Dubai Can Reduces Single-Use Plastic Bottles by 30 Million in Three Years

Launched on February 15, 2022, by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Can initiative has made impressive strides in combatting plastic waste.

Over the past three years, the program has helped eliminate the need for more than 30 million 500 ml single-use plastic water bottles and dispensed over 15 million liters of drinking water through 53 strategically placed refill stations across the emirate.

Aligned with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and the UAE's sustainability goals, Dubai Can promotes eco-friendly hydration solutions, raising awareness about alternatives to plastic. The initiative supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible consumption, climate action, and life below water.

Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Performance at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, praised the initiative's success, emphasizing its role in fostering a culture of conscious consumerism in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The stations, which offer free, safe drinking water, have made sustainable hydration easily accessible, further cementing Dubai’s position as a global leader in sustainability.

Key partners such as talabat, Dubai Municipality, and DMCC have played a crucial role in expanding the program’s reach. The Dubai Municipality, for example, has provided refill stations at various public locations, supporting the goal of reducing plastic consumption.

Dubai Can's future expansion plans include additional refill stations, reinforcing the city's commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices. The initiative is also part of the broader DUBAI REEF project, which aims to boost marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, contributing to global conservation efforts.

News Source: Dubai Media Office