Towards Osaka Blue Ocean Vision - G20 Implementation Framework for Actions on Marine Plastic Litter

United Arab Emirates

Actions and Progress on Marine Plastic Litter
Last Update : 2024/07/03

Policy framework

National Action Plan

Name:
● The national agenda for the integrated waste management

Brief description:
The national agenda for the integrated waste management has been prepared to reflect the commitment of all partners in the UAE to protect the environment from the effects of waste management activities, improve waste services according to the waste management hierarchy, and promote the circular economy, through a vision which is (Integrated waste management for a sustainable quality of life) and mission which is (toward adopting circular economy approach to protect the environment and enhance economic value of implementing the integrated waste management programs).

 

Legal framework

Name:

  • Federal Law (No. 24 /1999)
  • Federal Law (No. 12/2018) for the Integrated Waste Management
  • Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2012

Brief description:

  • Federal Law (No. 24 /1999) on the Protection and Development of the Environment: The Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 prohibits any intentional disposal of pollutants or wastes from ships, aircraft, or any other means into the marine environment and any deliberate dumping from ships or industrial installations or other means into the marine environment.
  • Federal Law (No. 12/2018) on Integrated waste management: Promotes the reduction of waste generation and encourages the exchange and reuse of waste to achieve a circular economy. Organizes waste management across the emirates to foster the use of best practices and most suitable technologies.
  • Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2012 regarding the application of administrative penalties on the violators of living aquatic resources and fisheries: The Cabinet Resolution No. 18-2012, covers the administrative sanctions, penalties, and fines that regulate activities related to the fishing industry. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment sends a notification to the fishermen caught polluting the Marine environment (by disposing of plastic bags, fishing gear, and fish waste (dead fish, sharks, and whales). If this offense is repeated, the Ministry is imposing a fine of 1000 AED. If this offense is again repeated, the ministry has the right to suspend the issued boat license for a month.

 

Indicators

Under Development

The UAE is part of different programs, which provide resources and guidance on monitoring and managing marine debris. These programs include a data collection framework for assessing the impacts of marine debris on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Such as UAE-IAEA Regional Technical Cooperation Programmes 2022-2024, project Monitoring the Marine Environment for Enhanced Understanding of the Abundance and Impact of Marine Plastic Pollution”

Measures

Introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) No
Reduce single-use plastic (shopping bags, straws etc.) by regulations or voluntary measures Yes
Steps taken/ to be taken towards restricting microplastics in personal care products No
Improve waste management recycling system Yes
Conduct clean-up activities in rivers/ wetlands/ beaches/ coasts/ coral reefs/ sea floor, involving local communities involving local communities Yes
Taken/to be taken National Level Action and/or Community Level Action on Clean sea initiatives including ghost net retrieval, ocean-bound plastics etc. Yes
Created/creating a value Chain opportunity for abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) No
Financial incentives for fishers to promote the collection of end-of-life fishing gears No
Encourage/ Incentivize action by private sector companies to reduce/ sustainably manage their plastic waste (e.g., Fishing Gear) through policies/ regulations (e.g., Extended Producer Responsibility) No
Promote innovative solutions (e.g., upcycling fishing equipment, Creating plastic circular economy etc.) No
Boost multi-stakeholder involvement and awareness-raising Yes
Share scientific information and knowledge: R&D and monitoring Yes
Participate in international cooperation through international organizations, multi-national groups, etc. Yes
Support target region by your international cooperation initiatives/projects: South, Central and Southeast Asia No
Support target region by your international cooperation initiatives/projects: Africa No
Support target region by your international cooperation initiatives/projects: Latin America No

Measures

Achievements

Prevention and reduction of plastic waste generation

Levy of charges/ taxes for single-use plastic products (e.g. shopping bags, straws)

Names of actions:
Executive Council Resolution No. (52) of 2022 Concerning Reduction of the Use of Single-use Bags in the Emirate of Dubai

Targeted products:
Single-use bags

Brief description:
The resolution is imposing a tariff of 25 files (AED 0.25) on single-use bags at purchase. The policy came into effect on july1 ,2022, in all stores operating in Dubai including restaurants, pharmacies, and e-commerce deliveries.

This Resolution aims to:1. protect the local natural environment and biological and animal wealth; 2. encourage community members to adopt sustainable and environment-friendly behaviours; and 3. encourage the private sector and the local market to provide sustainable alternatives to
Single-use Bags, in line with the principles of circular economy aimed at reusing materials and products in the local economy in a sustainable manner.

