New rule for shopping in Dubai; expatriates should take special note

DUBAI: From now on, residents and tourists in Dubai will have to adopt new cautious steps while entering on a shopping spree. Regarding this, new restrictions have been imposed from June 1. Single-use bags will no longer be available from commercial outlets. Dubai Municipality has decided to reduce plastic waste and instil a recycling culture in the community.

Restrictions apply to thin plastic, paper and biodegradable bags below 57 micrometres. The ban also applies to cups, bowls and lids made of Styrofoam. But there is no ban on bags thicker than 58 micrometres. There is also no ban on using garbage disposal covers for fish and vegetables in supermarkets.

Violators will be fined Dh200 and a fine of up to 2000 dirhams will be imposed on repeat offenders. The authorities have advised the use of reusable cloth bags. The authorities have also asked to use paper bags instead of plastic bags. Kamal Vachani, director of AL Maya Group, said that all AL Maya supermarkets in Dubai have started using paper bags instead of plastic bags. However, a small rate will be charged from people for these bags.