5 major UAE updates you need to know this September

September is bringing some notable changes across the UAE. From a major expansion to the country’s rail network to new rules coming into effect this month, here are 5 UAE updates to know about this September. A major change is coming to the UAE’s rail network this month. From September 30, 2026, Etihad Rail’s passenger service will expand to Dubai, with a new connection linking Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed City station with Al Yalayis Station in Dubai. The journey between the two emirates is expected to take around 57 minutes. The Dubai station will open alongside Al Dhaid station in Sharjah as part of the network’s second phase. Etihad Rail is eventually expected to connect 11 cities and areas across the UAE, giving residents another option for travelling between emirates and potentially reducing reliance on road travel. A new excise tax measure has come into effect in the UAE. From September 1, 2026, a minimum excise price of Dh1 per millilitre applies to liquids used in electronic smoking devices. The measure is designed to strengthen tax compliance and does not set a minimum retail price. Instead, it is used to calculate excise tax, meaning a 10ml bottle has a minimum excise price of Dh10. Sharjah-Dubai traffic has a big change coming this November A small change is set to make international travel from India a little easier. From September 1, 2026, passengers flying internationally will no longer need their boarding passes stamped at immigration counters. E-boarding passes displayed on smartphones will be accepted, while printed passes will also remain valid without a stamp. The move is designed to make the immigration process faster and more convenient for travellers. تفتتح #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات الجسر الجديد من شارع الشيخ راشد إلى شارع الثاني من ديسمبر. يمتد الجسر على طول 1,000 متر، وضم حارتين مروريتين بطاقة استيعابية تصل إلى نحو 3,000 مركبة في الساعة. سيسهم هذا المشروع في تسهيل الحركة المرورية القادمة من شارع الشيخ زايد باتجاه السطوة… pic.twitter.com/rLoOKdBx6g Dubai drivers have a new route to add to their daily commute. The new 1,000-metre bridge has opened, creating a direct connection between Sheikh Rashid Road and 2nd December Street. Opened by the RTA, the bridge has two traffic lanes and can handle around 3,000 vehicles per hour, helping improve traffic flow towards Al Satwa and Jumeirah while easing congestion around the World Trade Centre Intersection. Pop culture fans have something to look forward to this September. Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) will take place from September 11 to 13 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together fans of films, comics, gaming, cosplay and more. Visitors can expect major brands from the worlds of film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga and collectibles, alongside plenty of opportunities to meet fellow fans and discover the latest trends in pop culture.