Dubai Can, a citywide sustainability initiative, has taken significant strides towards reducing the usage of single-use plastic water bottles. Launched on February 15, 2022, by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, this initiative is a testament to Dubai's commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 targets.
"Our wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will."
-Theodore Roosevelt
Achievements and Impact
In just two years, Dubai Can has successfully cut down the use of nearly 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through the installation of 50 public water stations across key locations in the city, including parks and tourist attractions. These stations have collectively dispensed close to nine million liters of water, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles and encouraging both residents and visitors to adopt sustainable practices.
Collaboration and Support
The success of Dubai Can can be attributed to the collaboration with various partners and sponsors who have supported the installation and maintenance of the water stations. This collective effort highlights the importance of community involvement in sustainability initiatives and showcases how public-private partnerships can drive significant environmental impact.
Alignment with Broader Goals
Dubai Can is more than just a local initiative; it supports the broader objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 targets. By promoting the reduction of single-use plastics, the initiative is contributing to the creation of a sustainable and resilient urban environment in Dubai.
Future Plans
With the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ extended into 2024, Dubai Can is set to expand its impact further. The initiative plans to install 30 additional water fountains by the end of the year, increasing access to free, clean drinking water and further reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
Conclusion
Dubai Can stands as a shining example of how targeted initiatives can bring about significant environmental change. By reducing the usage of millions of plastic bottles and promoting sustainable practices, Dubai Can is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. This initiative not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also aligns with long-term sustainability goals, demonstrating Dubai's leadership in environmental stewardship.
As Dubai Can continues to expand, it calls on residents and visitors alike to join the movement. By choosing to refill bottles at public water stations, individuals can make a simple yet impactful choice towards sustainability. Together, these small actions contribute to a larger goal of a plastic-free, eco-friendly Dubai.
As Dubai Can continues to expand, it calls on residents and visitors alike to join the movement. By choosing to refill bottles at public water stations, individuals can make a simple yet impactful choice towards sustainability. Together, these small actions contribute to a larger goal of a plastic-free, eco-friendly Dubai.