Dubai has joined other emirates in the UAE by enforcing a ban on single-use plastic from January 1, 2024, with violators facing fines of up to Dh2,000. This move aligns with the federal government's announcement in January 2023 of a nationwide ban on single-use plastic from 2024, aiming to protect the environment, reduce plastic consumption, and establish federal regulations.

To encourage eco-friendly alternatives, a tariff of 25 fils (Dh0.25) was imposed on consumers using single-use plastic bags, with many retailers implementing it ahead of the official deadlines. Various emirates, such as Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, initiated their bans on single-use plastics on specific dates.

Abu Dhabi implemented a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic on June 1, 2022, and also prohibited Styrofoam products from January 1, 2024, resulting in a significant reduction in daily plastic bag usage. In Dubai, the ban covers single-use plastic bags and products made from such plastic, including disposable and recycled items. The law extends to packaging materials and imposes fines of Dh200 for violations, doubling for repeated offenses within a year, with a maximum penalty of Dh2,000.

The UAE-wide ban on single-use plastic bags came into effect on January 1, 2024, with a subsequent ban on single-use materials set for January 1, 2026. The prohibition includes plastic and foam products such as cups, plates, cutlery, containers, as well as items like spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, straws, and stirrers.

Certain exemptions apply, including thin bag rolls for food preservation, labeled products for export or re-export, and bags made from recycled materials within the country. Dubai's legislation encompasses both mainland and free zones, applying to sellers and consumers, with specific exclusions for certain items and a phased implementation schedule for single-use plastic products until January 1, 2026.