6 UAE Changes and Rules That Will Take Effect This July

The first half of 2024 saw numerous changes in the UAE, with new policies affecting daily life and household budgets. As we enter the second half, more regulations are set to come into effect. Here’s what you need to know:

Paid Parking in Dubai Mall

Starting July 1, parts of Dubai Mall will implement paid parking. Visitors can park for free for the first 4 hours on weekdays and the first 6 hours on weekends. After that, hourly charges will apply, deducted from the motorist's Salik account, with fees reaching up to Dh1,000.

Expanded Paid Parking in Six Dubai Neighborhoods

In response to the city's growth, six key neighborhoods in Dubai will expand their paid parking spaces. Over 7,000 new spots will be available from 8 AM to 10 PM daily, with increased fees for premium spots. The new system should be fully operational by the end of July.

Emiratisation Compliance Checks

Private companies with 50 or more employees must meet Emiratisation targets, hiring 1% more UAE Nationals in the past six months. The deadline is June 30, and starting July 1, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) will enforce compliance, with fines of Dh8,000 per Emirati not hired, increasing by Dh1,000 each year until 2026.

Expanded Health Insurance Coverage

Daman insurance holders can now access top-tier hospitals in Abu Dhabi while keeping their basic plan, though they will face higher premiums and co-payments. This change means paying Dh200 for in-patient services and one-day procedures, in addition to standard fees.

Mandatory Licenses for Influencers

From July 1, social media influencers promoting brands or businesses without a license will face fines up to Dh10,000 and potential company closure. Licenses can be obtained from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development via the Tamm platform, costing Dh1,250 for individuals and Dh5,000 for companies. Influencers sharing non-commercial content without endorsements do not require a license.

Ajman Building Classification

Starting July 1, Ajman residents can access information on their building's compliance with standards and regulations. Over three months, buildings will be classified according to international criteria, with results displayed in an electronic system for full transparency.