When I first arrived in Dubai, I was struck by a feeling of opposition towards one of my core values: sustainability. The apartment we were staying in only seemed to have a general waste shoot, and no recycling options, drinking water had to be purchased bottled, and many restaurants have huge outdoor air conditioners, blasting cool air in the general direction of their patrons. I knew that if I were to live happily here, I'd need to find ways to reduce my own waste and live by my values. As it turned out, I was able to find all sorts of ways to do this here and I'll gladly share my knowledge with you in this post about how to live more sustainably in Dubai.
Understand the Challenges and Opportunities of Living More Sustainably in Dubai
Firstly, lets not attempt to throw glitter on a turd, Dubai's arid climate and reliance on imports for food and goods can make it seem tricky at first, but don't let this dishearten your eco-efforts. Dubai also offers innovative sustainability initiatives and opportunities that you can tap into. The key is to take small, intentional steps and build habits that align with your planet-friendly values.
Make Conscious Choices About Water Usage
Water is a precious resource in the desert. By being mindful of your water consumption, you can make a meaningful impact. Start by using water-saving devices like aerators on your taps and showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and fix leaks promptly. If you live in a villa or have access to a garden, consider installing drip irrigation systems to save water while keeping your plants healthy.
Plant up your garden or Balcony
If you're fortunate enough to have outdoor space, plant it up with trees, shrubs and flowering plants. It's a great way to create a welcoming oasis, even in a small space, that you can retreat to. Not only do plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but they can also reduce the temperature by evapotranspiration, a process whereby the tree soak up water and releases it into the air as water vapor. It's also a great idea to have plants in the home, as they improve the air quality - its worth researching which particular plants are the most effective air purifiers.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
As I mentioned earlier, opportunity for recycling in high rise apartments may not be obvious at first, but many buildings offer recycling collections and provide recycling bag for this. The building management should be able to direct you here (if in doubt, as the concierge for a contact). I have limited knowledge about this, so ask around and see what you can do. Most Villas have recycling bins at each home. Some of the local malls and souks offer E-waste recycling - I used to take mine to The Sustainable City, but one has recently popped up in my local souk, so things are becoming easier all the time.
Reducing consumption is one of the best ways to reduce waste. Check in with yourself before making purchases - am I going to use this? Will this still be in date when I plan to use it? I like to plan exactly what I'm going to cook for the week and we have barely any food waste.
Using pre-loved sites, such as Dubizzle, to purchase furniture and other homewares. I got all our Christmas decorations there for 80 AED . These items would otherwise end up in landfill and you can put the money you've saved towards your financial goals.
Reduce your use of single-use plastics by carrying reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Explore initiatives like the “Reverse Vending Machines” in malls, where you can recycle plastic bottles and cans for rewards. You can even find alterations shops in most malls where you can mend damaged clothing.
Shop Smart and Local
While Dubai imports many goods, there’s also a growing market for local and sustainable products. Shop at farmers’ markets such as the Ripe Market, where you can find fresh, locally grown produce as well as clothing, soaps and candles and hand-made jewellery and homewares (it's also quite a nice day out, with activities for the kids, food stalls and a playground). Seek out eco-friendly brands for clothing, home goods, and personal care items. By supporting local businesses, you’re also reducing the environmental impact of long-haul shipping. If you're shopping on Amazon, there is an option to filter "ships from the UAE" to prevent your individual purchase being shipped internationally.
Conserve Energy at Home
With Dubai’s extreme heat, air conditioning is non-negotiable, but it doesn’t have to be wasteful. Set your thermostat to 24°C whenever possible, use energy-efficient appliances, and ensure your home is well-insulated to keep the cool air in. Wear loose fitting natural materials in your clothing and keep hydrated to reduce the effect of the heat on your health. Turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use are simple habits that go a long way and when purchasing new appliances, check the energy rating in the item description.
Embrace Sustainable Transport
Dubai’s public transport system, including the metro, buses, and trams, is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint as well as being incredibly good value. There are 1st class carriages if you like a little extra room and ladies only carriages. When public transport isn’t an option, consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services. If you’re in the market for a vehicle, look into hybrid or electric cars. The city is expanding its charging infrastructure, making this a more viable option. Keep your car running economically by ensuring it's serviced regularly.
Participate in Community Efforts
Joining local sustainability groups or initiatives can make your efforts more impactful. You’ll find communities focused on beach clean-ups, tree planting, and educational workshops about eco-conscious living. Volunteering not only helps the environment but also connects you with like-minded individuals. On this note, if you come across any environmental initiatives, or ideas that I haven't mentioned, please reach out and share and I'll add them to this post to ensure the message is shared.
Advocate for Change
As an expat, you have a voice. Share your experiences and insights with others—both within and outside Dubai. Encourage your workplace, school, or community to adopt greener practices. The ripple effects of your advocacy can inspire broader change and if even one person takes up sustainable living after you've shared with them, that's amplified the your efforts twofold.
Start Small and Celebrate Progress
Living sustainably doesn’t mean overhauling your life overnight. Begin with a few changes and build on them gradually - I know when you first arrive, things are challenging enough, without having to hunt down your building's elusive recycling bin. Celebrate every step you take, knowing that each one contributes to a healthier planet and a healthier life for future generations.
By embracing a sustainable lifestyle in Dubai, you’re not only caring for the environment but also gaining purpose and making a positive contribution to your community and society.
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