What's New in UAE 2026: New Attractions, Transport & Must-Know Travel Updates

Planning a trip to the UAE in 2026? This is one of the most exciting years the Emirates has seen. Electric flying taxis connect Dubai's iconic districts in minutes. The Etihad Rail network finally opens to passengers and links all seven emirates. Surf parks break world records. New mega-event venues open their doors. And the calendar delivers 13 public holidays — including a rare six-day long weekend in May.

This guide covers everything visitors need to know: how to get around faster, which brand-new experiences are worth booking, when to plan your visit for maximum time off, and the one environmental change that affects every tourist arriving in 2026.

New Transportation in UAE 2026

Three landmark transport projects launch in 2026 and fundamentally change how visitors and residents move between — and within — cities. Each targets a different journey: aerial, underground, and intercity rail. Together they represent the most significant infrastructure shift the UAE has made in a decade.

Etihad Rail: All Seven Emirates, One Train Ticket

Etihad Rail launches passenger services in 2026, connecting all seven emirates through a 900-kilometre national railway. The network links 11 cities and regions, running from Al Sila on Abu Dhabi's western coast to Fujairah on the east. Trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, carrying up to 400 passengers each.

Key journey times for visitors:

• Abu Dhabi to Dubai: 57 minutes
• Abu Dhabi to Fujairah: 105 minutes
• Abu Dhabi to Ruwais: 70 minutes

Every seat has individual power outlets and full Wi-Fi. Stations connect to metro and bus networks as well as e-scooters and bikes. Tickets can be booked online, at vending machines, or paid by card and Apple Pay. The network is projected to handle 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

For visitors, this is transformative. Day trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi become a one-hour train journey instead of a highway drive. Those wanting to see multiple emirates no longer need a rental car. Pair Etihad Rail with a guided Abu Dhabi city tour and you have a full day across two emirates without touching a steering wheel.

Dubai Flying Taxis: The World's First Commercial Air Taxi Service

Dubai makes history in Q1 2026 as the first city globally to launch a fully commercial air taxi service. Joby Aviation, which secured an exclusive six-year deal with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority in 2024, anchors the network at four vertiports:

• Dubai International Airport (behind the Emirates Airline building)
• Palm Jumeirah
• Dubai Marina
• Downtown Dubai

The aircraft carry a pilot and four passengers at 320 km/h. The flagship route — Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah — takes just 10–12 minutes, compared with 45 minutes by road at peak times. Fares for inter-emirate trips are expected around AED 730.

These electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft produce zero local emissions and generate approximately 45 dBA of noise — quieter than normal road traffic. Each aircraft can travel over 200 kilometres on a single charge. Expansion to vertiports in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah (Jebel Jais and the Wynn Resort at Al Marjan Island) is already planned.

Dubai Loop: Underground Express Through the City

The Boring Company and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority signed a partnership in February 2026 to build an underground tunnel network beneath the city. Vehicles travel at up to 160 km/h through 12-foot-diameter tunnels, cutting journeys that previously took 30–40 minutes in peak traffic to just two to five minutes.

The pilot route covers 6.4 kilometres with four stations:

• Burj Khalifa
• DIFC 2
• Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking
• ICD Brookfield Place

Daily capacity on the pilot route is 13,000 passengers. The full network extends 22.5 kilometres with 19 stations, connecting the Dubai World Trade Center and financial district with Business Bay, serving up to 30,000 passengers per day. Tunnelling begins in the second half of 2026, with the pilot phase taking approximately one year after design completion.

Already planning to explore these neighbourhoods? A Dubai city tour takes you through the DIFC, Downtown, and Creek areas with a local guide — perfect preparation for understanding how the Loop will transform movement between them.

