Key Changes And New Rules In The UAE Starting July 2024

The UAE has experienced numerous changes in the first half of 2024, impacting daily life and household budgets.

As we move into the second half of the year, more regulations are set to be implemented.

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Paid Parking at Dubai Mall

Beginning on July 1, certain areas of Dubai Mall will introduce paid parking. On weekdays, visitors can park for free for the first four hours, while on weekends, they can park for free for the first six hours. After that, hourly charges will be deducted from the motorist's Salik account, with fees reaching up to Dh1,000.

Expanded Paid Parking in Six Dubai Neighborhoods

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

Emiratisation Compliance Checks

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

Expanded Health Insurance Coverage

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

Mandatory Licenses for Influencers

Starting 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 at a cost of Dh1,250 for individuals and Dh5,000 for companies. Influencers sharing non-commercial content without endorsements do not require a license.

Ajman Building Classification

From July 1 onwards, Ajman residents can access information regarding their building's compliance with standards and regulations. Over a three-month period, buildings will be classified according to international criteria. The results will be displayed in an electronic system for full transparency.