Food establishments across the United Arab Emirates have proactively embraced sustainable alternatives ahead of the January 1, 2026 implementation of the second phase of the nation’s single-use plastic ban. Numerous restaurants and cafeterias began phasing out prohibited items months in advance, demonstrating widespread compliance with environmental regulations.
Multiple food service providers informed Khaleej Times about their strategic transition planning, with some ceasing orders for single-use plastic products as early as November 2025 after depleting existing inventories. Sooq Al Shay cafeteria management explained their forward-thinking approach: “Anticipating the regulatory change, we deliberately avoided restocking foam cups, plastic utensils, and straws to prevent inventory obsolescence.”
The industry-wide shift has seen traditional plastic replaced with paper-based drinking vessels, wooden cutlery, and reusable serving options for dine-in patrons. Takeaway services have adopted compliant food-grade containers, while plastic carrier bags have been substituted with sturdier, regulation-compliant alternatives.
Al Faizeen cafeteria representative Sharique Khan acknowledged initial cost adjustments but noted positive customer reception: “Patrons have not only accepted but appreciated our early elimination of plastic usage.” The extended transition period allowed establishments to thoroughly adapt operations, train staff, and evaluate alternative suppliers without operational pressure.
Desi Biryani in Sharjah exemplifies this transformation, having eliminated plastic from daily operations. Their delivery service now utilizes approved packaging solutions, with a restaurant representative noting: “We proactively transitioned to box-based packaging and eliminated plastic bags well ahead of the deadline.”
Market dynamics have facilitated this shift, with suppliers increasingly offering sustainable alternatives as plastic demand declined. Customer adaptation has progressed remarkably, with Sharjah resident Syed Aamer observing: “The absence of plastic cutlery and bags has become normalized. Non-plastic packaging no longer feels unusual.”
This comprehensive ban stems from 2022’s Ministerial Decision No. 380, designed to reduce pollution from disposable products while promoting sustainability and circular economic principles. The policy framework was further reinforced through an executive council resolution endorsed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, regulating single-use products throughout the emirate.
