Dubai is a city that never stands still, constantly evolving at a rapid pace. Keeping up with every update can be challenging amid our busy routines.
Several announcements have been made recently that could influence daily life in the city over the coming month. From banking updates to public holidays, March is set to bring a variety of changes worth noting.
To give you a head start and more time to focus on the things that matter (like enjoying a brunch), we’ve put together a guide to all the essential updates you should be aware of next month.
Dubai Updates to Look Out for in March
1. Flying Taxis Take off One Step Closer
Dubai is preparing for one of its most anticipated transport projects. Flying taxis are set to become a reality, with a major milestone scheduled for March.These air taxis will be able to take off and land vertically at four of the city’s busiest locations, thanks to newly constructed vertiports. The first of these, the Dubai International Vertiport (DXV) at Dubai International Airport, is scheduled to open on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. According to the CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, the company behind the vertiports, this launch marks the first of four vertiports coming to the city, paving the way for Dubai’s aerial taxi network.
2. One-Time Passwords from Banks will be Phased Out
UAE banks will fully remove one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email for major purchases by March. The Central Bank of the UAE began this shift on Friday, July 25, gradually rolling it out across financial institutions.
Instead of receiving OTPs, customers will authenticate transactions securely through their bank’s mobile app. OTPs are single-use security codes typically used for digital payments, including online shopping or QR-code purchases.
3. A New Traffic-Relief Bridge Opens
To reduce congestion around Dubai World Trade Centre, a new bridge will launch in March. As part of the RTA’s Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, it will connect Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, aiming to ease traffic in one of the busiest areas of the city.
4. Ramadan Concludes and Eid Al Fitr Begins
Ramadan in Dubai is predicted to end on Wednesday, March 18, according to the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. Various changes during the month—like mall hours, public transport schedules, shorter working days, and reduced school hours—have helped those observing the fast.
The Eid Al Fitr public holiday will follow, offering a four-day weekend for public sector employees (Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22) and three days for private sector workers (Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21), with Sunday remaining the regular weekend day.
5. Salik Toll Timings Adjust
During Ramadan, Salik toll timings shift slightly to accommodate those breaking their fast at sunset (Iftar) and eating before dawn (Suhoor). Once Ramadan ends, the usual toll schedule will resume.
6. Winter Ends in Dubai
Dubai’s cooler weather period, locally called Scorpion Season, will finish on Friday, March 20. Temperatures will begin to rise gradually as the emirate transitions into warmer weather.
7. Driverless Taxis Launch in Jumeirah
Driverless taxis are set to roll out in March, initially in select locations. Residents can book an autonomous Uber in Jumeirah via the app by choosing the ‘Autonomous’ option.
The Apollo Go robotaxis, manufactured by Baidu, will be available for Uber Comfort or UberX trips. Extensive testing has been conducted since the announcement in April 2025, including trial runs last year to map out routes.
