In addition to conserving the environment, Dubai is increasing its efforts to promote sustainability
A new initiative, "Dubai Can," was launched on Tuesday by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai to encourage residents and visitors of the city to replace single-use plastic water bottles with refillable ones.
More than 30 water stations have been installed throughout Dubai to provide residents and tourists with safe, free drinking water.
In the future, the emirate plans to install fifty more water filling stations in tourist destinations, beaches, malls, and parks.
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism is implementing the initiative, which will include the installation of over 1,000 water stations in government offices, hotels, and universities. The initiative is open to companies seeking to install stations on their premises.
The campaign comes after Dubai announced the charge on single-use plastic bags would be 25 fils starting on July 1.
It is estimated the average UAE resident consumes 450 plastic water bottles per year, which brings the total amount of bottles consumed to four billion per year. There were 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic produced in the UAE in 2019.
Director-General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Halal Saeed Al Marri, said the initiative is designed to encourage people to improve sustainability by actively reducing single-use plastic consumption. A key goal of Dubai's transformation into a sustainable destination to live, work, and visit is the creation of the Sustainable Living Plan.
"The initiative's goal is to motivate citizens, residents, and visitors to become active participants in building a sustainable future while contributing to wildlife preservation and marine conservation. Al Marri also stated that "we hope 'Dubai Can' will initiate a new environmental movement across our city and the surrounding region, bringing about a shift in mindset between individuals towards positive change,".
In addition to reducing living expenses, refillable bottles are better for the environment.
The tap water in the UAE is safe to drink.
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology reports that tap water in the United Arab Emirates is safe to drink.
Water from a filtered tap is actually safer than water from plastic bottles, according to experts.
As water companies encourage refill stations to set up their stations across the city, they will provide water similar to that found in local and branded bottles. Filters will also be used at the stations to ensure an additional level of safety.
During a recent interview, Al Marri said the water stations would be tested according to standards set by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Water will be available at a temperature of 10°C in a bid to provide a safe and clean alternative to plastics while creating a 'refill culture'.
Desalinated seawater from the Arabian Gulf is the majority of water consumed in Dubai. It is treated to remove any impurities before it reaches the taps.
Filters should also be installed at homes to prevent water from being contaminated due to deteriorating pipes.
You can find a map of UAE's refill water stations on www.dubaican.com
How can everyone become a part of it?
1. Keep a water bottle at your office, school, or wherever you hang out.
2. Water stations are located throughout the emirate.
3. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.
4. Please tell others about and encourage the use of water stations in the city.
5. Install water filtration systems at home.
6. Become an inspiration to others through your actions and choices.
Where can I refill water?
The following refill stations are available:
1. A4 Space
2. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
3. Al Seef
4. Al Shindagha Historical District
5. Al Ittihad Park
6. Bluewaters Island
7. Burj Park
8. City Walk
9. City Centre Deira
10. DMCC Metro Station
11. Dragon Mart
12. Dubai Festival City
13. Dubai Harbour
14. Dubai Marina Al Gharbi Street
15. Dubai Marina Mall
16. Dubai Marina Promenade
17. Dubai Marina Walk
18. Dubai World Trade Centre
19. Executive Towers
20. Gold Souk - Deira
21. Expo 2020
22. JLT Park
23. Kite Beach
24. La Mer
25. Madinat Jumeirah
26. Mall of the Emirates Metro Station
27. Quranic Park
28. Skydive Dubai
29. The Beach
30. The Greens & Views
31. Palm West Beach
32. Zabeel Park
33. Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
34. Al Barsha Pond Park