Starting January 1, 2025, Dubai will implement a major ban on single-use plastics that will reshape the way takeaways are packaged across the emirate. This move is part of Dubai’s broader effort to encourage sustainability and reduce environmental waste, building on an earlier ban on plastic bags under 57 micrometres.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s changing and how it might impact your daily routine.
What’s Included in the January 2025 Plastic Ban in Dubai?
The 2025 phase of Dubai’s plastic ban will prohibit a wide range of single-use plastic items, including:
- Plastic straws
- Plastic stirrers
- Plastic cups
- Styrofoam food containers
- Plastic cotton swabs
- Plastic table covers
Whether you’re picking up a coffee, ordering delivery, or grabbing a late-night meal, these changes will be noticeable.
What Will Replace Single-Use Plastics in Dubai from January 2025?
With plastic alternatives already emerging worldwide, here’s what you can expect in Dubai:
- Plastic straws will be replaced with paper or reusable metal versions.
- Plastic stirrers may become cardboard or wooden alternatives.
- Plastic cups could shift to biodegradable or reusable materials, providing a more sustainable option for your favorite drinks.
- Styrofoam containers will likely make way for paper or cardboard packaging, already common in some establishments.
- Cotton swabs with plastic stems will be swapped for bamboo or paper-based options.
These changes align with global trends, where environmentally friendly replacements are becoming the norm.
The upcoming changes are part of a three-phase plan launched in late 2023. Businesses were given time to adapt, with the final stage of the ban targeting additional items like plastic plates, food containers, and beverage cups with plastic lids by January 2026.
This phased approach reflects a commitment to advancing sustainable development while allowing businesses and consumers to adjust gradually.
For takeaway enthusiasts, the shift will mean greener packaging for your meals and drinks. While the materials may feel different, the goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible. Popular establishments across Dubai are already experimenting with eco-friendly alternatives, so you may already be seeing the future of sustainable dining.
