The Executive Council of Dubai, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved transformative initiatives to stimulate the industrial sector, incentivize agricultural technology, and implement a policy banning single-use plastics. These initiatives align with Dubai’s economic objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The plan aims to double Dubai’s agricultural sector by 2033 and increase manufacturing value added (MAV) by AED58 billion. The incentives include investment benefits, fee exemptions, competitive financing loans, research and development platforms, and attracting global companies to support economic growth and food security.
The Government Procurement Program’s In-Country Value Program was also approved to support local businesses, boost SME growth, and promote local production. The program adds local production evaluation criteria to government procurement tenders, allocates a percentage of purchases to SMEs, and includes clauses with financing options for SMEs in procurement contracts.
Additionally, the Executive Council extended the single-use bags reduction policy to encompass more plastic materials, aiming to phase out single-use plastics by 2026. The policy now includes items such as single-use plastic bags, tableware, and styrofoam containers. Community awareness campaigns continue to promote eco-friendly alternatives, reflecting a strong desire for sustainable options in Dubai.
These initiatives emphasize sustainability, reuse, and recycling, aligning with Dubai’s preparations to host COP28. The implementation of the policy, initially introduced in February 2022, is continually evaluated to achieve the goal of completely phasing out single-use plastic bags by 2026.
