News

Sharjah wants residents to cut down on single-use products: Here’s how you can help

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4 weeks ago

July 13, 2026

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Sharjah has launched a new sustainability campaign encouraging residents to swap single-use products for reusable alternatives as part of its efforts to create a cleaner and greener emirate.

Called ‘Sharjah Deserves the Best’, the initiative will run until December 31 to help individuals, families and businesses adopt environmentally friendly habits in their everyday lives.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is it all about?

The campaign focuses on reducing waste by encouraging people to replace disposable items with reusable alternatives.

It is part of Sharjah’s wider sustainability strategy and supports the UAE’s environmental goals by promoting responsible consumption and protecting natural resources.

How can residents help?

The campaign encourages simple everyday actions such as:

Carrying reusable shopping bags.
Using refillable water bottles.
Choosing reusable coffee cups.
Avoiding disposable cutlery and straws.
Using reusable food containers instead of single-use packaging.
Reducing unnecessary waste at home and work.

The idea is that small lifestyle changes, when adopted by many people, can have a significant environmental impact.

How will the campaign reach people?

Throughout the year, residents can expect to see:

Awareness campaigns on TV, radio and social media.
Educational programmes in schools and communities.
Interactive exhibitions and workshops.
Community events promoting sustainable living.
Distribution of reusable shopping bags at shopping centres.

The campaign is designed to engage people of all ages and make sustainable choices easier to understand and adopt.

Why is Sharjah focusing on single-use products?

Disposable products are one of the biggest contributors to household waste and environmental pollution.

Replacing them with reusable alternatives can help:

Reduce landfill waste.
Cut plastic pollution.
Conserve natural resources.
Lower carbon emissions linked to manufacturing disposable products.
Encourage more sustainable consumption habits.

Across the UAE, authorities have introduced measures to phase out many disposable products while encouraging businesses and consumers to adopt more sustainable alternatives.

Sharjah’s initiative complements these efforts by focusing on public awareness and long-term behavioural change.

The campaign highlights that sustainability doesn’t always require major lifestyle changes. Simple actions, such as bringing your own shopping bag or reusable water bottle, can collectively reduce waste and help protect the environment.

Related Topics:BEEAH EcoFriendly GoGreen GreenLiving Reusable Sharjah sustainability

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

News

UAE public holiday announced: 3-day weekend coming up on August 28

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Planning your next long weekend? The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors.

The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion included among the UAE’s official public holidays. As the date follows the Islamic calendar, the timing changes from year to year.

A three-day break for many residents

With the holiday falling on a Friday, employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can enjoy three days off:

Friday, August 28: Public holiday
Saturday, August 29: Weekend
Sunday, August 30: Weekend

That means residents can make the most of the break with a short trip, a staycation or a relaxed weekend at home.

Another UAE holiday is coming

The next major public holiday on the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Etihad, with celebrations and the official holiday scheduled for December 2 and 3.

News

What the UAE’s new vape excise price means for consumers and retailers

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a new rule that sets a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices.

Beginning September 1, vaping liquids will be subject to a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre.

The ministry confirmed that the existing minimum excise prices for cigarettes, water pipe tobacco (shisha), and other tobacco products will remain unchanged.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to improve tax compliance, respond to developments in the tobacco and vaping industry, and create a more consistent pricing framework across tobacco and electronic smoking products.

The UAE will also continue applying its 100% excise tax on all tobacco products covered under the country’s excise tax regulations.