Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed the nation’s continued leadership in tackling plastic pollution both domestically and internationally.
In a message released to mark World Environment Day on June 5th, Al Dahak highlighted the UAE’s enduring dedication to environmental protection, guided by the legacy of the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who deeply understood the vital connection between a healthy environment and a flourishing society.
“The UAE is unwavering in its efforts to preserve our natural environment. We are working toward a future where ecosystems thrive and both terrestrial and marine life are safeguarded—a future we can only achieve together,” she stated.
This year’s World Environment Day places a spotlight on the urgent need for collective action to address plastic pollution—a growing crisis that requires immediate and coordinated solutions. Al Dahak noted that the UAE is responding to this challenge with a comprehensive strategy for managing plastic products more sustainably.
She announced that beginning January 1, 2026, the UAE will enforce a full ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic items. This follows earlier steps, including the 2024 ban on plastic bags, as part of a phased plan to systematically eliminate harmful plastic waste. These bold measures reflect the country’s strong environmental commitment and its vision for a circular economy where waste is minimized and sustainability is prioritized.
Al Dahak also pointed to the “Clean Rivers” initiative by Erth Zayed Philanthropies, which is tackling plastic pollution in rivers by empowering local communities and promoting innovative solutions for cleaner waterways.
She highlighted the pivotal role of the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy in driving this transformation. The policy promotes efficient resource use across key sectors like sustainable infrastructure, transport, manufacturing, and food systems. “It places a strong emphasis on reducing plastic waste, encouraging the development of sustainable packaging, and supporting robust recycling initiatives,” she explained. “We’re also focused on the safe handling of hazardous waste and a determined reduction of plastic use across all sectors.”
Calling on individuals to contribute, Al Dahak stressed the importance of personal responsibility in achieving national goals. “Each of us can make a meaningful difference by cutting out unnecessary plastics from our daily lives,” she said. “By becoming agents of change, we help build resilient communities and a healthy, vibrant environment. This is about protecting the land and sea for ourselves, our families, and future generations.”
In closing, the minister urged renewed attention to the ecosystems that sustain life, echoing this year’s World Environment Day theme, Beat Plastic Pollution. “It’s a collective call to action. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future for all,” she said.
