A few weeks to go before we welcome a new year and if you’re a resident of the UAE or planning to shift to the UAE, several crucial regulations will be implemented that will impact various aspects of life for residents. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes to expect:
Updates to Federal Traffic Laws
Starting March 29, 2025, the UAE will implement significant updates to its traffic laws:
- Lower Driving Age: The minimum age for obtaining a driving license will now be 17 years old.
- Noise Restrictions: Vehicles producing excessive noise will be banned, and car horns can only be used in cities when necessary to avoid accidents or hazards.
- Pedestrian Safety: Crossing roads in areas with speed limits above 80 km/h will be prohibited, with non-compliance leading to civil or criminal consequences.
- Stricter Penalties: Serious violations, including drunk driving, hit-and-run incidents, and jaywalking, will carry harsher penalties.
- Hazardous Material Permits: Transportation of hazardous materials or unusual loads will require official permits.
Introduction of Mandatory Nutrition Labelling
From June 1, 2025, a new nutrition grading system called Nutri-Mark will be enforced in Abu Dhabi:
- Affected Products: This will apply to baked goods, oils, dairy products, children’s food, and beverages.
- Grading System: Products will be assigned grades from A (healthiest) to E (least healthy).
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Items that do not display a Nutri-Mark or have incorrect grading will be withdrawn from sale, with fines imposed on the responsible parties.
- Long-Term Objective: The system aims to combat obesity by enabling consumers to make more informed decisions about food.
Mandatory Female Representation on Company Boards
As of January 1, 2025, private joint-stock companies will be required to allocate at least one seat on their boards to women:
- Goal: The initiative aims to improve female representation in leadership positions within the private sector.
- Implementation Timeline: The mandate will take effect once the current board’s term expires.
Compulsory Pre-Marital Genetic Testing
Starting January 2025, pre-marital genetic testing will be mandatory for Emirati citizens planning to marry:
- Expanded Scope: The testing, previously optional, will now screen for over 570 genetic mutations related to hereditary diseases.
- Objective: This initiative, part of the UAE Genome Programme, is designed to reduce the incidence of hereditary conditions such as cystic fibrosis and genetic epilepsy.
Revised Emiratisation Targets
In 2025, private sector companies with 20 to 49 employees will be required to employ at least two Emirati citizens:
- Broadened Requirements: This expands the mandate that previously applied only to companies with 50 or more employees.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- An AED96,000 fine will be imposed for missing the 2025 targets, starting in January.
- An additional AED108,000 fine will be applied for non-compliance in 2025, to be collected in January 2026.
- Fines ranging from AED20,000 to AED100,000 will be imposed for false Emiratization practices.
