UAE Expands Single-Use Plastic Ban Starting January 2026
More plastic items — including cups, cutlery, and thin bags — will be banned nationwide from 2026.
The UAE is stepping up its fight against plastic waste. Starting January 1, 2026, a wider range of single-use plastic products will be banned across the country, as part of the government’s push toward sustainability.
The announcement comes from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), marking the second phase of the UAE’s national plastics reduction plan.
What items will be banned
The new phase expands the ban to cover everyday items many people still use on the go. This includes:
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Beverage cups and lids
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Plates
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Cutlery like forks, spoons, knives, and chopsticks
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Straws and stirrers
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Styrofoam food containers and boxes
Also included is a full ban on single-use bags, regardless of material — even paper — if they are thinner than 50 microns.
Why the UAE is doing this
According to MOCCAE, the move is about more than just cutting waste. It’s part of a broader plan to protect marine and land environments while pushing the country toward a circular economy, where materials are reused instead of thrown away.
Officials say the goal is to reduce pollution without slowing down business growth — encouraging companies and consumers to switch to reusable and eco-friendly alternatives.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Some items will still be allowed under specific conditions:
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Plastic products made for export only, as long as they’re clearly labelled and not sold locally
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Bags and products made from recycled materials within the UAE
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Essential items like medicine bags, trash bags, and thin plastic used to wrap fresh food
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Large reusable shopping bags for clothing, electronics, and toys
These exemptions are meant to support key industries while keeping waste in check.
This isn’t the first step
The UAE began rolling out this policy in phases. The first phase launched in January 2024, banning all types of single-use plastic shopping bags, including biodegradable ones.
The 2026 expansion is the next big move — and a clear signal that single-use plastics are slowly being phased out for good.
What businesses need to know
MOCCAE is urging retailers, suppliers, and manufacturers to fully comply and prepare early. The ministry says cooperation from businesses and consumers alike is key to making the transition work.