A complete ban on single use plastic is coming into effect across the UAE in two different phases over the next three years.
In under one year from now, from 1 January 2024, a ban on the import, production and circulation of single-use plastic shopping bags will come into effect.
Two years later from 1 January 2026 a ban across the country on the use of products manufactured from single use materials will come into effect. This includes foam cups, plates and boxes and as well as plastic cups, cutlery, straws and containers.
There are some exceptions to the ban which includes the use of thin plastic bags that are used to keep produce fresh.
The ban follows the introduction last year of bans and the regulation of the use of single use plastic bags, where retailers charged 25 fils for each plastic bag used to encourage the use of reusable bags.