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From stricter Emiratisation penalties to new nutrition grading rules: wave of updated fines and regulations in 2025/Representative Image
TL;DR:
- Stricter Emiratisation fines for private firms came into force in July 2025.
- New nutrition labelling rules on packaged food products.
- Salik (toll) system expansion in Dubai, with new gates operational since June 2025.
- Expected changes to parking fees and privacy regulations to be announced later in 2025.
As UAE progresses with Vision 2030 initiatives, a series of new fines, fees, and regulatory changes are taking effect in 2025 directly impacting expats and businesses in the emirate.
From enhanced Emiratisation penalties to updated food safety regulations, the UAE continues to recalibrate its legal landscape to align with social, economic, and sustainability goals. June to December 2025 is seeing multiple policy rollouts that residents and expats alike need to monitor closely, particularly with financial penalties for non-compliance now significantly higher than before.
Higher Emiratisation Fines for Private Companies (July 2025)
Effective July 2025, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has increased fines for private sector firms that fail to meet Emiratisation targets.
- Companies with 50 or more employees must ensure that at least 4% of their workforce comprises UAE nationals by the end of 2025.
- Non-compliance fines: AED 96,000 per unfulfilled Emirati hire, up from AED 84,000 in 2024.
MoHRE confirmed the new penalty structure in its June 2025 circular. The government continues to incentivise firms to comply through the Nafis programme, providing salary support and training for Emirati employees.
Nutrition grading system
From June 1, mandatory nutrition grades must be placed on food items as part of a new labelling system launched by quality control and health officials in Abu Dhabi.Products found on supermarket shelves without Nutri-Mark, which grades the nutritional content of a food item, will be withdrawn and concerned parties will be fined.
This will also apply to items that are displaying a higher grading than they should.Nutri-Mark grades the nutritious value of a certain item from A to E, with A being the most healthy. The first phase of the new scheme applies to baked goods, oils, dairy, children's food and beverages.
Salik Toll System Expansion: New Gates Operational Since June 2025
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched two new Salik gates in June 2025 to manage traffic congestion:
- Business Bay Crossing
- Al Khail Road near Dubai Hills
Each crossing deducts AED 4 per pass, similar to existing Salik gates.
The RTA states that the expansion is designed to alleviate congestion on alternative routes and enhance traffic flow into the city's core commercial districts.
Potential Parking Fee Reforms: Expected Q4 2025
Dubai’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) is currently reviewing city-wide parking fee structures, with adjustments expected by the end of 2025.The changes may include:
- Dynamic pricing based on demand zones
- Extended paid parking hours in high-traffic areas
- Adjustments to seasonal parking permits
UAE’s Privacy Law Enhancements: Rollout by December 2025
The UAE’s updated Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) is set for full implementation by December 2025, impacting how private companies collect, store, and use customer data. Key provisions include:
- Mandatory data protection officers for firms handling sensitive data
- Enhanced opt-out rights for users
- Strict breach reporting timelines (72 hours)
Penalties for non-compliance can reach up to AED 1 million, as stipulated by the UAE Data Office in its May 2025 compliance guidelines.
Verdict
Dubai’s evolving regulatory landscape in 2025 reflects its broader socio-economic strategies under Vision 2030. Expats and businesses alike must stay informed on these key changes:
- Higher Emiratisation fines already in place
- New Salik gates operational
- Upcoming parking reforms in Q4
- Stricter data privacy enforcement by year-end
By staying compliant, residents and companies can avoid steep penalties while contributing to UAE’s vision of a more sustainable, health-conscious, and digitized society.
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