Effective from June 1, single-use styrofoam products will be prohibited in Abu Dhabi, as declared by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. This includes cups, lids, plates, beverage containers, and food receptacles for immediate consumption.
Exempt from this ban are reusable storage boxes, coolers, and items intended for medical use. This ban is an extension of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy, aligning with the objectives of the Year of Sustainability.
The policy, launched in May 2020, also implemented a ban on the sale of single-use plastic bags at all retailers from June 1, 2022, resulting in a substantial 95% reduction in their usage.
Other emirates in the UAE have similarly enforced bans on single-use plastic products. Sharjah initiated the ban on January 1, 2024, with the municipality halting the manufacturing of single-use plastic bags as of April 22. Additionally, Dubai announced a ban on single-use plastic from January 1, 2024, with a maximum fine of Dh2,000 for violations. These measures followed the federal government's announcement in January 2023 of the pan-UAE ban on single-use plastic from 2024.
