Dubai has a habit of moving fast, and 2026 doesn’t look any different. From futuristic ways to get around to behind-the-scenes tech changes, here are six impressive things coming to the city that could end up being part of your everyday routine.
1. You’ll Be Able To Travel Between Emirates By Train
Passenger trains on Etihad Rail are expected to launch in 2026, turning a freight-only rail network into something everyday travellers can actually use. Once services begin, people will be far less dependent on long drives when moving between emirates.
There’s still no exact launch date, but officials confirmed that 2026 is the year this finally happens. Meanwhile, you can check the latest updates on the project, including estimated travel times between the cities, confirmed stations, and even take a look at business class cabins!
2. You Might Skip Traffic By Taking A Flying Taxi
What once sounded futuristic is getting very real. Dubai plans to launch flying taxi services in 2026, offering short air trips between some of the city’s busiest areas. In case you missed the big news, check out the video of its first public flight over Palm Jumeirah.
The idea of this project is to skip traffic altogether, with some journeys expected to take around ten minutes (and even 15 minutes between Dubai and RAK). The first vertiport is expected to be completed by the end of March, though flights will follow later. You can check the first announced vertiport stations here.
3. Your Favourite Drinks Could Cost More (Or Less)
The UAE is changing the way sugary beverages are taxed, moving away from category-based pricing and focusing instead on sugar content. In simple terms, drinks with more sugar may cost more, while lower-sugar options could end up cheaper. If daily coffees, sodas, or juices are part of your routine, you may start noticing small price shifts.
4. Plastic Takeaway Containers Will Mostly Disappear
Another step in Dubai’s move away from single-use plastic arrives right as 2026 begins. Plates, food containers, cutlery, and beverage cups with plastic lids will be phased out. Cafés and restaurants will lean even more on reusable or paper alternatives.
5. Goodbye OTPs, You’ll Approve Bank Payments Inside Apps
Banks across the UAE are phasing out traditional OTPs and moving toward in-app verification instead. The change was announced in July 2025 under guidance from the Central Bank of the UAE and will continue into 2026. For most people, this means fewer text messages and more approvals happening directly through banking apps.
6. Travelling Around The Gulf Could Get Much Easier with Unified Visa
A unified visa system known as GCC Grand Tours is expected to launch in 2026, allowing easier movement between the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
While most people will enjoy the result, it’s worth noting that the project took many years of cooperation between GCC countries. As a part of the initiative, one-stop travel system was launched between the UAE and Bahrain in December 2025.
Looking at what’s coming next feels even more interesting when you remember what’s already been achieved. If you’re in the mood to reflect a little more, you might enjoy this round-up of UAE’s six most impressive Guinness World Records in 2025: the past year had its own standout moments worth remembering.
Stay tuned for more news, events, and updates! 2026 is going to be a fantastic year!
