A ban on single-use plastic bags and products has been announced for Dubai from January 1, 2024. On Sunday (December 31, 2023), Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, issued the resolution.
In addition to plastic products, single-use disposables and recycled items are also prohibited, regardless of their material composition.
In addition to plastic and nonplastic single-use products, packaging materials for food delivery, fruit and vegetable wraps, thick plastic bags, plastic containers, and packaging materials made partially or entirely of plastic include plastic bottles, snack bags, wet wipes, balloons, and balloon sticks, among others.
Including free zones and private development zones within Dubai, including the Dubai International Financial Center, this applies to sellers and consumers within Dubai.
Rolls of thin bags used for packing meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, bread, garbage bags, and products intended for export or re-export are excluded from this ban. Single-use shopping bags, single-use shopping bags, and single-use disposable plastic products fall into this category.
Prohibitions
Ban on single-use plastic products: Starting from January 1, 2025, products like plastic stirrers, table covers, cups, styrofoam food containers, plastic straws, and plastic cotton swabs, will be prohibited.
Other single-use plastic products: Commencing on January 1, 2026, the ban will extend to including plastic plates, plastic food containers, plastic tableware, and beverage cups and their plastic lids.
Penalties
A fine of Dh200 will be imposed on violators. If the same violation occurs within one year of the previous offence, the penalty will be doubled, with a maximum not exceeding Dh2,000 when doubled.
Individuals wishing to contest decisions made against them may submit written grievances to the Director-General of the relevant government department responsible for licensing economic activities in the emirate. Among these entities are the Department of Economy and Tourism and the authorities overseeing private development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Center.
Grievances must be submitted within ten working days of notification of the decision, action, or administrative penalty. The complaint will be handled by a committee established by the Director-General within ten working days of its submission. Any decision contradicting the decision issued on the complaint is nullified.
Purpose
It aims to protect the natural environment, as well as the biological and animal wealth of the area, and to motivate community members to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The program also aims to encourage the private sector to use recycled products, aligning with circular economy practices that promote sustainable recycling in local markets. Moreover, it aims to regulate the use and recycling of single-use and plastic products.
The decision requires all relevant authorities and entities, as well as consumers, to collaborate on developing and implementing mechanisms and practices aimed at reducing the production and consumption of single-use products, and to adopt practices and initiatives that promote greater reliance on reusable products.
Sellers are also required to participate in projects, initiatives, and programs aimed at reducing plastic materials and single-use items. The relevant authorities require sellers to offer specified reusable alternatives at reasonable prices.