Oman to ban single-use plastic bags from next year

Oman follows in the steps of Tunisia and Emirati capital Abu Dhabi.

2 min read

15 March, 2020

Oman's rich marine life is threatened by single-use plastic bags [Getty]

Oman will ban single-use plastic bags starting next year as part of efforts to reduce pollution and protect the environment, Muscat announced on Sunday.

"Companies and establishments are prohibited from using single-use plastic bags with the aim to protect the Omani environment," the ministry of environment and climate affairs said in a statement.

It warned that violators would face fines of up to 2,000 Omani rials (4,600 euros) when the ban takes effect on January 1, 2021, with repeat offenders "getting fined double the amount".

Located in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman stands out among its Gulf neighbours for its exceptional natural mountainous landscapes and rich marine life.

Read more: Can the Middle East afford to care about the climate emergency?

According to the United Nations, Oman - which has become renowned as a travel destination for its desert camping and turtle-watching - attracted 2.3 million tourists in 2018.

"Plastic bags are often ingested by turtles and dolphins who mistake them for food," the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned.

"High concentrations of plastic materials, particularly plastic bags, have been found blocking the airways and stomachs of hundreds of species."

A number of countries, including Bahrain, have taken measures to curb single-use plastic bags.

Last week, Abu Dhabi announced it aims to ban their use in the UAE capital by 2021.

Tunisia said last month stores would stop issuing plastic bags on March 1, paving the way for a nationwide plastic bag ban by 2021.

Kuwait has also taken measures to restrict the use of single-use plastic.

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