Major Abu Dhabi changes coming

Fuel prices are going to rise

From 1 May 2026, Abu Dhabi drivers will feel the pinch at the pump as the UAE tweaks its monthly fuel prices upward. 

Super 98 climbs to Dh3.66 per litre, Special 95 to Dh3.55, and E‑Plus 91 to Dh3.48, with diesel now priced at Dh4.69. For commuters and families who rely on daily drives around the city, this could mean a nudge towards car‑sharing, off‑peak travel, and the odd bus trip where possible.

Two new Darb toll gates come into action

May also brings a fresh rhythm to the roads, as Abu Dhabi switches on two new Darb toll gates from 4 May. 

The Ghantoot and Al Qurm toll gates will charge Dh4 per crossing, and will operate 24/7. It means that time‑rich, budget‑conscious drivers may start plotting new routes via Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Street or Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street to dodge the extra dirhams. 

For residents, the message is simple: check your usual route, pre‑top‑up your Darb balance, and factor a little more cash into that monthly mileage.

UAE banks can no longer message you via WhatsApp

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has banned all banks and financial institutions from using platforms such as WhatsApp for customer services.

Banks have until the end of April to stop using instant messaging platforms to get in touch with customers when delivering financial services or handling customer data.

A report by Arabian Business states that banks that breach the ban could face supervisory action, administrative penalties or financial sanctions.

The CBUAE has identified the growing use of instant messaging apps as service channels as high-risk with concerns around fraud, impersonation and account takeovers heightened through messaging apps.

Confidentiality is also at risk when using instant messaging apps as important banking information could be easily shared via forwarding and screenshots. At the same time, there are limited controls in place for the storage of personal and financial data.

The UAE will get the longest public holiday of 2026

Eid Al Adha is the second of the two main festivals of Islam, after Eid Al Fitr, and falls in the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.

The four-day break will begin on Dhu Al Hijjah 9 with Arafat Day before rolling into Dhu Al Hijjah 10, 11 and 12.

Current predictions show that the Eid Al Adha public holiday will begin on Tuesday May 26, with Arafat Day. The holiday would then roll into Wednesday May 27, Thursday May 28 and Friday May 29.

When combined with the weekend, the Eid Al Adha holiday will be a six-day-long weekend – making it the longest break of 2026. 

Wednesday, 6 May 2026