Summary: From 1 November onwards, both Dubai and Sharjah enforce new traffic-lane rules aimed at improving road safety and flow. Culture lovers will welcome the launch of two major museums in Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum (22 Nov) and the Zayed National Museum (3 Dec). Families will also benefit from clearly defined school winter break dates, while shopaholics and tourists should mark the Dubai Shopping Festival’s run from 5 Dec to 11 Jan. Lastly, the period is rich in national celebrations: Flag Day (3 Nov), Martyrs’ Day (30 Nov) and National Day/Eid Al Etihad (1–2 Dec).
The final two months of the year in the UAE bring a mix of fresh regulations, major cultural openings and national celebrations that residents and visitors alike should know. From traffic changes in Dubai and Sharjah to new museum launches, school holiday planning and festive shopping events, it’s a packed period of transformation. Below is a detailed rundown of seven significant updates and what they mean to you.
New Road Rules and Traffic Measures
1. Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) & Dubai Police enforce delivery-bike lane ban from 1 November
Starting 1 November, delivery bikes in Dubai may not use the two left-most lanes on roads that have five or more lanes, or the left-most lane on roads with three or four lanes. Roads with two lanes or fewer remain unaffected. Fines begin at Dh500 for the first offence and Dh700 for a second; after a third the riding permit may be suspended. Speeding over 100 km/h also triggers penalties from Dh200-400.
This rule emphasises safety and traffic-flow optimisation, especially given the growth of delivery services in urban zones.
2. New lane rules in Sharjah for motorcycles, heavy vehicles and buses from 1 November
Sharjah Police will designate specific lanes for motorcycles and delivery bikes, and mandate heavy vehicles and buses stay to the far-right lane. Motorcycles will be allowed in certain middle lanes on four-lane roads and restricted on two-lane roads to the right only. Smart-radar enforcement will apply. Violations carry fines up to Dh1,500 plus 12 black points for heavy vehicles; Dh500 for failing to adhere to motorcycles/delivery bikes.
The takeaway: if you drive in Sharjah or inter-emirate roads, check your lane position carefully from November onwards.
Cultural & Educational Calendar Changes
3. Opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi on 22 November
Scheduled for 22 November, this new museum in Abu Dhabi spans 35,000 m² and features major exhibits including a full-sized T-rex fossil and a 25-metre blue whale specimen. It aims to become a landmark for scientific and environmental education in the region. For families and tourists, this is a must-see addition to the UAE’s cultural offering.
4. Opening of the Zayed National Museum on 3 December
On 3 December, in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, the Zayed National Museum opens to the public. It will include six permanent galleries, a temporary exhibition space, and over 3,000 artefacts highlighting the UAE’s history and heritage. Visitors should anticipate high interest; early ticket bookings are advised.
5. School winter break dates announced for 2025–26 academic year
Schools following the September–June calendar in the UAE will have their winter break from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026; Indian-curriculum schools will break from 15 December to 4 January. Families planning year-end travel or staycations should align bookings accordingly.
6. Return of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) from 5 December to 11 January
The DSF, now in its 30th year, begins 5 December and runs through to 11 January. Expect mega discounts across 800+ brands, fireworks, drone shows, live concerts and pop-up markets. Budget-savvy shoppers and tourists should plan visits during this window to maximise value.
Also Read – Abu Dhabi Introduces Variable Speed Limit System on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road
National Celebrations to Note
7. Major national holidays: Flag Day, Martyrs’ Day, National Day
- UAE Flag Day: 3 November.
- Commemoration Day (Martyrs’ Day): 30 November.
- Eid Al Etihad / UAE National Day: 1–2 December.
These holidays often bring government office closures, traffic changes, public events and special offers. It’s wise to expect higher demand for hotels and transport, and plan your activities accordingly.
Also Read – How to Find Out the Speed Limit on a Certain Road
FAQs
1. Do I need to change lanes differently in Dubai from 1 November?
Yes. Delivery bikes will no longer be allowed in the two left-most lanes on multi-lane roads (five lanes+) in Dubai.
2. What is the fine for violating the new lane rule in Sharjah?
Heavy vehicles failing to comply may incur up to Dh1,500 and 12 black points; for motorcycles/delivery bikes the fine starts at Dh500.
3. When does the Zayed National Museum open and where is it?
It opens on 3 December 2025 in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi.
4. When does the Dubai Shopping Festival begin?
It starts on 5 December 2025 and runs until 11 January 2026.
5. What are the winter break dates for schools?
For schools following the September–June calendar: 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. For Indian-curriculum schools: 15 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
6. What national holidays are coming up in this period?
UAE Flag Day (3 Nov), Martyrs’ Day (30 Nov), and Eid Al Etihad / National Day (1–2 Dec).
Conclusion
As you plan end-of-year travel, work or leisure in the UAE, staying updated on these seven major developments gives you a strategic advantage. Whether you’re navigating Dubai’s roads, visiting new landmarks in Abu Dhabi, booking a shopping-festival getaway, or simply aligning your schedule with school holidays and national celebrations, knowledge is key. Mark the dates, adapt your plans and enjoy what the UAE has to offer in the final stretch of the year.
Also Read – Big Relief for Drivers! UAE Announces Lower Fuel Prices for November 2025
