‘Dubai Can’ Program Reduces Disposable Water Bottle Use by 18 Million

A single resident in the UAE typically uses 450 plastic bottles a year – Dubai Can, a city-wide sustainability initiative, is trying to change that. This program has already reduced plastic water bottle consumption by almost 18 million in just two years after its creation.

Launched in February 2022, Dubai Can hoped to reduce the number of single-use plastics consumed in Dubai, as well empower residents to become active participants in building a more sustainable future. In an effort to instil a ‘refill culture’, the initiative has installed 50 public water stations around the city, which have dispensed almost 9 million litres of water. As part of the UAE’s 2024 Year of Sustainability program, the city plans to install 30 more fountains this year.

Multiple companies and businesses – including Dell, Emirates NBD, Shamal Holding, and more – have partnered with the program to support taking care of the fountains installed around the city. Dubai Can has also inspired many businesses to install water fountains in their workplaces.

In 2023, the initiative launched Dubai Reed, an effort to increase fish stocks, support sustainable fishing, and boost food security. This conservation project is one of the world’s largest marine reef developments.