All about the 2024 UAE ban on single-use plastic bags
Over the last decade, the UAE government has taken significant steps to move the nation towards environmental sustainability. Indeed, the UAE is rightly acknowledged as one of the countries at the forefront of the battle against climate change. With that being the case, the recent announcement of a ban on single-use plastic bags in the UAE from 2024 came as no surprise. Want to find out what the initiative will mean for both retailers and consumers? This guide details all aspects of the UAE plastic bag ban for 2024.
BAN ON SINGLE-USE BAGS PLASTIC IN THE UAE FROM 2024
Plastic waste is one of the primary concerns when it comes to sustainability. Governments around the world are working on ways to phase out single-use bags plastic. The UAE government has announced a major change in policy banning single-use plastic bags from 1s January, 2024. From the beginning of next year, plastic bags of any composition or material shall be prohibited. This includes the import, production and circulation of plastic shopping bags.
There are, however, exceptions for plastic bags made from recycled material and those required to manufacture goods to be exported. Additionally, bag rolls used to keep food items fresh will also be allowed.
Furthermore, from the 1st January 2026, the import of boxes, plastic cutlery and styrofoam will also be banned. The plastic-containing items that are likely to be banned as a result include plastic bottles and cups, cotton sticks, wet wipes, plastic cutlery, and certain types of food packaging.
Authorities, suppliers, retailers and consumers will already be busy preparing for these changes and will no doubt work together to source suitable, sustainable and multi-use alternatives.
UAE PLASTIC BAG BAN FOR 2024: A STEP FORWARD TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
In 2023, the Dubai government imposed a 25-fil fee on the use of plastic bags and in Abu Dhabi most plastic bags are banned. Similarly, Sharjah also announced a ban on bags from the start of 2024. Another emirate, Umm Al Quwain, instigated a blanket ban on single-use plastic bags from the beginning of the current year.
These efforts have already had a massive impact. For instance, in the capital city, there has been a reduction of 87 million single-use plastic bags, amounting to a drop of 90%. Even better results are expected after the implementation of the UAE plastic bag ban for 2024.
FAQS ABOUT UAE PLASTIC BAG BAN FOR 2024 AND MORE
WHY IS UAE ON BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC IN 2024 SIGNIFICANT?
A primary concern for is that plastic bags take decades to degrade and microscopic particles are consumed by fish, birds and other animals. This damages biodiversity. Moreover, plastic bags pollute streets and block waterways causing a lot of problems. Hence, governments around the world are trying to reduce usage. Therefore, it is no surprise that the headline UAE bans plastic bags 2024 was seen in newspapers worldwide.
WHERE CAN I READ ABOUT COP28 UAE?
Read our preview of COP28 UAE to find all you need to know about the event.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in the UAE takes numerous measures to change our course towards an eco-friendly way of life. The ban on single-use plastic in the UAE from 2024 is likely to make a huge difference in the reduction of waste. As citizens of the UAE, we have a responsibility to change our ways as quickly as possible and support all the initiatives taken by the government. Leading a greener life in Dubai is the way to safeguard our future.
