As the UAE prepares for the new year, residents should be aware of significant changes in laws and regulations set to take effect in 2025. These updates will impact various aspects of daily life, from traffic regulations to health initiatives. Here’s a summary of the most important changes.
1. Revised Federal Traffic Law
Starting March 29, 2025, a new federal traffic law will introduce several key changes:
- Lower Driving Age: Residents can now obtain a driver’s license at 17 years old, down from 18.
- Noise Regulations: The law will prohibit loud vehicles and restrict car horn use in cities to emergency situations only.
- Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrians cannot cross roads with speed limits exceeding 80 km/h, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Deterrent Penalties: Serious violations, such as driving under the influence or hit-and-run incidents, will incur severe penalties.
2. Mandatory Nutrition Grading System
Beginning June 1, 2025, Abu Dhabi will implement a mandatory nutrition grading system for food products:
- Nutri-Mark Labels: Five food categories, including baked goods and dairy, must display nutritional grades from A (most nutritious) to E (least nutritious).
- Enforcement: Products without proper labels will be withdrawn from shelves, and fines will apply for incorrect grading.
3. Increased Female Representation on Boards
Effective January 1, 2025, private joint-stock companies must ensure female representation on their boards:
- Board Seats: At least one seat must be allocated for women after the current board’s term ends, promoting gender diversity in leadership roles.
4. Mandatory Pre-Marital Genetic Testing
Starting January 1, 2025, genetic testing will become mandatory for Emirati citizens planning to marry:
- Health Screening: This initiative aims to detect hereditary diseases and improve long-term health outcomes for families.
5. Expanded Emiratisation Targets
In 2025, new Emiratisation rules will apply to smaller companies:
- Hiring Requirements: Companies with 20 to 49 employees must hire at least two Emirati citizens.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Fines of AED 96,000 will be imposed for failing to meet targets in 2025, increasing to AED 108,000 in subsequent years.
These updates reflect the UAE’s commitment to enhancing public safety, health, and social equity. Residents should prepare for these changes to ensure compliance and benefit from the new regulations.
