Abu Dhabi calls on public to help shape next phase of plastic pollution policy

Environment agency launches online survey as UAE prepares ban on importing plastic cutlery, drinks cups, boxes and styrofoam

The Abu Dhabi public has been asked to let their voices be heard in a survey on single-use plastics. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Abu Dhabi is looking to the public to help shape the next stage of its single-use plastic policy, as the emirate prepares for a federal ban to come into force next year.

The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi has launched a public survey aimed at evaluating the environmental, health and social effects of the single-use plastics regulations introduced in 2020. The policy that has already had major success, including a 95 per cent reduction in the use of plastic bags since the ban was enforced in 2022.

Importing plastic cutlery, drinks cups, boxes and styrofoam will be banned from January 1, 2026.

Mohammad Ba Sahel, head of evaluation of environmental policies and regulations at the environment agency, told The National that the survey was designed not only to assess public sentiment, but also to guide evidence-based improvements to the policy.

“We want to hear from the community – everyone who lives in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “Their voices will directly influence the future of this policy, the incentives we introduce, and the campaigns we launch.”

The timing of the initiative is strategic. With the federal government to introduce a nationwide ban on a broader range of single-use plastics, the agency is seeking community feedback now to inform a smoother and more effective roll-out.

Beyond bags – public asked about recycling habits

The anonymous survey, launched on September 1, is available online in Arabic and English, and takes less than three minutes to complete. Questions focus on behavioural shifts, perceptions of available alternatives, and the health and environmental effects of single-use plastics.

Critically, the survey builds on earlier achievements. Since launching the reverse vending initiative, where people can deposit empty plastic bottles and tin cans, the agency has set up more than 170 machines across the emirate, collecting more than 130 million plastic bottles – far exceeding the original target of 90 million.

But challenges remain. While plastic bag use has plummeted, ensuring alternatives are affordable, accessible and user-friendly remains a key goal. The agency plans to use the survey results to address these gaps, particularly as it seeks to expand initiatives such as the bottle return scheme and improve demographic access to recycling infrastructure.

“We don’t see this as a challenge but a next step – an opportunity for collaborative improvement,” Mr Ba Sahel said.

Community participation will be vital. The agency hopes to receive thousands of responses and has launched the survey across various digital platforms to reach a broad demographic – from students and families to businesses.

“If you live in Abu Dhabi, you have a role,” he added. “Every word counts. This is how we ensure that environmental policy reflects the people it serves.”

After the survey closes on October 12, a team will analyse the responses, with results expected to inform a series of awareness campaigns, policy tweaks and new sustainability incentives leading up to 2026.

As the world grapples with plastic pollution, Abu Dhabi’s vision of people-powered environmental policymaking could offer a replicable model – one in which policy is not simply imposed but co-created.

Why it matters

Globally, the numbers are daunting. The UN Environment Programme estimates that humans have produced 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic since the 1950s, with seven billion tonnes now waste. By 2060, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forecasts that plastic waste will nearly triple to one billion tonnes annually if current trends continue.

How microplastics are produced and make their way into our food. Roy Cooper / The National