Dubai continues evolving at a rapid pace—introducing new laws, health protocols, and high-tech travel solutions throughout 2025. Whether you’re planning a brief visit or a longer stay, here’s everything you need to know:

Health & Public Safety: Public Health Law No. 5/2025

• Dubai has enacted Law No. (5) of 2025 on Public Health, which imposes strict obligations on travellers who are infected with—or suspected of carrying—a communicable disease. Key requirements include:
• Mandatory declaration of health status upon arrival.
• Avoid travel or close contact with others unless you’re heading to a healthcare facility—with approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
• Concealing an infection, knowingly or unknowingly, is prohibited.
• Comply with hygiene guidelines, such as wearing face masks or physical distancing when sick

Smarter Arrival: AI-Powered, Passport-Free Immigration at DXB

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has launched a cutting-edge AI-powered immigration corridor, allowing travellers to pass through immigration without showing passports or IDs. This streamlines arrival processing and significantly reduces wait times.

Visa Updates: Easier Access for Indian Travellers & AI Enhancements

Visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals has expanded. From February 13, 2025, Indian passport holders holding valid residence or visa documents from six additional countries—including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea—are eligible for a visa on arrival for AED 100 (~USD 27), valid for 14 days and extendable for another 14 days for AED 250.

The Salama AI platform now handles visa/residency applications digitally—reducing paperwork and streamlining processing through online services.

Sustainable Living: Ban on Single-Use Plastics

Dubai continues its sustainability push. As of January 1, 2025, single-use items—including plastic straws, stirrers, Styrofoam cups and containers, table covers, and cotton swabs—are banned.

Transport & Toll Updates: Smart Tech, Pricing, and Connectivity

Salik toll charges and parking rates now vary by time:

• Salik: AED 6 during peak hours, AED 4 off-peak, and free from 1 AM to 6 AM.
• Parking: Premium and peak-hour parking rates have increased—up to AED 6 per hour.

Free public Wi-Fi has been rolled out to major bus stops across the emirate.dayofdubai.com

Additionally, the Al Maktoum Bridge maintenance has concluded by mid-January 2025, improving local traffic flow

Legal & Enforcement: Deportation Protocol & Judicial Committee

Dubai has established a Judicial Committee for deportation cases under Decision No. (1) of 2025.
This committee, composed of judges and government representatives, oversees deportation orders—ensuring swift, fair rulings. Its decisions are final and non-appealable

ramesh2055giri@gmail.com