January 1st 2025 Introduces New Phase of Dubai’s Plastic Ban

Beginning January 1st, 2025, Dubai will expand its plastic ban to include single-use products like straws, stirrers, cups, Styrofoam food containers, cotton swabs and table covers.

The new phase will affect how takeaway meals and drinks are packaged, requiring businesses to replace prohibited plastics with eco-friendly options like paper straws, biodegradable cups, and cardboard containers. These changes aim to reduce environmental waste and promote sustainable practices throughout the emirate.

The first phase of the plastic ban took place in 2023, when single-use plastic bags smaller than 57 micrometers were outlawed. The initial phase saw businesses and consumers adjust to reusable shopping bags or thicker alternatives, setting the stage for a broader shift toward sustainability.

The third and final phase, scheduled for January 2026, will target additional items such as plastic plates, tableware, food containers, and beverage cups with plastic lids.