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DubaiSustainability

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Sustainable Living In Dubai: Myth Or Reality?

28 Jun 2025

Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

Sustainability isn’t just a passing trend — it is something that surrounds us every day, even if we don’t always notice it. Bringing a reusable water bottle to the gym, receiving your Noon delivery in a compostable bag instead of plastic, or driving out to recycle your Christmas tree after New Year’s — these are all small but meaningful steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
What does sustainability actually look like in Dubai today? Is it really possible to live sustainably here — and does it make a difference on a global (or at least national) scale? And what role do the government and business play in making it easier? The Sandy Times is taking a closer look.

Government initiatives supporting sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, one of the biggest game-changers is how seriously the government takes it. Because let’s be honest — what is the point of sorting your rubbish if it all ends up in the same landfill anyway?
Well, here in the UAE, the system actually works. Here is how.
Beyond the dozens of environmental laws aimed at businesses — from pollution controls to environmental impact assessments and permits for high-emission activities — there are also regulations that directly impact our everyday lives. Here are the most notable ones.
  • The Plastic Ban Law
As of 2024, single-use plastic bags are officially banned across the UAE.
And yes, if your first reaction is “But I still see them in shops…” — you aren't wrong. Some retailers have simply switched to slightly thicker plastic bags labeled “reusable.” Not ideal, but still a small step forward. That said, there are a lot of brands — like Noon, Sephora, and Urban Outfitters — that have completely ditched plastic bags altogether.
And you know what? It is working. Since the law came into effect, we have already seen some real improvements — one of the most striking (and probably unexpected) is that camel deaths from plastic ingestion have dropped by 60%.
  • Waste Management Law
Since 2018, malls, hotels, and real estate developers in the UAE have been required to sort their waste at the source.
And guess what? It is working. Between 2016 and 2019, food waste dropped by an impressive 93%. Why does that matter to us? Two big reasons. First, food waste in landfills releases methane — a greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. And second, we are the ones paying for it — the more waste that is generated, the higher the prices we end up paying at buffets, supermarkets, and beyond.
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Image: Midjourney x The Sandy Times

  • Green Building Rules
Since 2014, all new buildings in Dubai have been required to meet green standards. That means smarter, more efficient construction — like mandatory LED lighting to save energy, solar water heaters required in villas, and efficient irrigation systems for outdoor spaces.
And the result? Certified green buildings use up to 33% less energy than conventional ones.
Those green laws are just the beginning. There are real benefits for electric car owners (I can confirm — my husband drives one), mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reports for businesses, and multiple afforestation programs. Just imagine — over 185,000 trees were planted in 2023 alone! All of it is part of a bigger goal: building a more sustainable future.

Sustainable businesses in the UAE

Government initiatives aren't the only force driving sustainability — businesses across the UAE are stepping up too. Why? Because genuine concern for the planet often blends with smart marketing. (Sustainable agenda often encourages customers to support brands that care about something bigger.)
From global companies to homegrown startups, the sustainability movement is everywhere — too big to cover in full. So here are just a few standout examples to show the scale:
  • Hotels and soap crisis
Most hotels offer the usual essentials — shampoo, lotion, and of course, soap — so you never have to worry about packing them. But here is something you might not think about: in the UAE alone, over 16 million bars of soap from hotels are used just once and then thrown away.
Now, a growing number of hotels — including Atlantis The Palm, Shangri-La Dubai, and Rotana Saadiyat — are giving that soap a second life. Instead of ending up in the trash, it is collected, recycled, and redistributed to communities that need it most. Isn't it cool?
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Source: thenationalnews.com

  • A magical startup
Sustainability-focused startups are popping up everywhere in the UAE — but some stand out for being seriously cool. One of my favourites? Hawa Water. They literally make drinking water out of air. Well, technically from humidity — but still! And it isn't just a dreamy idea from someone’s pitch deck. Their water is already on the shelves at Spinneys, packaged in beautiful, reusable glass bottles.
  • The brand we all wear
You have probably heard of this one — but it is too good to leave out. The Giving Movement, a homegrown UAE fashion label, transforms recycled plastic bottles and organic bamboo into sleek, minimalist streetwear.
And it isn't alone — sustainability has become a real trend in fashion (but that is probably a story for another article).

Personal sustainability in Dubai: Is it possible?

If you have made it this far, chances are you are already curious — maybe even excited — about the sustainability movement in the UAE. So your big question is probably: Can I actually live sustainably in Dubai? The answer is yes — and honestly, it is easier than you think.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
  • Recycle the household waste
Going all-in on recycling from day one can feel overwhelming. But even starting small — like sorting just glass or plastic — makes a difference. Wondering where to take your sorted waste? Just Google “recycling centers in Dubai” and you will find plenty of options nearby. And to get you started, here are a few go-to spots:
  • Use recycling and donation stations for clothing
Think about recycling or donating the clothes you no longer wear. In Dubai, platforms like Kiswa offer free home pick-up, and their Landmark Circulife Bins are placed all around the city. Many residential communities also have donation bins nearby the metro stations — usually large green or blue containers. They aren't marked on maps, but once you know what to look for, they are easy to spot.
  • Buy preloved clothing
Shopping secondhand is no longer something to hide — quite the opposite! Resale platforms are full of style and purpose. Check out Retold or OSKELLY for curated fashion at great prices — and a smaller environmental footprint.
  • Switch to energy-saving alternatives
Sometimes small swaps make a big difference. Try energy-saving lamps or low-flow showerheads to reduce water use. They are simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective.
  • Reduce plastic consumption
This is easier than you might think. What you can do is just swap single-use bottles for a water cooler or dispensers with a refillable bottles — many companies even collect and reuse the empties. A great option? Al Ain Water subscription.

Does it all really work?

So, do these laws actually make a difference? Yes — they absolutely do! But let’s be honest — they are a big step forward, not a perfect solution yet.
Plastic bags still exist (just in slightly different forms), non-green buildings are still going up, water brands still sell plastic bottles and many of us still toss everything into a single bin.
But even small changes are a start.
According to the Dubai Municipality Sustainability Report, in 2023 the city produced 10.08 million tonnes of waste — 30% of it was recycled. Clearly, there is still a long way to go.