The UAE is ready to ring in the changes in 2026 as it caters to a growing population and seeks to cement its status as a leading destination to live, work and do business.
In the coming months, a series of laws, rules and policies will come into effect that will help to shape areas from education to the environment and economy.
They follow major reforms in 2025, such as the single regulatory framework for banks and insurers and mandatory nationwide health insurance.
“Taken together, the 2025 and 2026 changes indicate a maturing regulatory landscape with sharper lines around accountability and transparency,” said Rima Mrad, partner at BSA Law in Dubai.
“It is important for the companies and individuals affected by these changes to be well prepared and to ensure that their compliance readiness is aligned with strategy, liquidity management and their overall growth ambitions.”
Drawing on insights from legal experts in the UAE, here are 10 key laws everyone should pay attention to in 2026.
Social media advertiser permits
Permits will be 'mandatory for all individuals working in the digital advertising space'. Antonie Robertson / The National
Social media influencers must obtain advertiser permits by January 31. This permit is “mandatory for all individuals working in the digital advertising space”, including those posting promotional content that is “paid or unpaid”.
Maitha Al Suwaidi of the UAE Media Council said that “no advertisement may be published except through an account registered with the council and linked to the permit granted to its holder”.
The permit number must be clearly displayed on social media profiles. After the deadline, no advertisements may be published except through a registered and linked account.
Changes to school en
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