Dubai Can, the citywide sustainability initiative, has successfully reduced the usage of nearly 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since its launch. The initiative, launched on 15 February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, aims to reduce the utilisation of single-use plastic water bottles, empower residents and visitors to build a more sustainable future, and contribute to saving wildlife and the marine environment.
With the support of its partners and sponsors, Dubai Can has installed 50 public water stations in strategic locations across the city, including parks and popular tourist destinations, which have dispensed almost 9 million litres of water. Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance Sector, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the initiative’s impact: “By reducing plastic waste, we are protecting our oceans, wildlife, and natural landscapes, and by choosing reusable options like our public water stations, we are promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing our carbon footprint.”
Aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Can is part of wider efforts to cut the use of single-use plastics and encourage a mindset change in how the city’s residents and visitors view sustainability. The initiative’s objectives also support the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan and Dubai’s commitment to helping the UAE achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UAE NetZero 2050 targets.
As the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ extends into 2024, Dubai Can plans to expand with 30 additional water fountains being installed by the end of the year in locations around the city. This expansion aims to further motivate residents and visitors to undertake simple lifestyle changes such as using refillable water bottles and installing water filters in their homes, offices, and schools.
Many private companies in the emirate have been inspired by Dubai Can to install water fountains in their offices, reducing single-use plastics in the workplace. Above all, the movement has encouraged residents and visitors to adopt more sustainable behaviours and become conscientious consumers.