Dubai Can initiative reduces use of single-use plastic water bottles by almost 18 million in two years – News

Dubai Can, the city-wide sustainability initiative, has seen a reduction in use of the equivalent of almost 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since its launch.

With the support of its partners and sponsors, Dubai Can has installed 50 public water stations in strategic locations across the city, including parks and popular tourist destinations. These stations have dispensed almost nine million liters of water.

Dubai Can was launched on February 15, 2022 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to reduce the use of single-use plastic water bottles and empower residents and visitors to be active actors in building a more sustainable future and contribute to saving wildlife and the marine environment.

The initiative aligns with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into a leading sustainable destination. It is part of broader efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics and encourage a mindset shift in the way city residents and visitors view sustainability.

Dubai Can’s goals also support the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 and Dubai’s commitment to helping the UAE achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s NetZero 2050 goals.

With the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ extending until 2024, the Dubai Can initiative plans to expand by installing 30 additional water fountains by the end of the year at locations across the city. This will further motivate residents and visitors to make simple lifestyle changes, such as using refillable water bottles and installing water filters in their homes, offices and schools.

Yousuf Lootah, Acting Executive Director of Corporate Performance and Strategy Sector at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “The Dubai Can movement has been embraced by residents and visitors alike and we are proud of the considerable success it has achieved since its launch. two years ago. Years ago, in line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision of making Dubai a leading sustainable destination, we have seen consistent engagement with Dubai Can across the city and the positive impact the initiative has had in the last two years.

“By reducing plastic waste, we protect our oceans, wildlife and natural landscapes, and by choosing reusable options like our public water stations, we promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce our carbon footprint. We will ensure that Dubai Can continues encouraging residents and visitors to adopt greener practices and lifestyle choices in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities for business and leisure over the next decade .

“As we strive to achieve Dubai’s sustainability goals, we hope that Dubai Can continues to be successful, especially in the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’, which has been extended until 2024 and invites everyone to join the collective effort to adopt sustainable practices. “Dubai Can has driven the behavioral changes necessary to address environmental challenges and the success of this initiative could not have been possible without the support of our valued stakeholders and city partners, as well as the overwhelming response from the public,” he added.

Dubai has inspired many private companies to install water fountains in their offices, reducing the use of single-use plastics in the workplace. Above all, the movement has encouraged UAE residents and visitors to adopt more sustainable behavior and become conscious consumers.

Driving a ‘recharge culture’

All water stations in the city meet the highest hygiene standards and strictly comply with municipal, health and federal regulations. The stations provide clean and safe drinking water, which is tested in accordance with the standards of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), the Gulf Cooperation Council and the World Health Organization. Driving a ‘refill culture’, the stations’ drinking water is kept cold at 10°C, offering people a refreshing, clean and safe alternative.

A UAE resident typically uses an average of 450 plastic water bottles per year, which translates to 4 billion plastic bottles used annually across the country. The Dubai Can initiative will continue to encourage residents and visitors to help reduce waste and prevent millions of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills and our oceans.

A second Dubai Can project, the Dubai Reef, was also launched in December 2023. One of the largest marine reef developments in the world, Dubai Reef is part of the city’s efforts to increase fish populations, support sustainable fishing and help boost food security. It will also play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing marine biodiversity.

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