Page 38 - SALIK PR REPORT OCTOBER 2024

Ban on single-use plastic bags

Effective from January 1, you will not be able to import or purchase single-use plastic
bags across Dubai. There are a few exceptions, which include thin-film rolls for
packaging meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, and bread. Garbage bags are also exempt
from the ban. Announced by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, it’s part of a city-wide initiative to totally phase out
single-use products, as the emirate looks to go greener. From June 1, 2024, non-plastic
single-use products will be banned across Dubai, including single-use bags of other
materials. In the first phase of the ban, just covering single-use plastic bags, any non-
compliance will result in a fine of Dhs200. In Abu Dhabi, a single-use plastic bag ban has
been in effect since June 2022, however, from June 1, 2024, single-use Styrofoam
products and single-use food container receptacles will be banned in the capital.

Paid parking in Dubai Mall

Salik in cooperation with Emaar Malls announced that parking at one of the biggest malls
in the world will soon become a paid service. The payment will include a barrier-free
system which will be put in place by Salik. The process will be automated and customers
will be charged using vehicle plate recognition. The payment will be deducted directly
from the customer’s Salik user account – the same way it works when you pass the tolls.
It is expected to be rolled out in the third quarter of 2024. The price is yet to be
announced, so stay tuned to What’s On for updates.

UAE raffles and prize draws put on hold

UAE’s popular lucky draw Mahzooz has announced a temporary pause on
operations. The popular prize draw has created 64 millionaires and given away more
than half a billion dirhams to around 1.8 million winners. But as of January 1, 2024 – the
draws have been put on, what the brand stated on its website that “in compliance with
applicable commercial gaming regulations, Mahzooz will temporarily pause operations
from January 1st, 2024. The pause is a result of an industry-wide mandate consistent
with the Regulators’ new role to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the
United Arab Emirates.”

Minimum age for driving lowered

The UAE has announced that it is lowering the age limit for drivers, now permitting
individuals aged 17 and above to obtain their driving license. The news was announced
via the official UAE Government X (previously, Twitter) account, along with other new
laws on traffic regulations.

https://whatson.ae/2024/10/5-new-rules-introduced-in-the-uae-in-2024-to-know-about/