Abu Dhabi has announced a ban on single-use styrofoam products, effective from June 1, as part of its ongoing environmental sustainability efforts. The ban, jointly announced by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, targets products such as styrofoam cups, lids, plates, and food containers used for immediate consumption.
According to officials, this move is an extension of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy initiated in May 2020, which previously saw a ban on the sale of single-use plastic bags across all retailers starting June 1, 2022. This earlier initiative led to a dramatic 95% reduction in the use of such bags.
“The ban on single-use styrofoam products will further our commitment to sustainability and significantly reduce non-biodegradable waste,” a spokesperson for the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi stated. The ban exempts reusable storage boxes, coolers, and items intended for medical use.
This new regulation aligns with the broader regional movement against single-use plastics. Sharjah and Dubai have implemented similar bans, with Sharjah ceasing the manufacturing of single-use plastic bags earlier this year and Dubai introducing hefty fines for violations. The federal government also announced a comprehensive UAE-wide ban on single-use plastics starting in 2024.