UAE to ban single-use plastic products’ import, production, trade from 2026

The UAE will implement a comprehensive ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2026, said Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

This comes as part of the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags.

“This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems,” Dr Amna said on the occasion of World Environment Day — which is marked on June 5.

She called on all community members in the UAE to play their role in eliminating unnecessary plastic.

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“Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation’s vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives. Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come,” the minister said.

She reiterated that this year’s theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, is a call to action for every member of the community.

Dubai and other emirates imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags and implemented 25 fils tariff from January 1, 2024. The ban covered stirrers, Styrofoam food containers, table covers, cotton swabs, straws and single-use Styrofoam cups made of plastic.

Starting January 1, 2026, single-use plastic cups and lids, single-use plastic cutlery, plastic food containers and plastic plates will be banned. 

Plastic in lungs, brains, breast milk

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Thursday warned that plastic pollution is contaminating water supplies, food sources, and the air we breathe. “As plastics break down, they enter the food chain. Microplastics have been detected in human arteries, lungs, brains, and breast milk,” it said.

It said global plastic consumption is projected to reach 516 million tonnes this year, and if current consumption patterns continue, it will rise to over 1.2 billion tonnes annually by 2060.

“We are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level,” said Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak.

She stressed that the UAE optimises resource use in critical sectors such as green infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and responsible food production and consumption. “The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling.”

13 million deaths

The UN body said environmental factors contribute to the deaths of about 13 million people worldwide each year. Almost half of these fatalities are attributed to air pollution. The health and economic costs of unhealthy air pollution currently amount to $2.9 trillion.

“We urge communities to advocate for lasting solutions to combat plastic pollution. Historically, recycling has been a key strategy for mitigating plastic waste. However, only nine per cent of plastics produced globally are recycled. It is estimated that just 21 per cent of plastic today is economically recyclable, meaning the value of recycled materials covers the costs of collection, sorting, and processing,” it added.