As people around the world enter the new year with brand new goals, residents across the UAE have a similar experience, with the extra touch of all the traffic laws and changes that will dictate their journeys on the roads throughout 2026.
With the beginning of 2025 seeing major twists like the variable Salik toll charges and parking fares, along with increasing traffic congestion, changes introduced in the second half are expected to bring relief in the new year with dedicated lanes and ban on certain vehicles.
New regulations don’t only serve the typical motorist swerving through Sheikh Zayed Road on a bustling morning, but also other segments of UAE’s community — new parking signs that prioritise worshippers across mosques have come up in Dubai; children under 15 travelling by bus or car are no longer allowed to leave or reach school without an adult in Abu Dhabi and several battery-swapping stations for electric bikes built across strategic locations in Dubai.
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In addition to existing initiatives, the country has also set in motion plans for projects that are expected to alleviate the growing traffic situation. This includes the construction of a fourth federal highway stretching 120km with 12 lanes along with the widening of the current three highways.
Over the next two years, Dubai will also witness the construction of five multi-story car parking buildings at some of the city’s busiest commercial districts like Al Souq Al Kabeer in Bur Dubai, Al Sabhka, Al Rigga, Downtown Dubai and Deira.
Here is a round-up of the 10 major changes that will follow motorists and residents into the new year.
1. Darb toll system in Abu Dhabi
From September 1, 2025, Abu Dhabi has revised its toll timings, also known as Darb. The operator now charges evening tariffs from 3pm-7pm throughout Monday to Saturday, compared to the previous 5pm-7pm.
Chargeable hours in the morning are the same. Tariffs will continue to be free of charge on Sundays and official public holidays.
In addition to the revision in the schedule, daily and monthly toll caps have been removed by the Integrated Transport Centre. Existing exemption policies will continue for eligible groups, including People of Determination, low-income families, senior citizens, and retirees.
These changes are aimed increase traffic flow and reducing congestion during peak hours.
2. New variable speed limit system in Abu Dhabi
Motorists driving on Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road have been following a new variable speed limit system since October 27 of this year. The initiative was introduced to enhance road safety and improve traffic flow by adjusting speed limits based on real-time conditions.
The latest system uses electronic signs to adjust speed limits based on real-time road conditions such as congestion, incidents, work zones, or weather. They are connected to a central control system that receives data from sensors or traffic cameras.
3. Delivery riders banned from Dubai’s fast lanes
Delivery riders in Dubai have been prohibited from using high-speed lanes since November 1, 2025, in order to ensure their as well as other motorists’ safety on roads.
The rules ban delivery bikes from using the two lanes on the left on wider roads with five lanes or more, and the leftmost lane on those with three or four. On two-lane roads or smaller, riders may use either side freely.
Signs have already come up across the city on directional signboards showing which lanes are restricted for motorcycles, which are among the most vulnerable modes of transport to fatal accidents, given the absence of protective structures and the heightened risk of losing control at high speeds.
4. Dedicated lanes for vehicles in Sharjah
Joining other emirates, Sharjah has introduced dedicated lanes for motorbikes, heavy vehicles, and buses from November 1 this year.
The far-right lane is reserved for heavy vehicles and buses. Motorbike riders are not allowed to use the far-left fast lanes. They may ride on the two right-most lanes on four-lane roads. On three-lane roads, they can use the middle or right lane, and only the right lane on two-lane roads, in accordance with traffic regulations.
Meanwhile, surveillance operations have been running around the clock using radars. Authorities also revealed they have deployed smart camera systems on various streets to monitor traffic to ensure compliance with the designated routes and traffic instructions.
5. Smart speed limiters in Ajman
A first in the country, Ajman has installed smart speed limiters in taxis and limousines across the emirate. The system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on its real-time location, and the road limit.
With more advanced technology, the new project aims to regulate vehicle speeds and reduce hazardous behaviour on roads.