New Attractions Opening in UAE 2026

Surfbase Dubai — Programmable Waves at CityLand Mall

Surfbase Dubai opens in Q4 2026 at CityLand Mall with a planned ten-year residency, making it a permanent fixture in Dubai's leisure landscape. The facility operates on deep-water wave principles and creates an endless programmable standing wave. Beginners and experienced surfers can use the same facility during different sessions, scheduled by skill level throughout the day.

This makes Surfbase one of the most accessible surf experiences in the region. For thrill-seekers already browsing adventure activities in Dubai, this is a standout addition to the 2026 bucket list.

Surf Abu Dhabi — Three World Records Already Set

Surf Abu Dhabi opened in October 2024 on Hudayriyat Island and holds three world records:

• World's largest wave pool: 73,139 square metres
• Longest artificial surfing wave: 375.4 metres
• Highest wave pool wave: 3.769 metres

Already fully operational, it is one of the most impressive outdoor experiences near Abu Dhabi for adventure travellers visiting in 2026.

Major Events Worth Travelling For in 2026

Dubai's events calendar fills fast this year. The Dubai World Trade Center alone has announced 71 international exhibitions and conferences for the first half of 2026, spanning security, healthcare, food, energy, mobility, tourism, technology, and culture. These are the biggest gatherings visitors plan trips around:

• Gulfood: January 26–30 — world's largest food and beverage trade event, first mega event at the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Center
• World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health): February 9–12
• Arabian Travel Market: May 4–7 — a key gathering for travel professionals and tourism enthusiasts
• Step Dubai 2026: Theme 'Intelligence Everywhere: The AI Economy' — 8,000+ attendees, 400 startups
• GITEX Global: December 7–11 at Expo City Dubai, 2.2 million square feet of tech exhibitions — the 45th edition of the world's largest tech expo

GITEX at Expo City is the headline event. The venue's existing infrastructure — direct metro access via the Expo 2020 Station, 5G connectivity, and parking across multiple zones — makes it the best-connected events destination in the region. The Dubai Exhibition Center Phase 1 expansion (AED 10 billion) adds 140,000 square metres of event space and supports up to 50,000 visitors per day.

If you're visiting during GITEX or want to explore the impressive Expo City grounds outside of event season, book Expo City Dubai tickets to access the permanent pavilions and interactive exhibits that remain open year-round.

Public Holidays & Long Weekends 2026

The UAE offers at least 12 official public holidays in 2026. Strategic planning around these dates turns a four-day weekend into a nine-day escape. Here is the full calendar:

The Big One: Six Consecutive Days Off in May

The standout break of 2026 runs from Tuesday 26 May through Sunday 31 May — six consecutive days combining Arafat Day, the three-day Eid Al Adha holiday, and the regular weekend. Private sector employees receive four paid days (May 26–29). Public sector workers enjoy nine days when accounting for their different weekend structures.

This is prime time to experience the UAE. The golden hour light over the dunes is spectacular during late May evenings. A desert safari in Dubai is one of the most popular ways to spend a long Eid evening — dune bashing, camel rides, and a traditional Bedouin camp dinner under the stars. Book well in advance: demand peaks across all tours during Eid.

For something more immersive, a premium desert safari tour offers private camp dining, falconry displays, and sandboarding before the cultural programme begins — a memorable way to mark the long weekend.

Other Long Weekend Opportunities

Several other holidays create natural extensions worth planning around:

New Year's Day (1 January, Thursday)

• New Year's Day (1 January, Thursday) — extends into a long weekend. The timing is perfect for a Dubai city tour covering Old Dubai, the Creek, and the souks — iconic sights that set the tone for the year ahead.
  
• Eid Al Fitr (20–22 March, Friday–Sunday) — three-day break aligned with the weekend. Ideal for day trips to Abu Dhabi or Fujairah via Etihad Rail, or an Abu Dhabi city tour to see the Grand Mosque and Corniche in a single guided day.
  
• UAE National Day (2–3 December, Wednesday–Thursday) — merges with the Friday–Saturday weekend for four days off. A great window for a dinner dhow cruise in Dubai Creek, which takes on a festive atmosphere during National Day with illuminated heritage buildings on both banks.
  
