{"id":203450,"date":"2025-12-21T11:41:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T11:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/203450\/"},"modified":"2025-12-21T11:41:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T11:41:16","slug":"expanded-uae-ban-on-single-use-plastic-products-to-begin-in-january","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/203450\/","title":{"rendered":"Expanded UAE ban on single-use plastic products to begin in January"},"content":{"rendered":"

The UAE<\/a> will begin 2026 with a major push to cut plastic waste and reduce pollution under a nationwide ban on various single-use plastic products.<\/p>\n

From January 1, the country will prohibit the import, manufacture and trade of an expanded range of single-use plastics, including beverage cups and lids; cutlery, such as spoons, forks, knives and chopsticks; plates; straws; stirrers; and food containers and boxes made from Styrofoam.<\/p>\n

The ban was announced previously<\/a> and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on Tuesday sent a reminder urging all establishments, markets and suppliers to comply with the laws.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegulating the use of single-use products is not only intended to reduce waste but it is part of a comprehensive vision to advance the principles of the circular economy, in which resources are transformed into sustainable assets rather than environmental burdens,” said Alya Al Harmoodi, assistant undersecretary for the sustainable communities sector at the ministry. <\/p>\n

“In the UAE, we adopt a balanced approach that prioritises the protection of marine and terrestrial environments from pollution risks, while simultaneously fostering business sustainability and growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ms Al Harmoodi said the authorities had confidence in “the robust environmental awareness of the Emirati community and in the constructive co-operation demonstrated by the private sector, manufacturers and retailers in adopting sustainable practices and embracing environment-friendly alternatives”. <\/p>\n

“Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and every step taken to reduce the consumption of these products is an investment in the well-being of our society and the preservation of our natural landscapes,” she added. <\/p>\n

The decision also establishes a comprehensive ban on single-use bags, regardless of their constituent material, if their thickness is less than 50 microns (a micron is one millionth of a metre). This will take effect on the same date. <\/p>\n

Plastic waste: a growing problem in the UAE and worldwide<\/p>\n

The impact of plastic pollution has been increasingly visible in the UAE. In July, the amount of discarded plastic found in dead seabirds was described as \u201cvery alarming<\/a>\u201d. <\/p>\n

Dubai officials said in 2022<\/a> that nine out of 10 turtles and five out of 10 camels found dead had plastic in their stomachs. <\/p>\n

A UAE study also showed that hundreds of camels<\/a> have died since 2008 after consuming plastic waste.<\/p>\n

Globally, the problem is even more stark. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development believes plastic waste could triple to one billion tonnes a year by 2060.<\/p>\n

According to the Earth Day charity, about five trillion plastic bags and 500 billion plastic cups are used worldwide every year. There has, therefore, been a broad welcome for the new rules. <\/p>\n

\u201cBy building on earlier successes, such as the plastic bag ban that drastically reduced usage, the UAE is pioneering a model of sustained climate action,\u201d Antonios Vouloudis, senior director of sustainability and stewardship at NYU Abu Dhabi, told The National. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis new ban will encourage the use of reusable alternatives, foster innovation in sustainable materials, and demonstrate that economic development can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.” <\/p>\n

Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder and managing director of Goumbook, a UAE-based social enterprise group dedicated to sustainability, said the switch marks a “crucial step” in the country’s journey towards a more sustainable future.<\/p>\n

“This new measure will not only help safeguard our ecosystems but also inspire communities and businesses to embrace more responsible consumption, proving that every ban is a building block towards lasting environmental change,” she said. <\/p>\n

Steps taken so far<\/p>\n

The 2026 ban follows a series of measures introduced by individual emirates and at the federal level to limit single-use plastics.<\/p>\n

Abu Dhabi banned single-use plastic bags on June 1, 2022, while a UAE-wide prohibition came into force at the start of 2024. Other emirates across the country have implemented similar measures. <\/p>\n

