As the new year begins, the UAE kicks off a big regulatory reset on January 1, 2026. Key changes affect daily life, business, and the environment. First, the UAE expands its ban on single-use plastics. From January 1, items like plastic cups, cutlery, plates, straws, and Styrofoam containers made from conventional plastic are illegal to import, make, or sell. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced fines starting at AED 2,000, doubling on repeat offenses, up to AED 10,000. Only reusable or plant-based products are allowed. Next, Friday prayer and school times shift. Dubai private schools must end by 11:30 AM on Fridays from January 9, 2026. This helps students reach Friday prayers set at 12:45 PM. Older students may study online on Fridays if approved. Schools ignoring this can face warnings from education authorities. New tax rules arrive too. VAT refunds must be claimed within five years, or the money is lost. The tax authority can now audit tax evasion cases for up to 15 years, tripling the previous period. Freelancers earning above AED 1 million who don't register for Corporate Tax face a AED 10,000 fine. Social media influencers must get a professional permit by January 31, 2026, if they take payments or gifts for promotions. Without the permit, influencers risk fines of AED 10,000, account suspension, or business license loss. Also, the sugar tax shifts to a tiered model. Drinks with 8 grams or more sugar per 100ml will be taxed AED 1.10 per liter. Medium sugar drinks face AED 0.79 per liter tax. Low sugar or artificial sweetener drinks are not taxed. Manufacturers must provide lab reports or face the highest tax level. Late tax registration penalties start at AED 10,000. This regulatory reset brings fresh rules for a greener, fairer UAE from 2026 onward. Businesses and residents must comply to avoid fines and penalties.