March 2025 is set to bring significant changes to daily life in the UAE, with new laws, regulations, and developments taking effect. In addition to Ramadan, which is expected to begin on March 1, updates will impact driving laws, taxation for freelancers, traffic tolls, satellite technology, and utility billing systems.

Here’s a breakdown of the five most notable updates coming next month:

1. UAE's New Traffic Law: Lower Driving Age & Stricter Penalties

The UAE has updated its federal traffic laws to align with international safety standards and accommodate new modes of transportation such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

Key Changes:

• Legal driving age reduced to 17 years.

• New regulations introduced for e-bikes and e-scooters.

Stricter Traffic Penalties:

• Drunk driving: Fines up to Dh100,000 and/or imprisonment.

• Jaywalking: Increased fines for crossing roads at non-designated areas.

• Hit-and-run accidents: Up to two years in jail and a Dh100,000 fine for leaving the scene.

2. Salik Toll Timings Adjusted for Ramadan

To accommodate altered commuting patterns during Ramadan, Salik toll gates will follow a revised schedule starting March.

Updated Salik Charges:

• Peak hours (9 AM – 5 PM): Dh6 per crossing.

• Off-peak hours (7 AM – 9 AM & 5 PM – 2 AM): Dh4 per crossing.

• Late night (2 AM – 7 AM): No toll charges.

3. Corporate Tax Registration Deadline for Influencers & Freelancers

Freelancers and social media influencers earning above Dh1 million in 2024 must register for corporate tax by March 31, 2025.

Tax Deadlines:

• Corporate tax registration: By March 31, 2025.

• Corporate tax return submission: By September 30, 2025.

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) considers any individual conducting business activities in the UAE as a taxable natural person, including sole proprietors and partners in unincorporated partnerships.

4. UAE to Launch Etihad-SAT Satellite for Advanced Weather Monitoring

A major step in UAE’s space ambitions, the Etihad-SAT satellite is scheduled for launch in March 2025.

Satellite Features:

• Developed by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in collaboration with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative.

• Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology for high-precision imaging in all weather conditions.

This launch reinforces UAE’s commitment to advanced technology and space exploration.

5. DEWA to Change Billing System from March 2025

Starting March 2025, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will switch water consumption measurements from imperial gallons to cubic metres.

What Changes for Customers?

• Smart meters are already compatible with cubic metre readings.

• During the transition, bills will display both cubic metres and gallons.

• Full switch to cubic metres will take effect from the March 2025 billing cycle.

This update aligns Dubai’s water measurement standards with global best practices and enhances billing transparency.

What These Changes Mean for You

March 2025 will introduce transformative updates that impact daily life, from traffic laws and taxation to public services and technological advancements

 

 

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