Abu Dhabi residents might have to dig out some extra Dirhams for your shopping trip if a green dream for the future becomes a reality.
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, the nephew of the Ajman ruler, who has been dubbed the Green Sheikh for his eco-friendly beliefs, has issued an impassioned call for retail outlets across the UAE to introduce a Dhs1 charge for every plastic bag they use.
Sheikh Abdulaziz believes bringing the levy into force will be good for the planet as it will spark a reduction in the use of the disposable bags as part of a wider effort to cut plastic consumption.
Charges for plastic bags – to the equivalent of about 25 fils – were rolled out at large shops across the UK in October 2015 after new legislation was passed in parliament.
The environmental campaigner made the plastic plea at an event held to mark the first anniversary of the Drop It initiative, organised by campaign group Goumbook to urge businesses and residents alike to replace water in single-use bottles with filtered water from taps in reusable bottles.
He said he would welcome the policy being introduced in the UAE, but fears that many businesses will be resistant to the change.
