DUBAI // Saving the environment can conjure up the idea of big, sweeping measures that for many who live in the UAE seem all but impossible.
But small changes can make a big difference too, say the organisers of an event tomorrow devoted to all things natural and reusable, the Future Green Dubai 2010 exhibition.
The organisers reason that if enough people plugged their mobile phone into a solar charger rather than an electric socket, used products made out of recyclable materials (such as a pen made from what was once paper), ate organically grown food or recycled their household waste, they would have an impact.
"It is not only about Masdar," said the co-organiser, Tatiana Abella, referring to Abu Dhabi's clean energy company. "It is also about the day-to-day choices for people."
The one-day exhibition at Knowledge Village Conference Hall in Dubai will bring under one roof 32 small companies offering items including organic coffee, non-toxic home cleaning products and energy-efficient lighting. Some 400 visitors have registered.
"People are actually looking for this," said Ms Abella, who two years ago co-founded the regional green products online directory Goumbook with a fellow Dubai resident, Randala Anabtawi.
The two women, who joined forces after trying to buy "green" products for themselves, now provide links to more than 700 companies from 24 countries.
Since the event is supported by the Energy and Environment Park, Enpark, it has been able to attract smaller companies and start-ups.
One exhibitor is the emerging Dubai-based company Ekotribe, which is promoting green corporate gifts such as a solar mobile charger and a battery that can be recharged from a USB device. Ekotribe has attracted clients including the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Dubai Silicon Oasis and the Qatar Foundation.
"Private companies are also gradually showing interest in giving green corporate gifts," said Anu Agarwal, the company's director. "However, they need to be educated about the benefits and the availability of products. More than being trendy, green is slowly becoming a must."
Another green entrepreneur is Leena al Abbas, who owns the Zen Beauty Lounge in Discovery Gardens, billed as the country's first eco-friendly salon that not only uses organic or natural products, but also recycles and employs energy- and water-saving techniques.
A vegan and a keen scuba diver, Ms al Abbas called her business "an extension of her lifestyle".
Ms al Abbas said her clients include would-be mothers, women with allergies as well as those who simply "enjoy toxic-free treatments".
Western expatriates are the main clientele for green products, having been introduced to them in their home countries. But Ms al Abbas said the idea is catching on as women from other countries learn more.
"It is about how you can be healthier, how you can save money from energy savings and how you can benefit your children," she said.
Future Green Dubai 2010 runs from 9am to 3pm. Entrance is free.
vtodorova@thenational.ae
UAE rugby season
FIXTURES
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers v Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Division 1
Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II
Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II
Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens
Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II
Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II
LAST SEASON
West Asia Premiership
Winners – Bahrain
Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners – Dubai Hurricanes
Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference
Winners – Dubai Tigers
Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEdited%20by%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Idries%20Trevathan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20240%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hirmer%20Publishers%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
MATCH INFO
AC Milan v Inter, Sunday, 6pm (UAE), match live on BeIN Sports
MATCH INFO
England 2
Cahill (3'), Kane (39')
Nigeria 1
Iwobi (47')
RESULTS
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.