From New Legal Rights at 18 to Higher Parking Costs: Major Changes UAE Residents Need to Know From June 1

As June begins, residents across the UAE will see a series of regulatory and service changes that could affect everything from personal finances and employment to transport and legal rights. Several new measures are set to take effect from June 1, introducing changes that individuals, families, employers and motorists should be aware of.

Legal Age of Majority Reduced to 18

One of the most significant legal changes coming into force is the reduction of the UAE's age of majority from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years. The move aligns the country's legal framework more closely with international standards and reflects the age calculation method used in official documents such as passports, birth certificates and international contracts.

Under the new rules, individuals who reach the age of 18 will gain full legal capacity. This means they can enter into binding contracts, manage and dispose of their assets, make independent financial and legal decisions, and initiate or defend legal proceedings in their own name.

The change also places greater responsibility on young adults, making financial literacy and legal awareness increasingly important. At the same time, courts will continue to retain powers to intervene where necessary and provide safeguards against misuse or exploitation.

VAT to be Added to Dubai Parking Charges

Motorists in Dubai will have to factor higher parking costs into their monthly budgets from June 1 after parking operator Parkin announced that a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) will be applied to all parking-related services.

The VAT will cover both on-street and off-street parking, as well as seasonal parking permits, reservations and subscription cards. The adjustment follows a request submitted by Parkin to Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority earlier this year.

New Salary Payment Requirements


A new Wage Protection System regulation will also come into effect for private sector companies. The rule requires employers to pay wages on the first day of each Gregorian month for work completed during the previous month.

Any salary paid after this date will be considered delayed. Companies registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation must continue to process salaries through the approved Wage Protection System or other authorised payment channels.

Employers will also be required to verify salary payments through supporting documentation and data submissions. A company will be regarded as compliant if it pays at least 85 per cent of the total wages due to employees within the prescribed timeframe.

VAT to Apply to Salik Toll Fees

Dubai motorists will also see a slight increase in toll-related expenses. From June 1, a 5 per cent VAT will be applied to Salik toll charges as well as tag activation fees.

While users will pay more overall, the company has clarified that the underlying toll tariff structure remains unchanged and that the VAT is collected on behalf of the Federal Tax Authority.

New Indian Consular Service Centres to Open

Indian expatriates in the UAE can expect easier access to consular services following an agreement between Alhind Group and Indian diplomatic missions in the country.

Although official services are scheduled to commence on July 1, the company expects all centres to become operational by mid-June. A total of 16 centres will be established across the Emirates.

The facilities will provide a wide range of services, including passport renewals, visa processing, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card applications, Police Clearance Certificates, Surrender Certificates, Global Entry Programme verification, apostille services, certificate attestation and other consular support.

Cash Payments at Parking Metres to be Phased Out

Dubai's ongoing digital transformation will take another step forward with the gradual phase-out of cash payments at parking metres from June 1.

Drivers will continue to have alternative payment options, including Nol cards, the Parkin mobile application, Dubai Now and the RTA app. Authorities are encouraging motorists to switch to digital platforms, which can also help users avoid additional SMS charges associated with text-based parking payments.

The move is part of wider efforts to enhance convenience, reduce reliance on cash transactions and support the emirate's digital services strategy.

 

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