Many of these initiatives were announced in the run-up to Cop28<\/a>, which took place in the UAE in 2023. The UAE also pledged in 2021 to aim for net-zero emissions by 2050. <\/p>\n

“I believe this bold move will inspire other countries in the region and beyond to implement similar strategies,” Mr Vouloudis said. “Initiatives like this keep up the momentum on climate action. They demonstrate that after major pledges and global summits, there is real follow-through.”<\/p>\n

Are there any exemptions to the ban? <\/p>\n

Products manufactured for export or those for re-export do not fall under the ban, the ministry said. <\/p>\n

It furthermore does not apply to bags and products made from recycled materials within the UAE; and medicine bags, refuse bags, very thin plastic bags used to wrap fresh food items such as meat, vegetables and bread, as well as large shopping bags intended for clothing, electronics and toys.<\/p>\n

Have the measures made a difference?<\/p>\n

There is evidence these initiatives are having a positive impact.<\/p>\n

After restrictions were introduced in Abu Dhabi, authorities said<\/a> the use of plastic bags fell<\/a> by 95 per cent at cash counters \u2013 equivalent to 2,400 tonnes of plastic.<\/p>\n

Research has also shown that the number of camels found dead with plastic bags in their stomachs has fallen by up to 80 per cent<\/a> since the government introduced restrictions. <\/p>\n

Across the UAE, reusable bags have become common and many businesses now offer sustainable packaging options. Some cafes also encourage customers to bring their own cups by offering discounts.<\/p>\n

Goumbook, for example, has long been involved in sustainability drives, such as its “Drop It” campaign launched in 2016 to tackle single-use plastic. It also teamed up with Dubai Can<\/a> \u2013 a government-led drive to establish water refill stations across the UAE; and launched the Unisoap UAE <\/a>initiative \u2013 a drive to recycle UAE hotel soaps<\/p>\n

“Previous bans have already shown us the power of regulation in shifting behaviours and cutting unnecessary single-use plastics,” Ms Abella said. “Equally important is the need to push and foster new solutions and alternatives coming to market: innovative products and systems that can replace single-use plastics and accelerate the transition to a true circular economy.”<\/p>\n

Gothia Cup 2025 <\/p>\n

4,872 matches\u00a0<\/p>\n

1,942 teams<\/p>\n

116 pitches<\/p>\n

76 nations<\/p>\n

26 UAE teams<\/p>\n

15 Lebanese teams<\/p>\n

2 Kuwaiti teams<\/p>\n

Company%C2%A0profile<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eamana%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Farra%20and%20Ziad%20Aboujeb%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERegulator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDFSA%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinancial%20services%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E85%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESelf-funded%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Living in…<\/p>\n

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country\u2019s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.<\/p>\n

The specs: 2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS<\/p>\n

Price: base \/ as tested: From Dh632,225<\/p>\n

Engine: 5.2-litre V10<\/p>\n

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic<\/p>\n

Power: 540hp @ 8,250rpm<\/p>\n

Torque: 540Nm @ 6,500rpm<\/p>\n

Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L \/ 100km<\/p>\n

The specs<\/p>\n

Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax<\/p>\n

Power: 310hp<\/p>\n

Torque: 583Nm<\/p>\n

Transmission: 8-speed automatic<\/p>\n

Price: From Dh192,500<\/p>\n

On sale: Now<\/p>\n

Leaderboard<\/p>\n

63 – Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA)<\/p>\n

64 – Rory McIlroy (NIR)<\/p>\n

66 – Jon Rahm (ESP)<\/p>\n

67 – Tom Lewis (ENG), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)<\/p>\n

68 – Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)<\/p>\n

69 – Justin Rose (ENG), Thomas Detry (BEL), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Danny Willett (ENG), Li Haotong (CHN), Matthias Schwab (AUT)<\/p>\n

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.<\/p>\n

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithin the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,\u201d said Mr AbuShaban.<\/p>\n

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients\u2019 money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client\u2019s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Mercer Wealth\u2019s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.<\/p>\n

