In a world facing environmental challenges, Dubai has emerged as a leader in sustainability with its groundbreaking Dubai Can (Change Now) Initiative. Launched under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this ambitious campaign aims to drastically reduce single-use plastic waste, instilling a culture of sustainability among residents, businesses, and visitors.
The Urgency Behind Dubai Can
Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans every year. Despite rapid development, the UAE is not immune to this problem. Recognizing the need for urgent action, Dubai launched the Dubai Can Initiative in 2022, setting a bold goal: reduce single-use plastic consumption by 90% by 2026.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals, including the Net Zero Strategy by 2050, and complements existing policies such as the nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags implemented in 2024.
Key Strategies of the Dubai Can Initiative
1. Ban on Single-Use Plastics
The most visible aspect of this initiative is the phased ban on single-use plastics, which includes:
- Plastic bags
- Cutlery
- Straws
- Food containers
- Cups
Businesses across Dubai have been encouraged to switch to biodegradable or recyclable alternatives, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
2. Promoting Reusable Solutions
Dubai has launched innovative programs to encourage reusable products:
- The “My Bottle” campaign: Free water refill stations in malls, parks, and public spaces to reduce plastic bottle waste.
- Incentives for Businesses: Tax incentives and recognition for companies adopting sustainable packaging.
3. Community Engagement and Awareness
The government has partnered with schools, corporations, and the media to educate the public about reducing plastic waste. Initiatives include:
- Workshops on sustainable living
- Beach clean-up drives
- Social media challenges to promote a zero-waste lifestyle
4. Technological and Corporate Partnerships
Dubai is leveraging technology and private-sector collaboration to drive change:
- AI-powered waste management systems for efficient recycling
- Corporate commitments from major brands like Carrefour and Starbucks to eliminate single-use plastics
Impact So Far
Since its launch, the Dubai Can Initiative has made significant progress:
- Over 1 million plastic bottles saved through refill stations
- 70% of retailers have switched to eco-friendly packaging
- Public awareness has increased, with 85% of residents now actively reducing plastic use
How You Can Contribute
Every individual plays a role in Dubai’s sustainable journey. Here’s how you can be part of this change:
- Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags
- Choose restaurants that use biodegradable packaging
- Participate in community clean-ups
- Spread awareness using #DubaiCAN
What’s Next? Scaling the Vision
Dubai CAN is not just an environmental campaign—it’s a test bed for future sustainable practices across the emirate.
Upcoming steps include:
- Expanding refill stations to 200+ locations by 2026
- Introducing mobile refill units for festivals and events
- Forming new partnerships with tech companies to introduce smart bottle tracking and gamified sustainability rewards
There is also speculation that other emirates could replicate the Dubai CAN blueprint, leading to a national refill culture.
The brilliance of Dubai Can lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t demand big sacrifices or rely on guilt. Instead, it offers a better, more conscious option—and trusts the people of Dubai to choose it.