Dubai to Resume In-Person Classes, Restart Flights, End Temporary Residency

Dubai is set to implement a series of significant changes in April 2026, affecting banking, education, travel, and residency regulations. Authorities confirmed that these updates are part of ongoing policy adjustments aimed at improving security, restoring normal operations, and streamlining administrative procedures across the emirate.

In the banking sector, the phased removal of one-time passwords (OTPs) for high-value transactions will be completed. Initiated in July 2025 under the guidance of the Central Bank of the UAE, the transition will now require customers to authenticate payments through their banks’ mobile applications. OTPs, traditionally used for online and QR-based payments, will be replaced by these app-based verification methods, which authorities say provide a higher level of security.

Education in Dubai will also see a return to normalcy. Students in public and private schools, as well as universities, who have been attending classes remotely since late March, are expected to resume in-person learning from April 3. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority will continue to monitor the situation on a weekly basis to ensure that classroom instruction remains safe and sustainable.

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Air travel is another area poised for a revival. Several international airlines that had suspended flights to Dubai International Airport due to regional disruptions are planning to resume operations. Air France is expected to restart flights on April 2, while Turkish Airlines aims to resume services after a temporary halt. Authorities have advised passengers to verify schedules with their airlines, as operational changes remain subject to adjustment.

Dubai will also end a temporary residency rule that allowed residents with expired permits to re-enter the country without a new entry permit. The measure concludes on March 31, with standard residency requirements taking effect from April 1. Residents and travellers will need valid documentation to ensure compliance with entry regulations.

Collectively, these reforms highlight Dubai’s efforts to enhance security systems, restore normal operations across key sectors, and streamline residency processes. Officials have urged residents, students, and travellers to stay informed and prepare for the upcoming transitions to ensure a smooth adjustment to the new policies.

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