UAE Introduces Major Changes for July 2025: Visa-Free Travel to Armenia, Flexible Workweeks, and New Health Regulations

As we step into July 2025, residents of the UAE can look forward to several significant changes and improvements aimed at enhancing both their professional and personal lives. From visa-free travel expansions to flexible summer workweeks and new public health measures, the upcoming month promises to reshape everyday life in the Emirates. For those living and working in the UAE, staying informed about these developments will be crucial to make the most of the new opportunities and regulations.

Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes and what they mean for residents.

1. Visa-Free Travel to Armenia for GCC Residents

One of the most exciting travel developments for UAE residents comes in the form of visa-free access to Armenia. Starting from July 1, 2025, citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, will be allowed to travel to Armenia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

This policy extension will make travel more accessible for the expat population in the UAE, significantly easing travel to Armenia. Previously, UAE nationals had enjoyed visa-free access to Armenia since 2017, followed by Qataris and Kuwaitis in 2019 and 2022, respectively. The new policy will allow UAE residents holding valid GCC residency permits with at least six months’ validity to travel to Armenia without the need for a visa.

This expansion of travel opportunities could open the door for both tourism and business, as Armenia’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and emerging hospitality sector attract more international visitors. With this new policy, residents of the UAE can now plan easier getaways to this picturesque destination, making it more accessible than ever before.

2. Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches to Be Legalized Starting July 29

In another move to support health and well-being, the UAE Cabinet has approved the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches beginning July 29, 2025. These products, which offer nicotine without tobacco or combustion, are expected to provide a cleaner alternative to traditional smoking and vaping methods.

Nicotine pouches have gained popularity worldwide as a harm-reduction tool, particularly for individuals looking to quit smoking or reduce their nicotine dependency. The new Cabinet Resolution No. (2) of 2025 will regulate the sale of these nicotine pouches, ensuring they meet safety standards set by the government. These products are designed to provide an alternative to cigarettes and vape products, offering nicotine in a more controlled and potentially less harmful manner.

For those who are trying to quit smoking, this new initiative is an encouraging step towards better public health management in the UAE. With nicotine-free options now available, it gives residents another way to reduce health risks associated with smoking.

3. Dubai Government Employees to Enjoy Flexible Summer Workweek

As part of the UAE’s continued push for work-life balance, Dubai government employees will have the opportunity to take advantage of the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, which begins on July 1 and runs through September 12, 2025. This initiative allows employees to adopt flexible working schedules, offering more freedom during the hot summer months.

The program, which follows a successful pilot run in 2024, will allow government entities to determine how to implement flexible schedules. The initiative ensures that employees can balance their work with the challenges of the summer heat, especially when temperatures in the UAE soar. By offering the option to work from home or adjust working hours, the government aims to boost employee well-being and productivity while maintaining operational efficiency.

This shift to a flexible workweek is part of a broader trend of flexible working arrangements in the UAE, where government and private sector organizations are increasingly adopting policies that support employee wellness and work-life balance. As many businesses in the private sector also follow similar practices, residents can expect a shift in how working hours are perceived, leading to a more relaxed and productive environment.

4. UAE Emiratisation Compliance Checks Begin July 1

The UAE government’s efforts to enhance the employment of Emirati nationals in the private sector continue with the enforcement of Emiratisation compliance checks. Starting July 1, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will begin inspecting private sector companies to ensure they meet their mid-year Emiratisation targets.

For companies with 50 or more employees, the target is to increase the number of Emiratis in skilled roles by 1% for the first half of the year. Companies that fail to meet this requirement will be fined Dh9,000 per unfulfilled position. These checks are part of the UAE’s broader strategy to empower Emirati workers and ensure that more skilled roles are filled by local talent.

With this move, businesses in the UAE will need to prioritize Emirati hiring and invest in workforce development to comply with these new regulations. For expatriates working in skilled sectors, this could lead to a more competitive job market, particularly as companies seek to meet Emiratisation quotas.

5. New Health Regulations for Work and Residency Exams, and Driving Licenses

A new health law set to take effect in Dubai at the end of July 2025 will introduce changes to medical requirements for work, residency, and driving licenses. The new health regulations aim to improve public health by addressing issues related to substance abuse, promoting healthier lifestyles, and ensuring that medical examinations for work, residency, and driving licenses are in line with the UAE’s public health objectives.

Under the new law, authorities will regulate health standards, including pre-employment medical exams, residency medical checks, and the issuance of driving licenses. This will involve enhanced monitoring of the physical and mental health of residents, particularly focusing on young people and the elderly. The government will also emphasize raising awareness about the risks of substance abuse and promoting healthier living.

This initiative is a part of the UAE’s broader health strategy, aiming to improve public health and create a healthier environment for residents. For tourists and expatriates traveling to the UAE, this may require additional health documentation or check-ups when applying for work permits or residency visas.

6. UAE School Summer Holidays Begin

As July begins, schools across the UAE will start their summer holidays, with most schools breaking for two months. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai’s private schools will commence the break on June 30, with classes resuming on August 25. These dates align with the academic calendars followed by the majority of schools across the country.

For families in the UAE, this marks the start of the summer break, with opportunities for travel, relaxation, and family bonding. The long summer holidays provide families with ample time to take vacations, whether they choose to explore other destinations in the region or take advantage of the cooler months to visit international locales.

A New Phase for the UAE in 2025

As July approaches, the UAE is poised to enter a period of significant change, marked by the introduction of flexible work schedules, enhanced travel opportunities, and new health and employment regulations. These changes reflect the UAE’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of its residents, balancing work and leisure, and expanding opportunities for tourism and business.

For residents, it’s important to stay informed about these upcoming developments to make the most of the new policies. Whether you’re planning to travel to Armenia, taking advantage of flexible working hours, or ensuring your compliance with Emiratisation regulations, July 2025 promises to be a transformative month for the UAE.

As the country continues to evolve, these changes highlight its drive to create a more sustainable, productive, and inclusive environment for all its residents. Whether you’re an expatriate or a local, the shifting landscape of the UAE offers a wealth of opportunities to experience life in a modern, dynamic society.

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