FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

In case you missed the announcement, all types of single use bags will no longer be available while shopping in Dubai

Posted on

26 May 2024

| Last updated on 31 May 2024

by Clarice Awa

Single use plastic bags will be banned in Dubai from June 1

The new rule will come into effect from June 2024.

Get your totes, reusable bags, and shopping trolleys at the ready, because Dubai will officially ban all single use bags from Saturday June 1, 2024 - this includes plastic and different materials.

Previously, officials prohibited single use plastic bags with a few exceptions, as part of a city-wide initiative to phase out single use products and plastic in an effort to make Dubai more environmentally-friendly.

As of June, this ban will expand to include all types of single use bags, announced Dubai Municipality on Saturday.

Dubai Municipality officially bans all single use bags from June 1, 2024

Paper and Biodegradable Single Use Bags Included in the Ban

As per the guidelines issued by Dubai Municipality, any shopping bags that are thinner than 57 micrometres made from plastic, paper, or biodegradable materials, will be banned from June 1.

However, bags that are 58 micrometres thick or more are allowed, as well as bags used for wrapping meat and fish. Bread bags and garbage bags are also exempted and can continue to be used.

Later on from January 1, 2025, Dubai will be implementing a city-wide ban on select single use plastic products: Plastic cups, plastic straws, plastic stirrers, plastic table covers, styrofoam food containers, and plastic cotton swabs.

Starting January 1, 2026, Dubai will see a further ban on plastic products including plastic food containers, plates, cups, and other tableware.

As of June 1, 2024, #Dubai takes a stand against single-use bags. Make the switch to reusable cloth bags & be part of the change.#DubaiMoreSustainable #DubaiMunicipality pic.twitter.com/deZkFgBHfT

— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) May 25, 2024

What are the fines?

Non-compliance with the ban on all single use bags will result in an AED 200 fine.

Repeat offenses within a year will double up the penalty, up to a hefty AED 2,000 fine.

What about Abu Dhabi?

The UAE's capital has placed an emirate-wide ban on single use plastic bags since June 2022, resulting in a 95% drop on single use plastic bags in its first year, as per the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi.

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