From Etihad Rail launch to school breaks: Key changes taking effect in the UAE this July.
Dubai: July is set to bring a series of major changes across the UAE. From the launch of the first route of the country’s passenger rail network and summer school holidays to updates affecting businesses and significant regulatory changes impacting millions of Indian expatriates, a range of new rules and developments take effect this month.
To help you stay informed, we’ve rounded up the five most important updates and rules you need to know, effective from July 1.
1. Etihad Rail launches its first route
Etihad Rail completed its first passenger journey on June 30, and from July onwards, tickets will be available for the Abu Dhabi to Fujairah service.
Over 10,000 tickets have already been sold ahead of Etihad Rail’s launch, and despite strong demand, the booking system remains open for future journeys. Tickets can be booked via the official website etihadrail.ae or through the mobile app.
Etihad Rail station rollout timeline:
- September 30, 2026: Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station open.
- December 30, 2026: Al Dhafra Train Stations open.
- March 30, 2027: The network is completed with the launch of Sharjah Train Station.
2. Indian passport fees rise by 75% with a new service provider in the UAE
Major changes are set to affect Indian expatriates in the UAE regarding consular services. Under the newly issued Passports (Amendment) Rules from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), passport application fees will increase by up to 75 per cent globally from July 1.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have also announced revised charges for passports and related consular services, effective from July 1, 2026.
Under the new fee structure, a standard 36-page fresh or reissued passport for adults now costs Dh450, up from Dh285, while a 60-page passport is priced at Dh630, compared with the earlier fee of Dh380.
For Tatkal (urgent) applications, fees have risen to Dh900 for a 36-page passport and Dh1,080 for a 60-page passport, up from Dh855 and Dh950 respectively. Fees for replacing lost or damaged passports have also increased significantly.
A replacement 36-page passport now costs Dh900 under normal processing and Dh1,350 under the Tatkal service, while a replacement 60-page passport is priced at Dh1,080 under normal processing and Dh1,530 under Tatkal.
At the same time, a new unified system, the Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC), will launch on July 1. Under this system, Alhind Tours and Travels LLC will take over passport, visa and document attestation services, replacing all previous providers.
3. UAE schools close for the summer break
Parents and students can prepare for the annual summer break, with schools across the UAE officially closing on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The summer vacation will last eight weeks, giving families ample time for travel or to explore indoor activities during the hotter months. The new 2026–2027 academic year is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 31, 2026.
4. Sharjah extends paid public parking until midnight
Commuters and residents in Sharjah should take note of updated parking regulations. Starting July 1, 2026, Sharjah City Municipality will extend paid public parking hours until 12:00 AM (midnight).
The move unifies the emirate’s parking system, aligning yellow signboard areas with blue zones that already operate until midnight. The extended timing will apply across Sharjah, including Sharjah City, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid.
Public parking will remain free on Fridays and official public holidays, although this exemption will not apply to certain designated seven-day zones where fees remain in effect throughout the week, including holidays.
5. Dubai Summer Surprises 2026: 60 days of sales, concerts and family entertainment begin this July
The wait is over for the city’s much-anticipated retail and entertainment festival, as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026 returns for its 29th edition, transforming the emirate into a major summer destination from July 2 to August 30, 2026.
Held under the theme “Make it a Dubai Summer,” the 60-day festival is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). This year’s edition features a packed calendar of events aimed at keeping residents and visitors entertained throughout the summer season.
6. Mandatory e-invoicing deadline hits UAE businesses
For the corporate sector, July 1, 2026, marks the first major milestone in the UAE’s rollout of a mandatory e-invoicing framework. By this date, companies operating in the UAE are required to select an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) to ensure their financial systems are aligned with upcoming compliance requirements.
This structural shift is set to change how businesses record, report and monitor commercial transactions. If a company has not yet partnered with an ASP, treating the July deadline as an operational priority will be crucial to avoid potential disruptions in tax reporting in the future.