• Islamic New Year (16 June, Tuesday) — a single day of reflection. Cultural sites, mosques, and heritage neighbourhoods like Al Fahidi see elevated visitor interest around this date.

Planning Note on Islamic Holiday Dates

Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet's Birthday all depend on official moon sighting and may shift by one day from the projected dates listed above. Monitor announcements from the UAE Cabinet and MOHRE as each holiday approaches. The table above reflects best estimates based on the Islamic calendar.

The One Regulation Every Visitor Should Know: Plastics Ban 2026

From January 1, 2026, the UAE bans single-use plastic cups, lids, cutlery (forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks), food containers, and plates across all seven emirates. For travellers, adapting is straightforward:

• Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup — many cafes welcome them
• Pack a small set of metal or bamboo cutlery for street food and takeaway meals
• Use cloth or canvas bags for shopping — plastic bags have been banned since June 2024

Restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services will use paper-based packaging and compostable materials. Some venues may pass on a small surcharge to cover sustainable alternatives. The adjustment is minor for most visitors and carries no penalties for individuals — the enforcement targets manufacturers, importers, and sellers.

Comparison Table: What's New in UAE 2026 for Travellers

Conclusion

2026 is a landmark year for travel in the UAE. Whether you're arriving to ride the world's first commercial flying taxi, surf a programmable wave at Surfbase Dubai, catch GITEX Global at the expanded Expo City, or simply make the most of the six-day Eid Al Adha break — there has never been a better time to plan your UAE trip.

Etihad Rail makes multi-city itineraries effortless. The plastics ban is easy to prepare for with the right reusables in your bag. And with 12 public holidays on the calendar, the opportunities to build extended breaks around your visit are better than ever. Browse all Dubai tours and experiences to start planning your 2026 itinerary.

FAQs

Q1. What are the biggest new things to do in the UAE in 2026?

Dubai's commercial flying taxi service launches in Q1 2026, offering routes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in just 10–12 minutes. Surfbase Dubai opens at CityLand Mall in Q4 2026 with programmable surf waves for all skill levels. Etihad Rail passenger services also begin, making day trips between all seven emirates straightforward without a car.

Q2. When can I take a flying taxi in Dubai?

Commercial air taxi operations are scheduled to launch in Q1 2026. The initial network covers four vertiports: Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai. The service is operated by Joby Aviation under a six-year exclusive deal with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. Fares for inter-emirate trips are expected around AED 730.

Q3. What is the longest public holiday break in UAE 2026?

The longest break is the six-day stretch from Tuesday 26 May to Sunday 31 May, combining Arafat Day, the three-day Eid Al Adha holiday, and the regular weekend. Private sector employees receive four paid days. This is one of the best windows for extended travel — but book tours and accommodation early as demand peaks across the UAE.

Q4. Can tourists use Etihad Rail to travel between cities?

Yes. Etihad Rail passenger services launch in 2026 with online booking, ticket vending machines, and payment by card and Apple Pay. The network connects Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, and other cities across all seven emirates, making intercity travel fully practical without a rental car.

Q5. What major events is Dubai hosting in 2026?

Major events include Gulfood (January 26–30), World Health Expo (February 9–12), Arabian Travel Market (May 4–7), and GITEX Global (December 7–11 at Expo City Dubai). GITEX occupies 2.2 million square feet at Expo City and marks the 45th edition of the world's largest technology exhibition.

Q6. What should I pack to prepare for the UAE plastics ban in 2026?

Bring a reusable water bottle, a portable coffee cup, and a set of metal or bamboo cutlery for takeaway meals. Single-use plastic cups, lids, and cutlery are banned from January 1, 2026. Plastic bags have already been banned since June 2024. The ban targets businesses, not individual travellers — but having reusables makes dining and shopping smoother.