The UAE is witnessing major updates this May, including AI-based work permit screening, new banking communication rules, resumed regional flights, enhanced traveller protections, attraction closures, and a possible six-day Eid Al Adha holiday for residents.
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The UAE is entering a busy and transformative month this May, with several new regulations, travel updates, public holiday announcements, and seasonal attraction closures set to impact residents, businesses, and tourists alike. From artificial intelligence being used in work permit approvals to new banking communication rules and expanded public safety monitoring, authorities across the country are introducing changes aimed at improving services, safety, and efficiency.
At the same time, popular destinations like Global Village and Dubai Miracle Garden are preparing for summer schedules, while UAE residents eagerly await what could become the longest public holiday break of the year during Eid Al Adha.
Here is a detailed look at the major developments taking place across the Emirates this May and what they mean for everyday life.
One of Dubai’s most popular family attractions, Global Village, has officially extended its season until May 31, allowing visitors extra time to enjoy the multicultural entertainment destination before it closes for the summer season.
The attraction resumed operations on April 20 and continues to attract large crowds with its international pavilions, shopping experiences, cultural performances, and extensive food offerings. Visitors can explore products and traditions from around the world while enjoying more than 250 dining options and various entertainment activities.
Special offers have also been introduced for the final weeks of the season. Guests can purchase the Carnaval pass for Dh99, which includes unlimited rides, while families can benefit from a special package offering four entry tickets for Dh30. Additional tickets are available at Dh7.5 each.
Operating timings remain extended during weekends, with the park open from 5pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sunday through Thursday timings continue from 5pm until midnight.
Another iconic Dubai attraction, Dubai Miracle Garden, is preparing to shut its doors for the summer after completing its successful Season 14.
Before the seasonal closure, the attraction has launched several promotional offers throughout May to encourage residents and tourists to visit one last time before temperatures rise further.
UAE families can enjoy free weekday entry between May 1 and May 31 through Gate 3 only. The offer applies from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Residents are also being offered discounted tickets priced at Dh30, including VAT, upon presenting a valid Emirates ID.
Children aged 12 and below continue to receive free entry, making the attraction especially popular among families during the final weeks of operation.
Known for its massive floral displays and themed installations, the garden remains one of Dubai’s most photographed tourist attractions every year.
In a major technological shift, the UAE has started implementing a new artificial intelligence and robotics-powered system to evaluate work permit applicants.
The initiative is being introduced through collaboration between the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Authorities say the move is designed to improve labour market efficiency while attracting highly skilled professionals into the country.
Under the new system, applicants will be assessed using data-driven criteria that include:
Officials believe the AI-powered screening process will create stronger alignment between workforce demand and available talent while improving the overall quality of recruitment across sectors.
The move also reflects the UAE’s wider push toward digital transformation and increased use of smart technologies in government services.
Dubai authorities have intensified efforts to improve road and pedestrian safety through the launch of a new Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit.
The initiative, introduced jointly by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police on May 1, focuses on regulating the growing use of bicycles and electric scooters throughout the emirate.
The monitoring teams are patrolling:
Authorities are targeting a number of safety violations, including:
Officials confirmed that violators could face fines, while vehicles that fail to comply with regulations may also be impounded.
The launch comes amid the rapid increase in the popularity of e-scooters and alternative mobility options across Dubai over the past few years.
Passengers travelling through Dubai airports can now expect stronger consumer protection measures following the implementation of a new Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
The directive clearly outlines the responsibilities of airlines, travel agencies, and passengers while also introducing a structured process for dispute resolution and complaint management.
Under the updated framework, travellers can now:
Officials say the initiative is aimed at improving transparency and making complaint handling easier and more accessible for passengers using Dubai’s aviation sector.
The new system is expected to strengthen trust between travellers and service providers while improving overall customer experience standards.
One of the most significant changes taking effect this month involves communication rules for financial institutions.
From May onward, banks and licensed financial companies in the UAE are no longer permitted to contact customers through instant messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.
The directive was issued by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and applies to:
Authorities stated that the move is intended to enhance customer protection and strengthen data security measures while safeguarding the reputation of the UAE’s financial sector.
Institutions were instructed to confirm compliance with the directive before April 30.
The decision comes as concerns continue to grow globally regarding online fraud, phishing attempts, and misuse of messaging applications for financial scams.
Travellers across the UAE are also seeing positive developments in regional air travel this month as several airlines resume services to Qatar and Kuwait.
Flights to and from Hamad International Airport in Doha have gradually resumed, with flydubai and Air Arabia among the first UAE carriers to restart operations. The services are operating through a dedicated air corridor established by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
Meanwhile, Emirates resumed Kuwait operations from May 1 following the reopening of Kuwaiti airspace.
Initially, Emirates is operating two daily flights between Dubai and Kuwait International Airport:
The airline has also announced plans to increase services gradually:
Officials say the gradual expansion reflects improving regional travel conditions and growing passenger demand.
Perhaps the most anticipated update for residents this month is the possibility of a six-day public holiday during Eid Al Adha.
According to astronomical calculations released by the Emirates Astronomical Society, Eid Al Adha is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27.
The Day of Arafah, considered the holiest day during the Hajj pilgrimage, is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26.
The UAE Cabinet has already approved official public holidays from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. When combined with the weekend, residents are expected to enjoy a continuous six-day break.
However, authorities noted that the final holiday dates remain subject to official moon sighting confirmation, as with all Islamic occasions.
The expected holiday period is likely to trigger increased travel demand, staycation bookings, and family gatherings across the UAE.
From technology-driven employment systems and stricter road safety measures to updated banking rules and expanded passenger protections, May is shaping up to be a month filled with major developments across the UAE.
Authorities continue to focus on modernisation, digital transformation, consumer protection, and public safety while residents prepare for seasonal attraction closures and one of the year’s most anticipated holiday breaks.
With multiple sectors introducing important updates simultaneously, both residents and businesses are being encouraged to stay informed and adapt to the latest regulations and opportunities.
Source : Gulf News
