Say no to plastic water bottles! All about Dubai Can initiative
Dubai Can is an innovative sustainability initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The goal of this project is to minimise the consumption of single-use plastic bottles in the emirate. Here is everything you need to know about the Dubai Can initiative and how it can contribute to the conservation goals of the UAE.
ABOUT DUBAI CAN INITIATIVE
”Dubai Can” was launched in February 2022, with the announcement of a single-use plastic tariff in Dubai. It is an effort to achieve the environmental conservation goals of the UAE. The project aims to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic water bottles that have a devastating impact on the environment.
Dubai Can Initiative will be implemented by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism by launching awareness campaigns, setting up water stations and encouraging individuals to install water filters in their spaces.
Talking about Dubai Can, His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said:
“The ‘Dubai Can’ initiative is one of the innovative ideas that we are implementing to create a vibrant new green economy that will offer the world a unique model for sustainable development. The initiative is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to transform the emirate into a leading sustainable destination and the best city in the world to live, work and visit. Our objective is to inspire current and future generations to play their part in protecting the environment and conserving our natural resources.”
WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR DUBAI CAN INITIATIVE?
Over the past few years, the consumption of plastic has increased significantly across the globe. As per the latest available general stats, the world produces over 380 million tonnes of plastic every year, which then enter into the environment, causing harm to marine animals. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), around 100,000 sea mammals are put to death by ocean plastic every year.
Now if we look at the UAE, the average resident consumes 450 plastic water bottles annually. Amidst this situation, it’s crucial for Dubai/UAE to take significant steps to protect the environment. This explains the need for launching sustainability initiatives such as Dubai Can in the country.
DUBAI CAN REFILL FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN: WHERE CAN I REFILL WATER CANS IN DUBAI?
To motivate residents to be a part of this sustainability movement, the government has installed public water stations across Dubai. Currently, there are around 34 locations citywide where you can refill your water bottles:
- A4 Space
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Al Seef
- Al Shindagha Historical District
- Al Ittihad Park
- Bluewaters Island
- Burj Park
- City Walk
- City Centre Deira
- DMCC Metro Station
- Dragon Mart
- Dubai Festival City
- Dubai Harbour
- Dubai Marina Al Gharbi Street
- Dubai Marina Mall
- Dubai Marina Promenade
- Dubai Marina Walk
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- Executive Towers
- Gold Souk – Deira
- EXPO 2020 Dubai
- JLT Park
- Kite Beach
- La Mer
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
- The Quranic Park
- Skydive Dubai
- The Beach
- The Greens & Views
- Palm West Beach
- Zabeel Park
- Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
- Al Barsha Pond Park
FAQs ABOUT DUBAI CAN – A SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN DUBAI
ARE THE WATER STATIONS AVAILABLE YEAR-LONG?
Yes, the water stations are permanent. They will be available all year long.
WILL I GET HOT WATER FROM PUBLIC STATIONS DURING THE SUMMER?
No, the water will be kept at 10°C in public stations to offer residents a clean, safe and refreshing option during summers.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF WATER THAT PUBLIC STATIONS PROVIDE?
It’s similar to the quality of water you get from a water bottle of a premier brand. The water at the station undergoes desalination that removes all impurities from it. For added safety, filters will also be installed at the refill stations.
IS THE WATER OFFERED AT PUBLIC STATIONS SAFE FOR DRINKING?
Yes, definitely. The water served at all water stations will be tested as per the standards of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Each station will adhere to the rules and regulations stated by UAE’s healthcare, municipal and federal departments.
IS DRINKING TAP WATER SAFE IN THE UAE?
As per the Conformity Affairs Department at the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, tap water is as safe to drink as bottled water your purchase from a popular brand.
However, you can still think of installing a filter at your home to maximise your safety. Here are some of the most popular water providers in the UAE.
CULLIGAN
One of the top water treatment companies in Dubai, Culligan offers carbon block and total defence water filtration systems that remove all impurities. You can also install their water microfiltration system (Total Defense System) to better the quality and eliminate all impurities and turbidity from water.
- Location: Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-803-0100
ESHARA WATER
Eshara Water offers an EW 1000 model that produces 1,000 litres of water a day. Its water filtration and purification system consists of UV light and Ozone, eliminating even the smallest of the impurities. It also has a patented Alpha Air Flow that increases its energy efficiency by 30%.
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-666-1979
INFINITY WATER SYSTEMS
Infinity has two types of water dispensers: Infinity Counter Top Water Dispenser and Under Counter Water System. They can be placed in homes, offices, restaurants, bars and other facilities.
- Location: Dubai
- Contact: enquiries@infinitywatersystems.com
Looking for more options? Here are some other companies that supply water filters in the UAE.
- EcoSense | +971-4-430-2260
- Liquid of Life | +971-55-235-3518
- No More Bottles | +971-4-277-1642
- SkyRiver Systems | +971-4-397-4521
- Trust Your Water (TYW) | +971-4-253-5222
WHERE DOES TAP WATER COME FROM IN THE UAE?
A large supply of water comes from Arabian Gulf, the rest however is sourced from groundwater or underground sources. Regardless of its source, it is desalinated properly before it reaches your taps.
WHY SHOULD I STOP DRINKING WATER FROM PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES?
Plastic bottles are detrimental to the environment and if things dont change quickly, the results will be catastrophic.
- They take up to 500 years to decompose and result in massive loss of marine life. Fish swallow small particles of plastics but are unable to digest them, which damages their digestive tracts, thereby killing them.
- As per the UN, if we continue to consume single-use plastic bottles, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050 (by weight).
That brings an end to our guide on Dubai Can Sustainable Tourism Initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste in Dubai.
We hope this helps you understand the impact that your use of plastic water bottles can have on the environment. Practise conscious living and inform others as well so they too can be a part of this noble initiative.
If you want to do your bid as a citizen of the country, learn about other sustainability developments in the UAE. This will help you analyse whether your current lifestyle aligns with the country’s goal to reduce carbon footprint by 70% — as part of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
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