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.<\/p>\n

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year\u2019s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.<\/p>\n

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.<\/p>\n

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.<\/p>\n

Another general trend in the region is clients\u2019 looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstitutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,\u201d said Mr AbuShaban.<\/p>\n

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority\u2019s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to \u201ctheir defensive characteristics.\u201d<\/p>\n

UAE SQUAD<\/p>\n

Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan<\/p>\n

Results<\/p>\n

2.30pm\u00a0Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m<\/p>\n

Winner\u00a0Lamia, Tadhg O\u2019Shea, Ernst Oertel.<\/p>\n

3pm\u00a0Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,000m<\/p>\n

Winner\u00a0Jap Al Afreet, Elione Chaves, Irfan Ellahi.<\/p>\n

3.30pm\u00a0Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m<\/p>\n

Winner\u00a0MH Tawag, Bernardo Pinheiro, Elise Jeanne.<\/p>\n

4pm\u00a0Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 2,000m<\/p>\n

Winner\u00a0Skygazer, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.<\/p>\n

4.30pm\u00a0The Ruler of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh250,000 1,700m<\/p>\n

Winner\u00a0AF Kal Noor, Tadhg O\u2019Shea, Ernst Oertel.<\/p>\n

5pm\u00a0Sharjah Marathon (PA) Dh70,000 2,700m<\/p>\n

Winner\u00a0RB Grynade, Bernardo Pinheiro, Eric Lemartinel.<\/p>\n

Schedule<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ENovember%2013-14%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20World%20Youth%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Championship%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENovember%2015-16%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbu%20Dhabi%20World%20Masters%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Championship%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENovember%2017-19%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20World%20Professional%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Championship%20followed%20by%20the%20Abu%20Dhabi%20World%20Jiu-Jitsu%20Awards%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Our legal columnist<\/p>\n

Name:\u00a0Yousef Al Bahar<\/p>\n

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994<\/p>\n

Education:\u00a0Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers<\/p>\n

Company%20profile<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WonderTree%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20April%202016%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhammad%20Waqas%20and%20Muhammad%20Usman%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karachi%2C%20Pakistan%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%2C%20and%20Delaware%2C%20US%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Special%20education%2C%20education%20technology%2C%20assistive%20technology%2C%20augmented%20reality%3Cbr%3EN%3Cstrong%3Eumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGrowth%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Grants%20from%20the%20Lego%20Foundation%2C%20UAE’s%20Anjal%20Z%2C%20Unicef%2C%20Pakistan’s%20Ignite%20National%20Technology%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit<\/p>\n

As he spoke, Mr Aboul Gheit repeatedly referred to the need to tackle issues affecting the welfare of people across the region both in terms of preventing conflict and in pushing development.
Lebanon is scheduled to host the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in January that will see regional leaders gather to tackle the challenges facing the Middle East. The last such summit was held in 2013. Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki told The National that the Beirut Summit \u201cwill be an opportunity for Arab leaders to discuss solely economic and social issues, the conference will not focus on political concerns such as Palestine, Syria or Libya”. He added that its slogan will be \u201cthe individual is at the heart of development\u201d, adding that it will focus on all elements of human capital.<\/p>\n

Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018\/19?<\/p>\n

West Asia Premiership:\u00a0Winners\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Bahrain; Runners-up\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Dubai Exiles<\/p>\n

UAE Premiership:\u00a0Winners\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Jebel Ali Dragons<\/p>\n

Dubai Rugby Sevens:\u00a0Winners\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Abu Dhabi Harlequins<\/p>\n

UAE Conference:\u00a0Winners\u00a0\u2013 Dubai Tigers; Runners-up\u00a0\u2013 Al Ain Amblers<\/p>\n

Manchester City 4
Otamendi (52)\u00a0Sterling (59)\u00a0Stones (67)\u00a0Brahim Diaz (81)<\/p>\n

