Dubai Can reduces use of over 7 million SUP bottles

A year since its inception, Dubai Can, the citywide sustainability movement, has successfully cut the use of an equivalent of more than seven million 500 ml single-use plastic (SUP) water bottles.

The initiative has been widely adopted in the city, with participation from homes, offices, hotels, schools, and the installation of 50 water fountains in different locations.

The water fountains are installed at strategic places across the emirate, including public parks, beaches, and popular tourist destinations, with the help of its partners and sponsors.

The fountains can be found in well-known neighbourhoods such as Kite Beach, Dubai Marina, and Downtown Dubai.

Read: Dubai Can: Free drinking water to be made available across city

Working together with talabat, the online food delivery service, Dubai Can has expanded its fountain locations and improved awareness.

Fountains were recently added in four additional prominent locations: Hatta, Dubai Sports City, Port Rashid, and Dubai Internet City.

Yousuf Lootah, acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said, “We are extremely proud of the progress the initiative has made, and we hope that during this year and beyond, the initiative will continue to encourage residents and tourists to adopt greener practices and lifestyle choices contributing to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s goal of consolidating Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three global cities.

“The success of this initiative could not have been possible without the wholehearted support of our valued city stakeholders and partners, as well as the city’s public-private partnerships that significantly contributed to Dubai’s sustainability strategy.”

“As we strive to achieve all of the city’s sustainability goals and position it as the best city in the world to live in, work and visit, we look forward to the continued success of Dubai Can, particularly in 2023, which has been declared as UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability,” Lootah added.

#Dubai Can initiative cuts single-use plastic bottle usage by over 7 million as the sustainability movement marks first anniversary. Close to 1,000 city stakeholders have committed to the movement. pic.twitter.com/PteDk3Q2TH

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 19, 2023

Dubai Can: In line with Dubai’s sustainability targets

The Dubai Can initiative’s objective is to increase awareness of the harmful effects of single-use plastics and promote the use of reusable bottles not only at water fountains, but also in homes, hotels, and elsewhere, aiming to change people’s mindsets.

Many private companies in Dubai have been inspired by Dubai Can to install water fountains in their offices, reducing single-use plastics in the workplace.

The initiative is in line with Dubai’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and becoming a fully sustainable destination, especially since the city is the host of COP28 this year.

All water stations throughout the city adhere to the highest hygiene standards and comply strictly with municipal, healthcare, and federal regulations.

The stations provide clean and safe drinking water, which is tested in accordance with DEWA, GCC, and World Health Organisation standards.

As part of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability in 2023, the campaign has entered its second year and has become a driving force for the city’s sustainability strategy. The initiative’s momentum aligns with the ban on single-use plastic bags, which came into effect on June 1, 2022.

In other developments, Abu Dhabi banned single-use plastic bags, effective June 1, 2022, while it will also be phasing out single-use styrofoam cups, plates and food containers by 2024.

Read: Abu Dhabi to ban single-use plastic bags from June 1

Last year, Dubai also approved a policy to impose a tariff of 25 fils on single-use bags for carrying goods starting July 1, 2022.

Read: Dubai to impose tariff on single-use plastic bags from July 1

Sharjah will ban single-use plastic bags and materials across the emirate from January 1, 2024.

Read: Sharjah to ban single-use plastic bags from January 1, 2024