First-time violators face an AED200 fine
Dubai emirate has banned single-use plastic bags since January 1, 2024. The ban does not apply to plastic garbage bags and thin-film plastic rolls and bags for packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, bakery products, or products intended for export or re-export outside the UAE.
A resolution to this effect was issued on December 31, 2023, by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
The new ruling applies to single-use disposable and recycled products, including plastics and non-plastic items, regardless of their material composition. These items include plastic and non-plastic single-use products, including food delivery packaging materials, fruit and vegetable wrapping, thick plastic bags, plastic containers, and packaging materials either partially or entirely made of plastic, such as those used for bottles, snack bags, wet wipes, balloons, and balloon sticks besides food packaging.
Phased rollout
The ban prohibits the import and trading of single-use products in a phased approach in Dubai to protect the natural environment, encourage the adoption of an eco-friendly lifestyle, and promote the use of reusable products in daily life.
Violators of the ban that came into effect on January 1, 2024, are liable to face a fine of AED200.
The ban will also apply to non-plastic single-use products, including single-use bags in the Dubai emirate, starting June 1, 2024.
Dubai Municipality will organise awareness campaigns to educate Dubai residents and businesses on reducing the use of plastic materials and single-use products while promoting reusable alternatives.
In addition, from January 1, 2025, single-use plastic products – including stirrers, tabletop covers, cups, Styrofoam food containers, straws, and cotton swabs (Q tips) – will be prohibited across Dubai emirate.
From January 1, 2026, the ban in Dubai emirate will encompass a range of other single-use plastic products, such as plates, food containers, tableware, beverage cups and their lids.
As with Dubai emirate, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah emirates have also banned single-use plastic bags since January 1, 2024.
Abu Dhabi Emirate banned single-use plastic bags on June 1, 2022.
Ajman and Umm Al Quwain emirates both prohibited single-use plastic bags in 2023.
Featured image: Single-use plastic bags are typically used for grocery shopping globally. Image: Daniel Romero
