The United Arab Emirates implemented the second phase of its federal single-use plastic ban on January 1, 2026, expanding restrictions across retail and manufacturing sectors. The ban, led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), prohibits the import, manufacture, and trade of single-use plastic products including beverage cups and lids, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and food containers made of Styrofoam.
Retailers report a smooth transition following early preparation. Abu Dhabi-headquartered LuLu Group discontinued sales of single-use plastic plates, cups, cutlery, and other items across its stores. V. Nandakumar, Director of Marketing and Communications at LuLu Group, said: “We have proactively discontinued the sale of single-use plastic products such as plates, cups, cutlery, table sheets and disposable table covers across our stores.” The retailer has introduced a range of reusable and paper-based alternatives and created dedicated in-store sections to promote sustainable shopping.
On the manufacturing front, Dubai-based Hotpack Global, a supplier of food packaging products, stated it had aligned with the regulations ahead of enforcement. Abdul Jebbar P.B., Group CEO and Managing Director at Hotpack, said: “We have already introduced a comprehensive range of fully compliant alternatives across all affected categories, including cups, lids, plates, cutlery, straws and food containers, using recycled-content plastics, paper, board, moulded fibre and plant-based materials.” He noted the company does not manufacture EPS or Styrofoam products, which are among the materials targeted by the ban.
Residents have also shown willingness to adopt sustainable practices. Jijo Joseph, a resident of Khalifa City, said: “I use reusable shopping bags for my groceries, and I always deposit plastic bottles and cans in the reverse vending machines at the malls.”
The nationwide policy supports the UAE’s broader environmental and waste reduction goals.