Dubai bans single-use plastic bags in new year recycling push

Unsplash/Mathias Reding

A ban on single-use plastic bags has come into force in Dubai.

The January 1 ban follows a resolution issued by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reported the UAE state-run news agency Wam.

It aims to encourage the private sector to promote the use of recycled products, aligning with circular economy practices.

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Non-plastic single-use products, including bags, will be banned from June 1 this year.

From January 1, 2025, single-use plastic products – including plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws and plastic cotton swabs – will be prohibited.

The ban will be extended to plastic plates, plastic food containers, plastic tableware and beverage cups and their plastic lids, on January 1, 2026.

Some products are exempt, such as thin-film rolls for packaging fresh food and refuse bags.

Exemptions also extend to products intended for export or re-export outside the country. These items include single-use plastic shopping bags, single-use shopping bags and disposable plastic products.

Violators will face a fine of AED200 ($54.45). If the same violation is repeated within one year from the date of the previous offence, the penalty will be doubled to a maximum not exceeding AED2,000.