EU–UAE Business Breakfast on Circular Economy
Advancing Implementation of Single-Use Plastics and Packaging Systems
📍 Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), UAE
📅 6 May 2026
About the Event
The EU–UAE Business Breakfast on Circular Economy will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability experts to discuss the practical implementation of policies reducing single-use plastics and transforming packaging systems toward circular models.
The event comes at a pivotal moment. As of 1 January 2026, the United Arab Emirates expanded its national ban on single-use plastic products, marking a major step toward reducing waste and promoting sustainable materials management. This milestone creates new opportunities and new challenges for regulators, businesses, waste management systems, and technology providers.
At the same time, the European Union has nearly five years of experience implementing the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, alongside broader frameworks on packaging waste, eco-design, and circular economy policies.
This dialogue will connect EU regulatory experience with the UAE’s emerging implementation pathway, creating a space for constructive exchange between policymakers and industry actors working to accelerate circular solutions.
The event is organised under the EU–GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project, in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates and national partners in the UAE.
Why This Event Matters
The transition away from single-use plastics is no longer only an environmental discussion - it is rapidly becoming a policy, industrial, and market transformation.
The UAE’s new regulatory framework opens opportunities to:
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accelerate circular economy practices
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redesign packaging systems and materials
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scale recycling and waste management infrastructure
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develop innovative alternatives to single-use plastics
This event will help translate these ambitions into practical pathways for implementation and collaboration between the EU and the UAE.
Objectives of the Event
The event aims to:
Present the UAE’s regulatory pathway
Highlight the UAE’s expanded ban on single-use plastics and its implications for packaging systems, waste management, and industry adaptation.
Share EU implementation experience
Provide insights from the European Union’s implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive and circular economy policies.
Showcase practical solutions
Highlight innovative technologies, materials, and business models from European and UAE companies addressing sustainable packaging, recycling, and waste management.
Facilitate dialogue between policy and industry
Create an open exchange between regulators, businesses, and innovators on implementation challenges and opportunities.
Identify EU–UAE cooperation opportunities
Explore partnerships in sustainable materials, recycling infrastructure, circular design, and waste management systems.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for stakeholders involved in sustainability, circular economy, and packaging systems, including:
Public Authorities
Government officials and regulators responsible for environmental policy, waste management, packaging regulation, and sustainability strategies.
Industry & Private Sector
Companies working in packaging production, recycling, waste management, retail, sustainable materials, and circular technologies.
EU & International Stakeholders
Representatives of EU institutions, Member States, financial institutions, and international organisations engaged in green transition initiatives.
Sustainability Organisations & Researchers
Environmental organisations, research institutions, and innovation actors contributing to circular economy solutions.
What Participants Will Gain
Participants will benefit from:
- First-hand insights into the UAE’s new plastics regulation
- Lessons learned from EU circular economy implementation
- Connections with key policymakers and industry leaders
- Exposure to innovative solutions and technologies
- Opportunities for EU–UAE cooperation and partnerships
The event will also support the UAE’s role as a regional frontrunner on plastics regulation, with lessons that may inform future initiatives across the GCC.
Event Format
The event will take place as a high-level business breakfast dialogue, featuring:
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Opening remarks from senior EU and UAE representatives
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Keynote perspectives on regulatory frameworks
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A leadership roundtable bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators
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Interactive discussion with participants
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Networking opportunities with stakeholders from the EU and the UAE
Location
📍 Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK)
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The event is currently planned as an in-person gathering.
However, depending on external circumstances, the organisers may adapt the format to an online event if necessary.
All registered participants will be informed in advance of any updates.
Register Now
Join us in shaping the next phase of circular economy cooperation between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.
Connect with policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders working to transform plastics and packaging systems toward sustainable circular models.
Register now to secure your participation.