Starting in April 2026, Dubai will implement a range of significant changes that will affect banking, education, travel, and residency regulations. While many of these updates have been previously announced, their activation makes it vital for residents, travelers, and international students to stay informed.
To help you stay current, we’ve gathered a list of the essential changes for the month.
Banks discontinuing OTP via SMS:
A major shift is occurring in digital banking security. UAE banks are gradually eliminating the use of one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email for transactions. Instead, customers will need to authenticate payments directly through their banking apps, resulting in a more secure and efficient process. This change, spearheaded by the UAE Central Bank, is anticipated to be fully operational in the coming weeks.
With this enhanced banking authentication process, users will need to ensure their banking apps are up-to-date and functional when conducting transactions abroad. For Indian users, app-based approvals will replace SMS notifications for transactions, minimizing fraud risks and creating a more secure, convenient, and unified payment experience.Dubai schools to transition to in-person learning: In the education sector, schools and universities in Dubai will revert to classroom education following a period of remote learning. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that online education will continue in private schools, nurseries, and universities until Friday, April 3.
To ensure the safety of students, KHDA confirms the continuation of distance learning across all private educational institutions in Dubai until Friday, April,3 2026.
KHDA also emphasises that any institution seeking to resume on-site learning must submit a formal request… pic.twitter.com/qXzKSTdGz1— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) March 24, 2026
Airlines set to resume flights to Dubai Airport: The aviation sector is also poised for recovery, with several major international airlines planning to restart flights to Dubai International Airport. Many airlines are looking to resume services in early April after temporary suspensions due to regional circumstances. However, passengers should check with airlines directly for any updates as schedules may vary.
For Indian travelers, the anticipated resumption of international flights can enhance connectivity and mitigate travel disruptions. With Dubai being a leading destination, the full restoration of services allows Indian tourists and business travelers to return to regular travel patterns. In 2025, over 2.4 million Indians reportedly visited Dubai. The return of flights enables travelers to reconnect with global locations through Dubai, one of the most interconnected hubs worldwide.
End of temporary residency permit rule: Another significant change is the conclusion of the temporary residency permit provision. This special arrangement, which allowed residents with expired permits to re-enter the UAE without obtaining a new entry permit, will come to an end on March 31. Starting April 1, standard residency regulations will be reinstated, providing residents with a critical opportunity to re-enter the country and regularize their immigration status.
(Edited by : Asmita Pant)
