Dubai will prohibit the use of all single-use plastic bags starting from June 2024.
Starting from June 1, Dubai will ban the use of single-use plastic bags in an effort to protect the environment. This means that people will no longer be able to use plastic bags only once and then throw them away. Instead, they will need to use more sustainable alternatives like reusable bags.
The Dubai Municipality has released a plan that explains how the policy will be implemented in three phases. By June 1, 2024, all single-use bags will be banned, and stores will no longer charge an additional fee for them. By January 1, 2025, plastic straws, food containers, and other single-use items will be banned, and by January 1, 2026, the use of single-use plastic cups, lids, and cutlery will also be banned.
It's important to know that businesses that do not comply with these rules may face a fine of Dhs200, which can double if they repeatedly do not follow the rules.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as plastic bags used for meat, fish, and vegetables, trash bin liners, and laundry bags.