LEGAL UPDATE | MAY 2026 by Veronica Santa Cruz x CMBS Partners
Dubai has long distinguished itself as a jurisdiction that legislates with both speed and precision. As we move through 2026, a series of consequential legal measures are taking effect across the emirate touching aviation, public safety, real estate, residential tenancy, and financial regulation.
At CMBS Partners, we monitor the UAE’s regulatory landscape to ensure our clients are never caught off guard. Below, our team provides a clear and comprehensive overview of five developments every resident, investor, and business operator should understand.
1. Traveller Protections at Dubai International Airport
Following the lifting of precautionary restrictions that had been in place on UAE airspace since late February 2026, normal air traffic operations officially resumed on 2 May 2026, following confirmation from the General Civil Aviation Authority. Throughout the restricted period, Dubai International Airport remained open and facilitated the safe transit of approximately six million passengers. Airlines are now progressively restoring their full schedules as daily flight movements ramp back up.
What this means for you: Passengers who incurred significant losses, whether through cancellations, diversions, or schedule disruptions during the restricted period may have legal recourse under UAE aviation regulations or their carrier’s conditions of carriage. We recommend consulting qualified legal counsel to assess your position.
2. Dubai’s New Public Safety Law – Effective 1 June 2026
A sweeping public safety statute issued by Dubai Municipality will come into force on 1 June 2026. The law introduces binding obligations on both the public and on operators of events and venues throughout the emirate.
Members of the public are required to observe designated swimming times at public beaches, respect restricted-access zones, follow all safety instructions when using public equipment, and refrain from handling explosives, pyrotechnics, flammable substances, or hazardous materials without proper authorisation. Tampering with manholes, drainage pipes, or stormwater infrastructure without authorisation is also prohibited.
For event organisers and venue operators, the law mandates the provision of firefighting equipment, clearly marked evacuation routes, first-aid supplies, trained safety supervisors, alarm systems, safety signage, and a formal public safety management plan.
What this means for you: Venue and event operators who have not yet conducted a formal compliance review should do so without delay. Failure to meet the requirements ahead of the June 1 effective date may result in regulatory action. CMBS Partners can assist with compliance audits and all related regulatory filings.
3. New Building Safety Standards for All Properties in Dubai
A landmark property statute has been enacted requiring all buildings in Dubai, including those within free zones and private development zones to meet defined standards of structural integrity, ongoing maintenance, and system safety. The law applies regardless of when a property was constructed and will enter into force 60 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
In practical terms, the legislation introduces a new mandatory Quality and Safety certification framework. Building owners will need to demonstrate compliance with structural maintenance requirements and the safe operation of all building systems to obtain and retain certification.
What this means for you: Developers, landlords, strata managers, and facility operators should initiate compliance reviews now. The absence of a valid Quality and Safety certificate once the law is in effect may carry civil liability and regulatory consequences. Our Real Estate practice is on hand to guide you through the requirements.
4. New Law Regulating Shared Housing Across Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued legislation comprehensively regulating shared residential accommodation across the emirate. Given the scale of shared housing in Dubai, relied upon by a significant segment of the population this reform is one of the most directly impactful tenancy measures in recent years.
The law’s objectives include eliminating overcrowding and informal housing arrangements, addressing breaches of permitted building and land use, fostering fair and transparent rental practices, and supporting the overall stability of Dubai’s real estate market. Landlords offering shared accommodation must now comply with updated permit requirements and safety standards. The law specifies which properties are eligible to operate as shared housing, introduces per-unit occupancy limits, and establishes a dedicated monitoring framework for the shared housing sector.
What this means for you: Landlords operating shared housing units should urgently review their eligibility, permits, and occupancy arrangements to ensure full compliance. Breaches of the new law may attract significant penalties. CMBS Partners can assist with tenancy restructuring, permit applications, and regulatory advice.
5. Central Bank Bans Use of WhatsApp and Instant Messaging for Banking Services
In a landmark move for the UAE’s financial services sector, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has issued a binding directive prohibiting all banks and licensed financial institutions from using consumer instant messaging applications, including WhatsApp to deliver financial services or process customer data. The compliance deadline was set at the end of April 2026.
The CBUAE’s position is clear: the growing use of messaging platforms in banking contexts represents a high-risk exposure. The concerns cited include increased vulnerability to fraud, identity impersonation, and account takeover attacks. Data confidentiality is also a central issue, the ease with which sensitive banking information can be forwarded or captured via screenshots is incompatible with regulatory expectations, and the limited data retention controls on consumer messaging platforms are considered insufficient for the financial services environment.
Financial institutions that breach the directive face supervisory action, administrative proceedings, and financial sanctions.
What this means for you: Banks, financial institutions, and fintech operators must ensure their client communication infrastructure is fully compliant. Any entity that has not yet transitioned away from prohibited platforms should seek immediate legal guidance. Our Financial Regulatory team advises on CBUAE compliance frameworks and can assist with regulatory responses.
Speak with Our Team
The legal changes outlined above affect a broad cross-section of Dubai’s residents, businesses, and institutions. Whether you need guidance on property compliance, tenancy reform, financial regulation, or public safety obligations, CMBS Partners is here to help.
We offer focused, practical legal advice across all of these areas and welcome enquiries from new and existing clients alike.
Contact CMBS Partners to request a consultation with one of our specialists.
This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals and organisations should seek independent legal counsel specific to their circumstances. © 2026 CMBS Partners FZ LLE
