Dubai is set to introduce a series of important changes from April 2026, impacting banking, education, travel and residency rules. While many of these updates were announced earlier, they are now coming into effect, making it essential for residents, travellers and international students to stay informed.
To keep you up to date, we’ve compiled a list of all the key changes for the month.
Banks discontinue OTP via SMS:
One of the major changes relates to digital banking security. Banks in the UAE are phasing out the use of one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email for transactions. Instead, users will now need to authenticate payments through their banking apps, offering a more secure and streamlined system. This transition, led by the UAE Central Bank, is expected to be fully implemented in the coming weeks.
The stricter banking authentication process may require users to ensure their banking apps are updated and functional while making transactions abroad. For Indians, this means app-based approvals will replace text messages for transactions, reducing fraud risks and creating a more secure, convenient and unified payment experience.Dubai schools to end distance learning: In the education sector, schools and universities in Dubai will shift back to in-person learning after a temporary period of distance education. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), remote learning remains in place across 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 plan return to Dubai Airport: The aviation sector is also expected to see improvement, with major international airlines planning to resume flights to Dubai International Airport. Several airlines are aiming to restart services in early April after temporary suspensions due to regional conditions. However, schedules may change, and passengers are advised to check directly with airlines for updates.
For Indian travellers, the expected resumption of international flights could improve connectivity and ease travel disruptions, though it remains important to verify flight schedules before planning trips. With Dubai being a premier destination, full-service restoration ensures that Indian tourists and business travellers can return to normal travel schedules. In 2025 alone, more than 2.4 million Indians reportedly travelled to Dubai. The restoration of flights enables travellers to reconnect to global destinations via Dubai, one of the world’s most connected hubs.
Temporary residence permit rule to end: Another key change is the end of a temporary residency permit. A special provision that allowed residents with expired permits to re-enter the UAE without a new entry permit will expire on March 31. From April 1, standard residency rules will once again apply. This policy offers affected residents a crucial window to re-enter the country and regularise their immigration status.
(Edited by : Asmita Pant)
