The United Arab Emirates is set to implement several practical updates effective June 1, 2026, that will affect daily commuting costs, payment methods, and legal capacities for residents and visitors alike. These adjustments include the application of value-added tax to Salik tolls and Dubai parking services, a shift toward fully cashless parking meters, and a reduction in the legal age of adulthood to 18 under updated civil legislation. Officials have framed the measures as part of broader efforts to align tax compliance, advance digital infrastructure, and standardize legal frameworks across the federation.

Background on UAE Tax and Digital Strategies

The changes build on the UAE's established 5 percent value-added tax system, introduced in 2018, and its ongoing push toward a cashless economy. Dubai, in particular, has pursued initiatives to streamline public services through technology. Parkin, the primary operator of paid public parking in the emirate, and Salik, the toll collection company, have both issued advisories detailing how the tax will apply from the start of next month. The move to eliminate cash at parking meters aligns with Dubai's Cashless Strategy for 2026, which encourages digital alternatives such as mobile applications and integrated transport cards.

Separately, a new Federal Decree-Law has revised provisions in the Civil Transactions Law to set the age of legal adulthood at 18 Gregorian years. This update replaces the prior threshold and brings consistency with other areas of UAE law governing employment and juvenile matters.

Salik Toll Updates and VAT Application

Salik Company PJSC has confirmed that a 5 percent VAT will apply to all toll gate usage tariffs and tag activation fees beginning June 1, 2026. The electronic deduction system will automatically calculate and collect the tax-inclusive amount from prepaid accounts. For example, a standard peak-hour crossing currently charged at Dh6 will become Dh6.30 once the tax is added. Drivers who cross four gates daily during peak hours will see their per-day cost rise from Dh24 to Dh25.20, resulting in an approximate additional Dh26.40 over a typical 22-working-day month.

The company has stated that collected VAT amounts will be remitted to the Federal Tax Authority in line with applicable regulations. Late-night tolls remain free of charge, as before. Frequent users are advised to monitor account balances to ensure sufficient prepaid credit covers the adjusted rates. Official details are available on the Salik website.

Dubai Parking Fees and Parkin VAT Changes

Parkin has announced parallel implementation of the 5 percent VAT across all its public parking services starting the same date. This covers on-street and off-street parking, seasonal cards, permits, and reservations. Standard hourly rates will adjust accordingly: a Dh6 charge becomes Dh6.30, while a Dh4 rate rises to Dh4.20. Premium and off-peak zones follow similar proportional increases.

The operator has emphasized that overnight parking between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. continues without a tariff in designated areas. Motorists can expect the updated charges to appear automatically through the Parkin app, SMS payments, or other accepted methods. These adjustments reflect compliance with federal tax rules while maintaining the existing pricing structure before the tax component.

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Transition to Cashless Parking Meters

Effective June 1, 2026, cash payments at physical parking meters across Dubai will be phased out as part of the emirate's broader digital transformation goals. Motorists will no longer insert coins or notes at meters. Instead, payment options include Nol cards, the Parkin mobile application, SMS tokens, the Dubai Now app, and the Roads and Transport Authority app.

The Parkin app offers additional conveniences such as remote extensions of parking sessions, expiry notifications, and payment history tracking, which can help avoid extra charges associated with some SMS services. The change supports reduced handling costs for cash across the network and aligns with efforts to modernize urban mobility infrastructure.

Legal Adulthood Lowered to 18

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, the UAE has revised the definition of legal adulthood in the Civil Transactions Law. Beginning June 1, 2026, individuals reach full legal capacity at 18 Gregorian years rather than the previous 21 lunar years. The adjustment accounts for the difference between lunar and Gregorian calendars and aims to create uniformity across civil, labor, and juvenile legislation.

The update enables 18-year-olds to engage independently in a wider range of civil and financial transactions without requiring guardian consent. This includes managing certain assets and entering contracts under the revised framework. Officials have highlighted the change as a step toward modernizing legal standards while maintaining protections in other areas of law.

Practical Examples and Daily Impacts

Commuters relying on Salik for regular travel through Dubai will notice modest but cumulative increases in monthly toll expenses. A person crossing multiple gates each weekday can expect the VAT to add up over time, prompting some to review alternative routes or public transport options where feasible. Parking users in high-demand zones will similarly face slightly elevated hourly or daily costs once the tax applies.

The cashless meter transition may require initial adjustment for those accustomed to coin payments, though widespread availability of Nol cards and apps should ease the shift for most residents. Younger adults turning 18 around the effective date will gain expanded legal autonomy in civil matters, potentially affecting decisions related to employment contracts, financial accounts, and other transactions previously requiring parental involvement.

Perspectives from Operators and Authorities

Salik and Parkin have both issued clear customer advisories outlining the tax mechanics and payment options. The Roads and Transport Authority supports the digital payment push through its own applications and integrated systems. Government communications emphasize compliance with federal tax laws and the benefits of streamlined services.

These updates reflect ongoing collaboration between private operators and public entities to implement policy changes smoothly. Residents are encouraged to consult official channels for personalized account information ahead of the June 1 implementation.

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Preparation and Practical Advice

Drivers are recommended to download or update the Parkin and relevant RTA applications in advance. Ensuring sufficient prepaid balances in Salik accounts will prevent any disruptions at toll gates. Those using parking meters regularly may benefit from exploring Nol card top-up locations or app-based registration to maintain seamless access.

For the legal changes, individuals approaching or recently reaching 18 years of age can review updated guidance on civil transactions through official government portals. Planning for potential adjustments in financial or contractual matters may prove useful in the transition period.

Longer-Term Outlook

The June 2026 measures contribute to the UAE's continued evolution in taxation, digital services, and legal harmonization. As the federation advances its smart-city objectives and refines regulatory frameworks, similar incremental updates are likely in other sectors. Observers note that such changes support economic efficiency while addressing practical needs of a diverse population.

Stakeholders across transport, finance, and legal fields will monitor implementation closely to assess any broader effects on mobility patterns, consumer behavior, and youth participation in civil life.