UAE announce legislative changes in 2025
As the new year approaches, residents of the United Arab Emirates should take note of a number of key legislative changes that will come into effect in 2025. These innovations will affect various aspects of life, from traffic regulations to mandatory genetic testing before marriage.
On 29 March 2025, a new federal law will come into effect that will lower the minimum age for a driver’s licence to 17. There will also be strict restrictions on the use of noisy cars and horns in cities, except when necessary to prevent accidents. Pedestrians will be prohibited from crossing roads with a speed limit of more than 80 kilometres per hour, and there will be serious penalties, including criminal liability, for violations of the rules.
From 1 June 2025, Abu Dhabi will implement a new food labelling system that will make it mandatory for five categories of products to carry Nutri-Mark ratings. Products without Nutri-Mark labelling, which indicates nutritional value, will be withdrawn from sale. The initiative aims to fight obesity and provide consumers with clear information about the quality of products.
From 1 January 2025, private shareholding companies in the UAE will be required to have at least one woman on their board of directors. This decision aims to increase the representation of women in business and empower them in the management of companies.
Also from 1 January 2025, genetic testing will become mandatory for all UAE citizens planning to marry. This innovation is aimed at detecting hereditary diseases and improving the health of future generations. Genetic testing will identify more than 570 mutations associated with serious diseases.
In addition, from 2025, private sector companies with 20 to 49 employees will be required to employ at least two UAE nationals. Previously, this requirement only applied to companies with 50 or more employees. Failure to do so will be punishable by fines, which will come into effect from January of the new year.
Source: Khaleej Times