6. Truck ban on Abu Dhabi roads
Trucks have been banned on two roads in Abu Dhabi from December 1, 2025. These vehicles will be rerouted from Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) and Al Raha Beach Road (E10) to Al Faya–Saih Shuaib Road (E75) and Al Hafar (Al Adla).
In addition to the permanent ban on E10 and E11, trucks will face peak-hour restrictions on Al Rawdah Road (E30) in the Musaffah industrial zone. Movement will be prohibited between the Bridges Complex and the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road junction during morning and evening rush hours, with traffic being rerouted via the ICAD Bridge to reduce interaction with light vehicles.
The move aims to protect infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, from wear and tear caused by the weight of heavy loads.
These routes experience some of the highest traffic volumes in Abu Dhabi, particularly during peak hours. Heavy vehicles often slow traffic flow and increase accident risks. By removing trucks from these corridors, authorities aim to create a safer and more efficient environment for commuters and public transport users.
7. New solid lanes
New solid lanes have come up on some roads of Dubai along with overhead cameras in November.
These ‘no passing lines’ have been noticed on Ittihad Road, Baghdad Street, the Airport Tunnel, E311, and E611.
A no passing line is a continuous white line that motorists must not cross, whether to overtake, switch lanes, or take a turn. These are considered regulatory markings and violating them results in a Dh400 fines.
Although no official announcement has been made, some motorists have reported receiving fines over accidentally crossing these ‘hard lines’.
8. Dubai taxi fare change
From November onwards, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced new fares applicable to rides booked through smart apps.
Under the new fare structure, the minimum taxi fare has been raised from Dh12 to Dh13. The authority has also introduced new peak-hour rates and booking fees, which vary depending on the day of the week.
Peak hours are set from 8am to 9.59am and 4pm to 7.59pm from Monday to Thursday. During these times, taxi riders will pay a fixed Dh5 flagfall at the start of the trip, regardless of the distance travelled, in addition to a Dh7.5 peak-hour surcharge. Outside peak hours, the flagfall remains Dh5, with a Dh4 peak-hour fee. From Monday to Thursday, night commuters will pay a Dh5.5 flagfall, along with a Dh4.5 surcharge.
On Friday, the peak hours are from 8am to 9.59am and 4pm to 9.59pm. The flagfall from 10pm to 11.59pm will be Dh5.5.
Peak and non-peak hours on weekends have different timings and charges. On Saturday and Sunday, peak hours run from 4pm to 9.59pm and from 10pm to 11.59pm. During the first slot, the flagfall is Dh5, while in the second slot, commuters pay Dh5.5 along with the standard Dh7.5 peak-hour fee.
During weekend, outside peak hours, the flagfall remains Dh5, with a Dh4 peak-hour fee. Night commuters (from midnight to 5.59am) will pay a Dh5.5 flagfall, along with a Dh4.5 surcharge.
9. Fines in Parkin spaces
From October onwards, Dubai Police has been able to track and identify vehicles with outstanding fines or seizure orders as soon as they use Parkin facilities, allowing officers to take quick legal action.
This came after a partnership between Dubai Police and Parkin PJSC to connect the force’s traffic management systems with Parkin’s smart parking and payment platforms.
This also helps the authority detect vehicles wanted in criminal or traffic cases, supporting police efforts to keep Dubai’s roads safe and secure.
10. 24-hour paid parking at mosques
Since August of 2025, mosques across Dubai have been operating with a 24-hour parking system, which sees paid parking services being implemented around the clock, on all seven days of the week, outside prayer hours.
Parking is provided free of charge to worshippers for one hour during prayer time.
These parking spaces have been designated as Zone M (standard) or Zone MP (premium). Of the 59 sites, 41 will be located in zone M and 18 will be located in zone MP.
M is a standard parking zone, costing Dh2 for half an hour and Dh4 for an hour. The premium parking tariff (MP) will cost Dh2 for half an hour and Dh4 for an hour during off-peak hours. MP will cost Dh3 for half an hour and Dh6 for an hour during peak hours.
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