UAE to ban most single-use plastics in pollution crackdown

The UAE is preparing to impose a ban on most single-use plastics widely used in the food delivery industry, under a major push to reduce pollution.

From Jan. 1 it will be illegal to import, manufacture or trade a range of single-use plastic and styrofoam items, including cutlery, straws, beverage cups and lids, plates and food containers, The National reports.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment sent a reminder on Tuesday urging all businesses to comply with the laws, which were previously announced.

Rules around single-use plastic bags, which were banned in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and UAE-wide in 2024, will also be tightened.

Studies have found that nine out of 10 turtles and five out of 10 camels found dead in the UAE had plastic in their stomachs.