04 Jan 2024 --- Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued an official decree outlawing single-use products, including plastic bags and various other packaging products. The ban came into force on January 1, and offenders are reportedly being fined up to AED 2,000 (US$544).
The Emirate is one of the last in the UAE to enforce a single-use plastic ban. In January 2023, the country announced it would prohibit all import, production and circulation of plastic bags nationwide. Meanwhile, Dubai began enforcing a roughly US$0.6 charge for plastic bagging.
Now, Dubai has implemented its own version of the ban, which excludes thin plastic films used to protect fruits and vegetables, as well as trash bags.
The government also intends to outlaw more single-use items, including plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws and plastic cotton swabs, as of January 1, 2025.
According to statistics from UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water, around 11 billion plastic bags are used in the country annually — equivalent to 912.5 kilograms per capita.
Plastic bags are now forbidden throughout the UAE with certain exceptions.Packaging Insights has reached out to Greenpeace MENA for comment.
MENA pollution
A 2002 World Bank report found that air pollution levels in MENA’s largest cities are among the highest in the world, with the average urban resident breathing in air ten times over the level considered safe by the World Health Organisation.
According to the report, air pollution causes about 270,000 deaths a year (more than deaths from traffic accidents, diabetes and acute hepatitis combined) and the average MENA resident is ill at least 60 days in their lifetime due to exposure to elevated air pollution levels.
The economic costs of air pollution are also immense — around US$141 billion per year or 2% of regional GDP.
“Polluted skies and seas are costly to the health, social and economic well-being of millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa region,” said Ferid Belhaj, World Bank vice president for the MENA region.
“As countries recover from COVID-19, there is an opportunity to change course and choose a greener, bluer and more sustainable growth path that has fewer emissions and less environmental degradation.”
COP28
The UAE’s role in hosting the COP28 climate summit last year caused global controversy, with climate campaigners accusing Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, president-designate for the event, of helping the petrochemical industry sabotage international discussions.
Research published by Corporate Europe Observatory and Corporate Accountability exposed how “The Big 5” (Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, Chevron, TotalEnergies) oil and gas majors have brought more than 400 lobbyists to the UN climate talks since the Paris Agreement was signed at COP21.
By Louis Gore-Langton
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04 Jan 2024 --- Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued an official decree outlawing single-use products, including plastic bags and various other packaging products. The ban came into force on January 1, and offenders are reportedly being fined up to AED 2,000 (US$544).
Are single-use plastic bags banned in the UAE? ›
Dubai shoppers take note: the ban on single-use plastic bags will be extended to all single-use bags from June 1, 2024. As of January 1, single-use plastic bags have been banned in Dubai, with a few exceptions. But from June, the ban will include all single-use bags of other materials.
Is Dubai banning plastic bags from 1 January 2024? ›
It covers not only plastic but also paper and biodegradable bags. This measure follows the initial ban on single-use plastic bags that came into effect on January 1, 2024. It should be noted that certain types of bags, such as bread bags, vegetable roll bags, and garbage bags, are, however, exempt from the ban.
Which is the new emirate that has announced a single-use plastic ban? ›
The agency announced the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy in 2020 and, in 2022, issued a ban on single-use plastic bags in partnership with retailers.
What does the UAE do to solve the problems of plastic? ›
In collaboration with various industries, the UAE has set up state-of-the-art recycling facilities that can process a significant portion of the nation's plastic waste. From single-use plastics to industrial waste, these facilities play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of plastic materials.
Can you still use single-use plastic bags? ›
Single-use plastic bags for your regular grocery shopping were banned from use way back in July 2019. Up next, by mid-2025 "all other PVC and polystyrene food and drink packaging" which the government describes as "hard to recycle plastics" will be banned.
How many plastic bags are used in UAE? ›
According to statistics from UAE's Ministry of Environment and Water, around 11 billion plastic bags are used in the country annually — equivalent to 912.5 kilograms per capita. Plastic bags are now forbidden throughout the UAE with certain exceptions.
What country banned plastic bags? ›
Since 2021, China has banned single-use plastic bags and utensils from major cities, and single-use straws were banned nationwide. Earlier this year, Chile started phasing out single-use plastics at restaurants and food delivery services.
Is plastic recycled in UAE? ›
Plastic Recycling Center in Dubai
Dubai Municipality operates several recycling centers across the city to encourage plastic recycling. These centers are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to recycle plastic waste efficiently.
Does Japan still use plastic bags? ›
Japan, for example, introduced its first single-use legislation in July 2020: retailers must now charge for plastic shopping bags. They can decide on the fee but it must be over 1 yen ($0.01).
The Circular Economy Policy is a comprehensive framework for determining the country's approach to achieving sustainable governance and the ideal use of natural resources, by adopting consumption and production methods that ensure the quality of life for current and future generations.
How is the UAE trying to be more sustainable? ›
The UAE's efforts to reduce emissions include increasing reliance on clean energy, boosting energy efficiency, expanding capacity for carbon capture, use, and storage, conserving blue carbon ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and implementing environment-friendly waste management.
What is the problem with waste in the UAE? ›
The impact of population growth and steady economic development in the UAE has been evident in increased waste generation and chemical usage rates. The per capita municipal solid waste generation in the country reached about 2.1 kg/day, before falling to around 1.8 kg/day, one of the highest in the world.
Which country has banned single-use plastic bags? ›
In 2019, New Zealand no longer allowed stores to provide single-use plastic shopping bags. This measure takes waste-reducing efforts a step further by banning recyclable, biodegradable or plant-based plastic. Instead, customers are encouraged to carry mesh, paper or canvas bags to hold their produce.
Is Dubai introducing charge for single-use plastic bags from July 1? ›
“And from July 1, 2022, we will implement the executive council's decision to impose a fee of 25 fils per bag on single-use bags, aiming to ban such bags altogether within two years. “The tariff applies to all single-use bags for carrying goods.
Are single-use bags banned? ›
Additionally, 12 states have single-use plastic bag bans: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Plastic bags are now forbidden throughout the UAE with certain exceptions.Packaging Insights has reached out to Greenpeace MENA for comment. 