June 2026 marks one of the most significant regulatory reset points Dubai has seen in recent years. Several changes came into effect on June 1, with more arriving through the month. Here is what businesses and residents need to know.
1. Private Sector Salaries Must Now Be Paid on the First of Every Month
Under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, all private sector companies registered with MOHRE must pay employees their previous month’s wages by the first day of each Gregorian calendar month. Any payment made after that date is classified as delayed.
The resolution eliminates the previous 15-day grace period under Resolution 598 of 2022. Penalties escalate from the second day of non-payment, with labour disputes automatically registered from the 16th day. An employer is considered compliant if at least 85% of total wages are transferred on time.
2. Legal Age of Adulthood Lowered from 21 to 18
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, which came into force on June 1, 2026, the legal age of adulthood in the UAE has been reduced from 21 lunar Hijri years to 18 Gregorian years.
The change allows 18-year-olds to independently sign contracts, manage finances, participate in civil proceedings, and establish businesses without requiring parental or guardian approval.
Separately, a discerning minor who has completed 15 Gregorian years of age may apply to the court for authorisation to administer all or part of their own property, subject to judicial approval.
3. Dubai Issues New Public Safety Law
Law No. 2 of 2026, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, came into effect on June 1, 2026.
The law establishes a comprehensive legislative framework for public safety across the emirate, covering public venues and events, buildings, homes, swimming pools, and beaches.
It sets mandatory standards for fire-fighting equipment, emergency evacuation measures, first-aid supplies, trained safety supervisors, alarm systems, and safety signage.
Owners, operators, and service providers are required to comply with all related regulations. Fines for violations range from Dh500 to Dh1,000,000, with repeat offences within a year subject to a double fine of up to Dh2,000,000.
The law replaces Local Order No. 11 of 2003 on public health and community safety in Dubai. All affected parties have two years to comply, with a possible one-time extension.
4. Power of Attorney Rules Tightened for Dubai Real Estate Transactions
Under DLD Circular No. 29/R/2025, powers of attorney used in Dubai and UAE real estate transactions are now subject to significantly stricter requirements.
Powers of attorney issued outside the UAE are valid for a maximum of two years for property transactions, after which they automatically lose validity.
Mandatory electronic verification is required for all POAs submitted at DLD Trustee centres; a QR code alone is no longer sufficient for authentication.
Sale proceeds from property transactions can no longer be paid to a POA holder; funds must be transferred directly to a UAE bank account held in the registered owner’s name.
The circular applies to all property transactions including purchase, sale, gift, mortgage, and usufruct registration.
5. VAT Now Applies to Salik Toll Fees and Tag Activation
From June 1, 2026, Salik is applying 5% VAT on all toll gate fees and tag activation charges.
The electronic system automatically deducts the tax-inclusive amount from prepaid customer accounts. For a driver crossing four Salik gates daily, the change adds approximately Dh26.40 extra over a 22-working-day month.
6. VAT Now Applies to All Dubai Parking Services
From June 1, 2026, Parkin is applying 5% VAT across all parking services, including on-street and off-street parking, seasonal cards, permits, and reservations, in compliance with UAE tax regulations.
7. Cash Payments at Dubai Parking Metres Are Now Phased Out
Parkin has phased out all cash payments at parking metres effective June 1, 2026, in line with Dubai’s Cashless Strategy for 2026.
Payment by Nol card remains available. Drivers are encouraged to use the Parkin app, which also allows session extensions, payment history tracking, and expiry notifications.
Payments can also be made via SMS, the Dubai Now platform, and the RTA Dubai app.
8. Islamic New Year Public Holiday Confirmed for June 15
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and MOHRE have officially confirmed that Monday, June 15, 2026, is a paid public holiday for both public and private sector workers on the occasion of Hijri New Year 1448.
Normal working hours resume on Tuesday, June 16. Employees on a Saturday-Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break.
9. Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines Resume Dubai Flights; Airport Stabilising
Aeroflot resumed scheduled flights between Moscow and Dubai on June 1, operating once daily through June and twice daily from July 1, following Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency lifting restrictions on UAE routes.
Turkish Airlines resumed Istanbul-Dubai services on June 8, ending a suspension in place since February 28.
More than 40 airlines are now operating at DXB, with Gulf airlines at approximately 80% of pre-conflict levels.
10. Major Outdoor Attractions Close for Summer
Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Garden Glow, and Dubai Safari Park all closed June 1 onwards as temperatures rose across the emirate.
Dubai Safari Park’s official website confirms the park is closed for the season and will reopen for Season 8 in October 2026.
Residents and visitors planning leisure activities, and businesses in hospitality, retail, and F&B tracking seasonal footfall shifts, should note that indoor venues will absorb the majority of leisure activity through September.
Sources: MOHRE Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026; Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025; Dubai Law No. 2 of 2026, Dubai Media Office official release; DLD Circular No. 29/R/2025; Parkin Company PJSC official announcements; Salik Company PJSC official announcement; MOHRE and FAHR joint announcement, June 3, 2026; Aeroflot official statement via TASS, May 2026; Turkish Airlines resumption confirmed by Turkish Ambassador to the UAE, May 2026; Dubai Airports official Q1 2026 figures via Gulf Business, May 2026; Dubai Safari Park official website.
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