihad Rail’s long-awaited passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah launches at the end of June, with bookings available throughout July.

Dubai stations will open later this year, so passengers in the emirate will have to wait a little longer before boarding the national railway.

7. Flexible summer working hours continue

Dubai government employees will once again benefit from reduced working hours during the summer.

The Our Flexible Summer initiative, which began on June 29, will run until September 10. Depending on the government entity, employees will either work a four-day week or a five-day week with shorter daily hours.

8. New visa-on-arrival option for some Filipino travellers

From Thursday June 25, eligible Filipino passport holders can now receive a visa on arrival when travelling to the UAE.

The new rule applies to travellers who hold a valid US, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada or New Zealand visa, residence permit or Green Card.

Visitors can choose between a 14-day visa on arrival for Dhs100, which can be extended once for another 14 days for Dhs250, or a 60-day visa on arrival for Dhs250, which cannot be extended.