UAE Intendes to Outlaw Single-Use Plastics by 2026: Crucial Details Revealed
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been implementing a series of bans on single-use plastic items.
The journey began in June 2024, when Abu Dhabi imposed a complete ban on single-use plastic bags. This decision has proven to be effective, with the city recording a 95% reduction in plastic bag consumption since then. The ban was followed by a similar measure in Dubai, which will come into effect in 2024.
Dubai's ban, however, includes some exemptions such as bread bags, roll bags for vegetables, fish, meat, and chicken, bags that are 58 micrometres thick and above, and garbage bags. The emirate also banned plastic stirrers, tablecloths, cups, and food containers made of Styrofoam in 2025.
The ban in Dubai is part of a larger initiative to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste. This initiative will extend to single-use plastic cups, lids, cutlery, food containers, and plates from January 2026.
The neighbouring emirate of Sharjah took a similar step in 2024, discontinuing the manufacturing of single-use plastic bags.
The UAE's efforts to combat plastic waste are not limited to bans. In 2023, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi launched the 'Incentive-based Bottle Return Scheme' to recover and recycle single-use plastic bottles. As a result, more than 130 million single-use plastic bottles have been collected from around 150 Reverse Vending Machines, smart bins, and door-to-door collections in Abu Dhabi.
The total recyclable plastic collected in Abu Dhabi stands at 2,000 tonnes - enough to fill up to 80 truckloads. The resolution also encourages the private sector to adopt recycled products in line with circular economy practices.
The ministry coordinating the implementation of the single-use plastic ban in the UAE is the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The resolution regulates the use and recycling of plastics in Dubai, aiming to create a more sustainable future for the region.
The UAE's comprehensive ban on single-use plastic products, set to take effect from January 2026, is a testament to the country's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
