The United Arab Emirates has banned several single-use plastic products, including beverage cups, lids, cutlery, food containers, straws, and bags, with effect from 1 January 2026. The move is part of the country’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
The decision is the second phase of a wider ban introduced under Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022 by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The first phase of the ban came into force on 1 January 2024 and prohibited all single-use plastic shopping bags. The restriction on bags applies to all materials, including paper, if their thickness is less than 50 microns.
Under the new rules, the import, production, and distribution of several single-use plastic items are no longer allowed. However, certain products are exempted. These include items made in the UAE from recycled plastics, products made from biopolymers, garbage bags, medicine bags, thin bags used for fresh food, large shopping bags, and styrofoam packaging for fresh meat.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the regulation aims to encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle and promote the use of reusable products to support sustainable development. The ban is also expected to motivate private companies to use recycled materials and follow circular economy practices.
Emirates Biotech, a local producer of biopolymers, welcomed the decision. Its Chief Commercial Officer said reusable products should be preferred, while plant-based materials like polylactic acid remain a safer alternative where reuse is not possible.
