This week, Abu Dhabi has announced that it is set to ban single-use plastic bags from June. In preparation for the eco-move, residents will need to stock up on reusable shopping bags, so why not find a few fashionable choices?
Supermarkets around the UAE, including Waitrose and Grandiose stores, stock their own printed canvas totes, which you can buy at till points.
Click through the gallery above to see out pick of the most stylish reusable bags.
Alternatively, you can shop online for bags for life, where there is something for every budget.
Noon sells multipacks of camel-print canvas tote bags for Dh9, or if you're looking to splurge, Anya Hindmarch cotton tote bags go for between Dh1,500 and Dh3,000 on The Outnet.
Brands such as Typo, Muji and Kiabi sell canvas totes in a rainbow of colours, as does homeware store Lakeland.
Last year, Waitrose partnered up with Emirati print designer Huda Al Nuaimi for the Waitrose x Nuaimi bag. The striking produce and leaf print has been compared to the Dior Book Tote. At Dh50 it's a fraction of the price, but will stand its own in any chic shopping setting.
Grandiose, meanwhile sends shoppers away with canvas bags bearing the slogan, "Plastic is not an option". The chain has been plastic-free at UAE checkouts since 2019.
Abu Dhabi's single-use plastic bags
Abu Dhabi will ban the use of single-use plastic bags from June. Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) said it plans to gradually reduce the amount of single-use plastic products used in the emirate and encourage reusable products.
The initiative is based on plans announced in 2020 to phase out disposable plastics, which had been expected to come into effect earlier, but was put on hold by Covid-19.
Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, EAD’s secretary general, said the ban is being introduced because of single-use plastic's "harmful impacts on the environment and biodiversity".
“As part of our plan to completely curb the use of single-use plastics, we are encouraging Abu Dhabi citizens to use more multipurpose and re-usable materials to reduce their environmental footprint," she said.
See more alternatives to plastic bags – from canvas totes to keychain bags:
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Cotton reusable mesh bags can be used for fruit and vegetables. Getty Images -
Reuseable plastic bags on sale at Lulu Hypermarket are thicker and more durable than single-use ones. Victor Besa / The National -
Reusable canvas and jute bags on display at Carrefour in Mall of the Emirates. Jute bags are one of the most durable options and are also naturally biodegradable. Canvas tote bags may not be as environmentally friendly because they require more resources to produce and distribute but can be used many times. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Carrefour is encouraging customers to bring their own recyclable bags by providing dedicated checkout counters and bonus Share points as incentives. Photo: Majid Al Futtaim -
Jute bags are both durable and biodegradable. Pawan Singh / The National -
A customer using a trolley bag at Spinneys supermarket in Dubai Marina. Trolley bags are perfect for those walking home from the supermarket. Pawan Singh / The National -
While paper bags generate waste, they can be recycled so it is a preferable alternative if you accidentally leave your reusable bag at home. Getty Images
