‘Dubai Can’ Sustainability Movement Marks a New Milestone

On the occasion of World Oceans Day on 8 June, ‘Dubai Can’, the citywide sustainability movement launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has announced its results.

The initiative led to a reduction in usage of more than one million 500 ml single-use plastic water bottles with the help of residents, visitors, communities and businesses.

In the 100 days since its launch in February 2022, in collaboration with industry stakeholders and partners, the ‘Dubai Can’ initiative has resulted in a reduction in usage of an equivalent of 1,077,474 500 ml single-use plastic water bottles, with over 538,737 litres of water being consumed by residents and visitors from Dubai Can water fountains across the city.

The results coincide with World Oceans Day, an internationally recognised day that builds on the momentum created by governments, business leaders, the scientific community and activists worldwide who have vowed to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14, to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources” by 2030.

With 40 water fountains currently installed at popular destinations, attractions and public parks, ‘Dubai Can’ is on track to meet the campaign pledge of installing 50 fountains across the city by December 2022.

This is part of Dubai’s commitment to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, enhancing the city’s reputation as a global liveability hub, and ensuring that people across the city have the opportunity to ‘refill for life’.

Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director – Tourism Development & Investments, and Vice Chairman of Dubai Sustainable Tourism at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “World Oceans Day is a day to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean and develop a worldwide citizens movement for the protection of oceans across the globe.

"Single-use plastic pollution is one of the biggest pollutants of oceans and we need to act now to find solutions to such environmental challenges.

“We are truly proud that the collective efforts of residents, tourists and communities across Dubai have resulted in the elimination of the equivalent of more than one million single-use plastic bottles.

The success of the ‘Dubai Can’ initiative further contributes to our leadership‘s goal to enhance Dubai’s position as a leading sustainable destination and bolsters our endeavour to become the best city in the world to live in, work and visit."

The ‘Dubai Can’ initiative encourages communities, businesses, residents and visitors to undertake simple changes such as using refillable water bottles and public water stations and installing water filters in their homes, offices and schools, which results in the reduction of single-use plastic water bottles.