It’s Finally Happening: Etihad Rail & Flying Taxis Confirmed for 2026 – Full List of Changes

DUBAI – As the clock ticks towards 2026, Dubai is not just turning a page; it’s upgrading the entire operating system of the city.

For residents, 2026 promises to be a year of massive transformation. From the way you order your morning coffee (spoiler: no plastic lids) to how you verify a bank transfer, daily life is about to look very different.

Here are the 8 critical changes you need to prepare for.

PART 1: Your Wallet & Banking

1. The New 'Sugar Tax' System

The Change: Starting January 1, 2026, a new tiered excise tax kicks in based on sugar content.

Impact: Soft drink prices will fluctuate. Drinks with higher sugar or artificial sweeteners will likely cost more. It’s no longer a flat 50% tax; it’s based on how "unhealthy" the drink is.

2. Farewell to SMS OTPs

The Change: Banks are phasing out One-Time Passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS and email.

The Deadline: By March 2026, all banks are expected to switch to app-based authentication.

Why: To stop fraud. You will need your bank’s app notification to approve that big purchase, not a text message.

PART 2: Your Daily Routine

3. The End of Takeaway Plastic

The Change: Phase 3 of the single-use plastic ban begins on January 1.

Banned Items: Plastic food containers, plates, and-crucially for coffee lovers-plastic lids on beverage cups.

Action: Get ready to bring your own reusable cup or get used to paper alternatives.

4. 'Year of the Family'

The Theme: 2026 has been officially declared the Year of the Family. Expect new government policies and initiatives focused on family stability and cohesion throughout the year.

PART 3: Travel & Transport Revolution

5. The GCC 'Schengen' Visa

The News: The unified "GCC Grand Tours" visa is set to launch.

Benefit: A single visa allowing tourists and residents to move freely between UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. A game-changer for weekend road trips.

6. Etihad Rail for Passengers

The Update: Rail bosses have signalled that passenger services could be up and running in 2026.

The Dream: Commuting between emirates without traffic jams is finally becoming a reality.

7. Flying Taxis Take Off

The Route: 10-minute flights are coming to 4 key locations: DXB Airport, Atlantis The Royal, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Marina.

The Vertiports: The first vertiport is expected to be ready by March 2026.

PART 4: Lifestyle Upgrades

8. The New Dubai Fountain

The Upgrade: After maintenance in 2025, the fountain is getting a tech overhaul.

What to Expect: Enhanced choreography, sound, and lighting systems debuting in Q2 2026.

The Bottom Line: 2026 isn't just another year; it's the start of a smarter, faster, and greener Dubai.