The ban applies to bags used for carrying goods, and shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable carriers. Dubai Municipality published an awareness guide stating that the ban also includes biodegradable bags. The guide emphasizes that biodegradable bags need to be recycled separately; they can leave behind microplastics if disposed of in landfills, which can then enter the food chain.
Exemptions to the policy include bags for bread, online product packaging, trash bin liners, vegetable and meat wrapping bags, laundry bags, electronic device bags, garbage bags, and grain bags. Non-compliance with the policy will result in a fine of Dh200, which will double for repeated offenses, with a maximum fine of Dh2,000. Shoppers are encouraged to report non-compliant stores to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The municipality’s guide, available online in Arabic and English, addresses key questions about the ban and offers tips on green alternatives to plastics, aiming to promote sustainable practices among individuals, businesses, and institutions. Mohammed Alrayees, head of Waste Strategy and Projects Department at Dubai Municipality, stated, “This comprehensive guide has been launched to answer questions on single-use plastics and green alternatives, supporting individuals, businesses, and institutions in adopting sustainable practices.”