  
Ban on use of single-use plastic products (e.g. shopping bags, straws)

Names of actions:
Ministerial Resolution No.380 of 2022 regarding regulation of the use of single-use products in the country’s markets

Targeted products:
Single-use plastic shopping bags
single plastic products, such as soft drink cups and caps, cutlery (spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, plates, straws, stirrers, food containers and boxes made of Styrofoam)

Brief description:
The Resolution seeks to curb the consumption of plastic bags and regulate the production, circulation and use of single-use products. It prohibits the import, production or circulation of single-use plastic shopping bags as of January 1, 2024 across the country.

This includes biodegradable plastic bags. Furthermore, it prohibits the import, production or circulation of single-use bags, regardless of the material used in their manufacturing as of January 1, 2024.
In accordance with the Resolution, import, production, or circulation of single plastic products, such as soft drink cups and caps, cutlery (spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, plates, straws, stirrers, food containers and boxes made of Styrofoam) will be banned in the UAE as of January 1, 2026

  
Actions for encouraging sustainable / circular product design

Names of actions:
The UAE has taken several actions to encourage sustainable and circular product design, which aims to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle.

  

Regulations on microplastics

In preparation

  

Government actions on microplastics

In preparation

  

Community actions on microplastics including individual and wider stakeholder involvement (e.g. businesses, coastal community etc.)

In preparation

  

Measures

Achievements
Environmentally sound waste management
Enforcement of proper waste management system

Names of actions:
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is working with its partners through the National Agenda for waste management to reduce the circulation of single-use items.

Brief description:
Prepare, enforce and measure a federal system (legislation, guides, and awareness programs) to reduce the circulation of specific single-use products, including plastic, through mechanisms for banning use, promoting alternatives and imposing fees in the country.

  
Prevention of littering, illegal dumping and unintentional leakage of waste into the ocean

Names of actions:
The UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the Protection and Development of the Environment

Brief description:
The UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the Protection and Development of the Environment prohibits the following:
Any intentional disposal of pollutants or wastes from ships, aircraft or any other means into the marine environment
Any deliberate dumping from ships or industrial installations or other means into the marine environment.

Names of actions:
Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2012 regarding the application of administrative penalties on the violators of living aquatic resources and fisheries

Brief description:

The Cabinet Resolution No. 18-2012, covers the administrative sanctions,
penalties and fines that regulate activities related to the fishing industry. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment send a notification to the fishermen caught polluting the Marine environment (by disposing plastic bags, fishing gears, fish waste (dead fish, sharks and whales). If this offense is repeated, the Ministry is imposing the fine of 1000 AED. If this offense is again repeated, the ministry has the right to suspend the issued boat license for a month.

  
Are linkages between marine litter and blue economy being studied by your country? Has your country taken any policy/ legal measures to address these linkages?

In progress

  

Measures

Achievements
Cleanup of marine plastic litter
Collection of scattered waste on beach

Names of actions:

  1. Clean-up Campaigns organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment with federal, local entities, NGOs, private sectors, and public volunteers
  2. Clean up UAE (by Emirates Environmental Group)
  3. Clean-Up Arabia campaign (by Emirates Diving Association)
  4. Clean-Up the Gulf (by Borouj) And many others.

Brief description:
Clean Up Campaigns (beach, ports, islands, coastal habitats, etc.)

We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years
Removal of plastic litter from the ocean

Names of actions:

  1. Clean-up Campaigns organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment with federal, local entities, NGOs, private sectors, and public
  2. Clean-Up Arabia campaign (by the EDA)
  3. Advanced and Innovative Clean up Campaign (drone, marine scraper, etc.)

Brief description:
Clean-up campaigns (UAE's dive sites, sea surface, Marine Habitats, creeks, canals, etc.)

  

Measures

Achievements

Promotion of innovative solutions

Policy actions for encouraging plastic alternatives (e.g. biodegradable plastics, circular product design – including use of recycled materials or closed-loop recycling)

Names of actions:

  1. Abu Dhabi Emirate Single Use Plastic Policy
  2. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Coalition Circle Pledge to Transform Plastic Recycling Model in Abu Dhabi

Brief description:

  1. Abu Dhabi Emirate Single Use Plastic Policy: Policy to reduce the amount of single-use plastic material in Abu Dhabi and mitigate its harmful effects
  2. At the national level, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment signed a pledge with the Coalition of Innovation in Recycling towards a Closed Loop Economy comprising government, NGOs and global and local companies has been launched to tackle the issue of packaging waste pollution by improving the collection and recycling of packaging. The overall aim is to test the economic and environmental impact of a plastic circular economy and accelerate sustainability solutions for an optimized waste management infrastructure.
  

