Key Developments and Events Scheduled in UAE for September 2026
September 2026 in the UAE will see major updates including new Nafis salary rules, Etihad Rail expansion, and several cultural and sporting events.
September 2026 is poised to bring significant changes and notable events across the UAE as residents transition from summer to a bustling new season. Among the key developments are updates to the Nafis salary support scheme for Emiratis and the expansion of Etihad Rail's passenger services.
Updated Nafis Salary Support for Emiratis
The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) announced revisions to the Nafis salary support framework effective from September 2026. The changes include a minimum salary eligibility threshold of Dh6,000, uncapped child allowances, and adjustments to employers' pension contribution obligations. New beneficiaries will be subject to the updated rules starting this September, while current recipients of the Private Sector Emirati Salary Support Scheme will transition gradually over a period of up to three years.
Etihad Rail Expansion and Passenger Service Launch
On September 30, 2026, Etihad Rail will officially commence passenger services, marking a major milestone. This launch will coincide with the addition of two new stations: Dubai Station near Jumeirah Golf Estates and Al Dhaid Station in Sharjah. The initial phase, which began on June 30, connected Abu Dhabi with Fujairah. Additionally, Dubai's Al Yalayis Station will be linked to the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro via a pedestrian connection.
Hajj Registration Opens
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat announced that UAE citizens interested in performing Hajj in 2027 can register starting September 14, 2026. Pilgrims will be selected through an automated screening process based on established criteria. For 2026, 6,228 Emirati citizens were approved to undertake the pilgrimage. This year, over 1.7 million pilgrims from 165 countries participated in Hajj.
Major Entertainment and Sports Events
- Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC): Scheduled from September 11 to 13 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, MEFCC will gather enthusiasts of comics, films, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture, featuring prominent global brands across various entertainment genres.
- EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup: Taking place at Etihad Arena on September 18 and 19, this tournament will feature four top basketball clubs: Real Madrid, Olympiacos Piraeus, Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul, and Dubai Basketball. The event includes two semi-finals on the first day, followed by the third-place game and final on the second day.
New Gardening Services via Careem
Starting September 2026, Dubai residents will have access to gardening services through the Careem app under the new 'Al Freej Gardener' initiative. Launched on August 2, this service aims to connect users with licensed and qualified gardening professionals while maintaining safety and security standards across Dubai neighborhoods.
Closures and Event Conclusions
The Museum of the Future will close temporarily on September 1 to prepare for new experiences set to debut on its fifth anniversary next year. These upcoming exhibits will be inspired by global contributions and ideas.
The Dubai Mallathon, a community fitness event initiated by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, will conclude on September 15 after running for two months. The event transformed shopping malls into climate-controlled walking and running venues, attracting over 100,000 participants who collectively logged more than 220 million steps.
Additionally, the UAE's annual midday break for outdoor workers will end on September 15, marking a gradual return to regular work schedules following the summer heat. The Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy continues its 22nd year to safeguard workers during peak summer conditions.