Five key changes UAE residents should prepare for in May

Dubai: Several significant changes coming into effect this May will impact how UAE residents and travellers commute, travel abroad, use digital services, and follow environmental rules. From a new intercity bus route between Dubai and Sharjah to the seasonal closure of Global Village and the rollout of a national climate law, here are the top updates to watch out for next month.

Starting May 2, 2025, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will launch a new intercity bus route, E308, to enhance connectivity between Dubai and Sharjah. The service will operate between Stadium Bus Station in Dubai and Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah, with a one-way fare of Dh12.

Alongside the new route, RTA is implementing several modifications to improve efficiency and passenger convenience across the intercity network.

Meanwhile, Ajman’s public transport authority will also introduce a new route beginning May 1, connecting Al Musalla Bus Station in Ajman to Al Ain Bus Station, further expanding inter-emirate travel options.

Global Village, one of the UAE’s most popular outdoor family attractions, will wrap up its 29th season on May 11 as part of its annual summer closure.

To mark the end of the season, Global Village is offering free entry to children under 12, a departure from the usual policy, which limits free access to children under three, seniors above 65, and people of determination.

First launched in 1997 as a modest cultural fair, Global Village has grown into a multicultural destination, showcasing over 90 cultures, 30 pavilions, and more than 175 rides and attractions.

Travellers planning trips to Thailand should take note, from May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors will be required to submit a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival, replacing the long-standing paper-based TM.6 form.

The electronic form must be completed in advance and includes personal and travel details. It applies to all ports of entry - air, land, and sea and can be submitted up to three days prior to travel.

Authorities say the new system is part of broader efforts to enhance border control, tackle human trafficking, and modernise tourism infrastructure. The change was confirmed during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

From May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer be supported on iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 15.1. The move is part of a continued push to improve user security and phase out support for outdated devices that no longer receive Apple’s security updates.

The following models will be affected:

These devices have already been classified as ‘obsolete’ by Apple, meaning official hardware servicing and parts are no longer available.

A new climate change law will come into effect in the UAE on May 30, 2025, requiring businesses to track, measure, and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the country’s push towards carbon neutrality.

The law supports national sustainability goals by encouraging innovation, research, and technological advancement. It also aims to strengthen the private sector’s contribution to environmental efforts, enhance capacity building, and promote international collaboration on climate data and solutions.