The UAE will ban a range of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2026, under the second phase of Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced that the ban will cover beverage cups and lids, cutlery including spoons, forks, knives and chopsticks, plates, straws, stirrers, and food containers made of Styrofoam.
Single-use bags of any material, including paper, with a thickness below 50 microns will also be prohibited from the same date.
UAE expands plastic ban to include beverage cups, straws and food containers in 2026
Eng. Alya Abdelrahim Alharmoodi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at MOCCAE, said the implementation represents a step in the UAE’s transition towards sustainability.
“Regulating the use of single-use products is not only intended to reduce waste but it is part of a comprehensive vision to advance the principles of the circular economy, in which resources are transformed into sustainable assets rather than environmental burdens. In the UAE, we adopt a balanced approach that prioritises the protection of marine and terrestrial environments from pollution risks, while simultaneously fostering business sustainability and growth,” Alharmoodi said in a statement.
Bags and products made from recycled materials within the UAE are exempt to support the local recycling industry. Medicine bags, refuse bags, thin plastic bags for wrapping fresh food items such as meat, vegetables and bread, and large shopping bags for clothing, electronics and toys are also excluded.
“We have confidence in the robust environmental awareness of the Emirati community and in the constructive cooperation demonstrated by the private sector, manufacturers and retailers in adopting sustainable practices and embracing environment friendly alternatives. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and every step taken to reduce the consumption of these products is an investment in the well-being of our society and the preservation of our natural landscapes,” she added.
Single-use bags under 50 microns to be banned in UAE from January 2026
The Ministry activated the first phase of the decision on January 1, 2024, which banned the import, manufacture and trade of all single-use plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable plastic bags.
The decision forms part of environmental legislation to protect the UAE’s ecosystem and reduce the impacts of waste, in line with the nation’s priorities for sustainability.
The Ministry has called on establishments, markets and suppliers to comply with the provisions and support the state’s goals. MOCCAE is working with partners across authorities and entities to implement the decision.
