October brings a wave of changes for UAE residents, from a new passenger rail link to Dubai and fresh road and dining regulations, as the country enters its cooler outdoor season. UAE updates October
Etihad Rail’s passenger network reaches Dubai and Sharjah’s Al Dhaid from September 30. The Dubai stop is Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the journey to Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi takes roughly 57 minutes. Comfort Class fares start at Dh39, with Premium Class from Dh109.
On the roads, Dubai will restrict truck movement from October 1, with Emirates Road exempt. Sheikh Zayed Road, Beirut Street and some residential areas will be off-limits to trucks from 6am to 10pm.
Airport Road, Oman Street and Damascus Street will apply three peak-hour windows, while Al Qudra Street, Al Meydan Street, Airport Tunnel and several crossings will be closed to them throughout the day and night.
Also from October 1, Abu Dhabi hotels and tourism-licensed food outlets must fully comply with new healthy dining requirements.
Adult menus need at least one healthy choice in each category, and at least half of children’s items must meet approved nutritional standards, identifiable through the SEHHI classification system.
On the same date, the US State Department widens online presence reviews to I, TN and TD visa applicants, who must set their social media profiles to public.
Families get an early break, as several Dubai private schools close from October 12 to 16 and resume classes on October 19. Including weekends, pupils enjoy nine days off. Schools following alternative curricula may differ, so parents should confirm dates.
Attractions return in quick succession: Dubai Parks and Resorts on October 7, Dubai Miracle Garden on October 8 for its 15th season, Dubai Safari Park on October 12, and Global Village’s 31st season on October 14.
Later in the month, the Sheikh Zayed Festival opens at Al Wathba on October 30 and runs for 136 days until March 14, 2027. The 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge starts on October 31, urging residents to exercise for 30 minutes daily until November 29. Major events include WETEX from October 20 to 22 and the Dubai AI Festival on October 26 and 27. Alawasat News
