New UAE laws and rules in March 2025: What residents need to know
Traffic, taxation, utilities, and technology – key changes taking effect this month
DUBAI: This month will see several new laws and regulations come into effect across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), impacting residents, businesses, and commuters.
These changes span key sectors, including transportation, taxation, utilities, and technology.
Here’s what you need to know as the new rules take effect this month.
Minimum nol card top-up increased
From March 1, 2025, the minimum recharge amount for nol cards at Dubai Metro ticket vending machines will increase to Dh20, up from Dh5, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This adjustment aims to streamline transactions and ensure smoother commuter experiences.
For online top-ups, more flexible options remain available. Users can recharge their nol cards through the RTA’s official website (rta.ae), nol Pay, and the S’hail app, with a minimum of Dh5 and a maximum of Dh150.
New traffic laws
The UAE’s updated traffic laws will take effect in March, featuring key revisions to driving regulations:
Legal Driving Age: Reduced from 18 to 17 years, allowing younger drivers to obtain licences under new guidelines.
E-Bike & E-Scooter Regulations: Stricter rules for personal transport devices to enhance road safety.
Increased Penalties:
- Drunk Driving: Fines up to Dh100,000 and/or imprisonment.
- Jaywalking: Higher fines for crossing roads at non-designated areas.
- Hit-and-Run: Up to two years in jail and a Dh100,000 fine for fleeing an accident scene.
Revised Salik timings for Ramadan
To accommodate adjusted commuting patterns during Ramadan, Salik toll gate charges will follow a new schedule:
Peak Hours (9AM – 5PM): Dh6 per crossing.
Off-Peak Hours (7AM – 9AM & 5PM – 2AM): Dh4 per crossing.
Late Night (2AM – 7AM): No toll charges.
These adjustments are designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow during the holy month.
Corporate Tax Registration deadline
Freelancers and social media influencers in the UAE must register for corporate tax by March 31, 2025, if their 2024 business revenue exceeded Dh1 million by July 31, 2024.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) defines a ‘natural person’ as any individual conducting business activities in the UAE, including sole proprietors and partners in unincorporated partnerships.
Deadlines:
- Corporate tax registration: By March 31, 2025.
- Corporate tax return submission: By September 30, 2025.
Etihad-SAT Satellite launch
The UAE is set to launch its advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, in March 2025.
Developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in collaboration with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, the satellite is equipped with cutting-edge imaging technology capable of high-precision observations in all weather conditions. This marks another milestone in the UAE’s space exploration and technological advancements.
DEWA’s new billing system
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that from March 2025, water consumption will be measured in cubic metres instead of imperial gallons. This change aligns with international standards and enhances billing transparency.
Customers will see both cubic metres and gallons on their bills during the transition phase, with the full switch to cubic metres effective from the March 2025 billing cycle. DEWA’s smart meters are already compatible with this system, ensuring a seamless shift.