Measures

Achievements

Education and awareness raising

Education system and/or curriculum for encouraging public awareness on MPL issues

If yes, give a brief description of your efforts related to education:
The UAE is taking significant steps to educate marine plastic litter issues and promote sustainable practices. By incorporating environmental education into the curriculum, organizing awareness campaigns, and promoting public engagement, through events such as workshops, seminars, and exhibitions. These events provide opportunities for the public to learn about plastic pollution and how to take action to reduce it.

  

Awareness-raising campaigns related to MPL

National level:

Names of actions:
The UAE government has launched several awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and how to reduce plastic consumption and organizes regular clean-up campaigns to remove plastic waste from beaches, sea, and other areas.

Local level:

Yes

International / Regional level:

Yes

National level:

We have seen a positive improvement over the last two years

Measures

Achievements

Monitoring & Scientific research on marine plastic litter

Actions for encouraging monitoring / scientific research on plastic flows and ocean surface microplastics

Names of actions:
A study program to qualitatively & quantitatively assess plastic in marine environment

Brief description:
A study program to qualitatively & quantitatively assess floating micro plastics from sea water and plastic litter on beaches and beach sediment.

Comments:
Only initial baseline data has been collected in 2022

Engagement in international/regional level actions for encouraging monitoring / scientific research on plastic flows and ocean surface microplastics

Names of actions:
UAE’s engagement in international/regional level actions on Marine Plastic Litter

Brief description:
The UAE is engaged in many actions, through its membership with several international and regional environmental conventions and agreements such as UN, UNEP, UNESCO, G20, IMO, IORA ROPME, GCC, Global Ocean Alliance, and others

 

Challenges

  • Recycling system improvement
  • Data collection related to waste in general
  • Data collection related to marine plastic litter
  • Lack of awareness among citizens, business, local governments

Best practices

National level

The UAE has developed a Federal Law (No. 24 /1999) on the Protection and Development of the Environment. This Law aims to achieve the protection and conservation of the quality and natural balance of the environment, control of all forms of pollution, and conservations of natural resources. The Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 prohibits any intentional disposal of pollutants or wastes from ships, aircraft, or any other means into the marine environment and any deliberate dumping from ships or industrial installations or other means into the marine environment. This Law contributes to the SDG target Marine Pollution 14.1, with the aim to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution by 2025.

The Federal Law (No. 12/2018) aims to regulate the process of Waste Management (including marine waste) and unify the mechanisms and methods of safe disposal thereof, through the application of best practices and techniques available, to protect the Environment and minimize harm to human health.

At the national level, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment signed a pledge with the Coalition of Innovation in Recycling towards a Closed Loop Economy comprising government, NGOs and global and local companies has been launched to tackle the issue of packaging waste pollution by improving the collection and recycling of packaging. The overall aim is to test the economic and environmental impact of a plastic circular economy and accelerate sustainability solutions for an optimized waste management infrastructure

 

Local level

Abu Dhabi Emirate Single Use Plastic Policy: Policy to reduce the amount of single-use plastic material in Abu Dhabi and mitigate its harmful effects

 

Private sector

CIRCULAR PACKAGING ASSOCIATION, a public-private partnership across the packaging value chain, members of the Circular Packaging Association come from leading companies across different sectors including BASF; Borouge; Dow; McDonalds UAE; Majid Al Futtaim; Nestle; PepsiCo.; Procter & Gamble; The Coca-Cola Company, Middle East; The Agthia Group; Tetra Pak and Unilever. Participating Not-for-Profit associations and NGOs include the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) and Emirates Nature – WWF.

The Circular Packaging Association is the result of work initiated in 2019 by founding members of the CIRCLE Coalition for innovation in recycling towards a circular economy. CIRLCE was formalized under the sponsorship of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a circular economy for packaging across the GCC. In 2019, the members of CIRCLE funded a study to investigate the barriers and enablers of a circular economy for post-consumer packaging in the UAE.

 

International cooperation

As of part of the UAE’s commitment to protect the coastal and marine environment from different threats such as the marine pollution and to address the global environmental challenges and issues, the UAE has signed and ratified many international and regional environmental conventions and agreements such as UN, UNEP, UNESCO, G20, IMO, IORA ROPME, GCC, Global Ocean Alliance, and many others.

Contact Details

Othaibah Saeed Alqaydi
Email: [email protected]

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