Starting in July 2025, the United Arab Emirates will implement significant regulatory and lifestyle changes that will impact residents, businesses, and government employees across various emirates. These updates, which include new visa agreements, Emiratisation deadlines, remote work policies, and health regulations, aim to enhance governance and public safety during the hot summer months while improving the overall quality of life.

One of the major changes is the introduction of visa-free travel for UAE residents to Armenia. To qualify, travelers must hold a valid UAE residency visa with a minimum of six months’ validity from the date of entry. This new policy will apply to all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) passport holders and anyone with a valid residency permit from the six Gulf countries, allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or leisure without the need for a visa. Previously, UAE residents could only obtain visas on arrival, making this change a significant convenience for travel planning.

Additionally, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a final reminder to private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet mid-year Emiratisation targets by June 30, 2025. Companies are required to ensure that at least 1% of their skilled workforce consists of Emirati nationals, which is part of the UAE’s long-term strategy to increase Emirati representation in the private sector. MoHRE will also conduct audits to verify the proper registration of Emirati employees with the social security fund and the timely payment of mandatory contributions. Companies that fail to meet the quota will face financial penalties of Dh9,000 per month for each Emirati not hired in accordance with the target.

In response to the intense summer heat, Dubai and Ajman are introducing flexible and remote work policies for public sector employees. From July 1 to September 12, 2025, Dubai will implement the “Our Flexible Summer” initiative, offering two work schedule options: Group 1 will work eight hours from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays off, while Group 2 will work seven hours Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Fridays. Ajman will adopt a new summer work model from July 1 to August 22, 2025, where employees will work remotely every Friday, and weekday office hours will be reduced by one hour to operate from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Thursday.

Moreover, a new health law aimed at managing infectious diseases will be enacted in Dubai in late July. This law requires individuals infected or suspected of having an infectious disease to avoid contact that could spread the illness and prohibits them from traveling without prior approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The legislation is designed to minimize public health risks and enhance the UAE’s preparedness against communicable diseases.

Additionally, a new law permitting the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches will take effect on July 29, 2025. These pouches, containing nicotine but no tobacco, are intended to assist individuals in quitting smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Officials emphasize that while nicotine is addictive, the regulation aims to support cessation efforts rather than promote use.

As schools in the UAE prepare to close for summer holidays starting in early July, working parents often turn to summer camps to keep their children engaged. Many families who remain in the country during the break rely on these camps for structured activities, while others take the opportunity to travel abroad to escape the heat.

Furthermore, the UAE will continue its midday work ban from June 15 to September 15, 2025, prohibiting outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. This initiative aims to protect laborers from heat-related illnesses during peak summer temperatures, with penalties for non-compliance reaching Dh5 000 per worker and up to Dh50 000 for multiple violations within a single company.

These regulatory updates in the UAE for July 2025 reflect a broader commitment to improving quality of life, encouraging local workforce participation, ensuring health and safety during the summer months, and simplifying travel and lifestyle for residents. Staying informed about these changes is essential for effectively navigating the months ahead.