Real Madrid 1
Oscar (90)<\/p>\n

Infiniti QX80 specs<\/p>\n

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6<\/p>\n

Power: 450hp<\/p>\n

Torque: 700Nm<\/p>\n

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000<\/p>\n

Available: Now<\/p>\n

Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix<\/p>\n

2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)<\/p>\n

2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)<\/p>\n

2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)<\/p>\n

2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)<\/p>\n

2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)<\/p>\n

2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)<\/p>\n

2010\u00a0Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)<\/p>\n

2009\u00a0Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Joy%20Ride%20<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adele%20Lim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAshley%20Park%2C%20Sherry%20Cola%2C%20Stephanie%20Hsu%2C%20Sabrina%20Wu%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

‘O’<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zeina%20Hashem%20Beck%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20112%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Penguin%20Books%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Famous left-handers<\/p>\n

– Marie Curie<\/p>\n

– Jimi Hendrix<\/p>\n

– Leonardo Di Vinci<\/p>\n

– David Bowie<\/p>\n

– Paul McCartney<\/p>\n

– Albert Einstein<\/p>\n

– Jack the Ripper<\/p>\n

– Barack Obama<\/p>\n

– Helen Keller<\/p>\n

– Joan of Arc<\/p>\n

GIANT REVIEW<\/p>\n

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan<\/p>\n

Director: Athale<\/p>\n

Rating: 4\/5<\/p>\n

MATCH INFO<\/p>\n

Sheffield United 2 Bournemouth 1
United: Sharp (45 2′), Lundstram (84′)
Bournemouth: C Wilson (13′)<\/p>\n

Man of the Match: Jack O\u2019Connell (Sheffield United)<\/p>\n

Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20flag%20was%20first%20unveiled%20on%20December%202%2C%201971%2C%20the%20day%20the%20UAE%20was%20formed.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIt%20was%20designed%20by%20Abdullah%20Mohammed%20Al%20Maainah%2C%2019%2C%20an%20Emirati%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMr%20Al%20Maainah%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20with%20%3Cem%3EThe%20National%3C%2Fem%3E%20in%202011%20he%20chose%20the%20colours%20for%20local%20reasons.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20black%20represents%20the%20oil%20riches%20that%20transformed%20the%20UAE%2C%20green%20stands%20for%20fertility%20and%20the%20red%20and%20white%20colours%20were%20drawn%20from%20those%20found%20in%20existing%20emirate%20flags.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Know your Camel lingo<\/p>\n

The\u00a0bairaq\u00a0is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home<\/p>\n

Namoos –\u00a0a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as ‘the pride of victory’ – and for competitors, it is priceless<\/p>\n

Asayel\u00a0camels –\u00a0sleek, short-haired hound-like racers<\/p>\n

Majahim –\u00a0chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s<\/p>\n

Millions Street – the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival<\/p>\n

How The Debt Panel’s advice helped readers in 2019<\/p>\n

December 11: ‘My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?’<\/a><\/p>\n

JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping\u00a0to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband\u2019s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no words to thank you for helping me out,\u201d she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists’ comments. \u201cThe advice\u00a0has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank\u2019s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

November 26:\u00a0\u00a0\u2018I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had\u00a0not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue.\u00a0<\/p>\n

SL thanked\u00a0the panellists for their efforts. “Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation,” he says. “Hopefully, I will\u00a0be able to provide a positive testimony soon.”<\/p>\n

October 15: ‘I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?’<\/a><\/p>\n

MS, an\u00a0energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,\u201d he says. “I will not apply for insolvency at this\u00a0stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wicked: For Good<\/p>\n

Director: Jon M Chu<\/p>\n

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater<\/p>\n

Rating: 4\/5<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The UAE will begin 2026 with a major push to cut plastic waste and reduce pollution under a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":203451,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[246,61,60,82,1284,329,4969],"class_list":["post-203450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-environment","tag-environment","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-science","tag-standard","tag-story","tag-uae-desk-team"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=203450"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203450\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/203451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=203450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=203450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=203450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}