Source: www.ameinfo.com
Dubai’s first EPIC sustainable living expo kicked off today to a staggering number of eco-wise and savvy consumers who got a firsthand look at environment-friendly products and sustainable initiatives from over 70 local and international companies. The EPIC expo, taking place at The Dubai Mall till June 24, marked the first day of Dubai Summer Surprises 2011.
EPIC Dubai opened on a positive note where a Green Cars Caravan of solar, electric, hybrid and biodiesel powered cars, organized by Dubai Police and S.S. Lootah Group, took off from Burj Al Arab with a pit stop at Dubai Police Academy before it continued its journey to Burj Khalifa boulevard and The Dubai Mall, where the expo is being held.
UAE‘s first solar powered car, designed and manufactured at the Lootah Technical Centre and unveiled by UNEP Champion of the Earth, Louis Palmer, during World Environment Day Dubai celebration earlier this month, cruised down Sheikh Zayed Road as part of the Green Cars Caravan.
“The Green Cars Caravan journey comes as part of our commitment to raising sustainability awareness and reducing carbon footprint to support Dubai’s economic and social development, in line with the vision and guidance of UAE leadership,” said Yousif Saeed Lootah, Board Member of S.S. Lootah Group and CEO of Lootah Biofuels.
“This initiative further reinforces UAE‘s efforts in overcoming environmental challenges by introducing practical and effective solutions.”
He added: “Green Cars Caravan has received tremendous support from Dubai Police where their biodiesel and electric vehicles took part in this initiative. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, for his continuous support to our youth and his commitment to direct their energy towards innovation for sustainable development.”
Under the ‘sustainability meets style’ theme, the first day of the expo was packed with variety of showcases, features and inspiring talks to satisfy all tastes and interests.
EPIC Dubai First Day Highlights
EPIC Talks
Colonel Nasser Abdulwahed Al-Awar, Director of Community Relations at Dubai Police, kicked off EPIC Talks highlighting Dubai Police’s efforts in the field of saving energy while Jeremy Byatt, vice president, environment at Bee’ah focused on how to live better by using fewer resources.
EPIC Talks continued throughout the day with an informative presentation from Daniel Atkins of Murdoch University on what people can do to help the environment; Organic Foods & Café CEO, Nils El Accad, underlined the benefits of organic food; Dr. Bassem Daghestani, head of conservation at Juma Al Majid, explained how historic books and documents are conserved organically for future generations. EPIC Talks concluded with Mr. Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Head of Sustainable Development and CSR for the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai Government, the Official Ambassador for the Honourable Al Gore Climate Project Initiative.
EPIC Features
Local fashion house, DAS Collection, modeled their latest summer line at the EPIC Fashion catwalk while Brooklyn Melodies, TMI Musical and DSS Traditional Emirati Musical groups entertained the crowd with superb performances throughout the day.
EPIC Live Cooking
Top Emaar Hospitality Group’s hotel chefs prepared some of the finest organic dishes, live at the Waterfront Promenade, where health and quality-conscious consumers watched and learned from their favourite chefs, including; Daniel Edward, Specialty Sous Chef at The Address Downtown Dubai; Norberto A. Valdez Palacios, Asado Head Chef at The Palace – The Old Town; Francesco Bonato, Sous Chef at the Armani Hotel Dubai.
EPIC Workshops
As part of a DEWA workshop at EPIC, comedians Splashy and Sparky entertained and educated visitors on water and energy conservation while Dr. Bassem Daghestani hosted a workshop on the organic conservation of historic documents.
EPIC Kids
EPIC is designed to get the whole family involved, featuring eco-arts and crafts, sustainable toys, interactive games and educational ‘learn-and do’ activities to help engage and entertain the next generation about sustainable living. That’s why, Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy retailer, organized an all-day eco-play area during the three days of the expo while Bee’ah and Dubai Garden Center held special workshops for the kids on recycling and planting.
“Today was a true celebration of earth-friendly living and sustainability in the UAE,” commented Tracy Fast, EPIC Dubai Show Manager. “After checking out what our exhibitors and partners had to offer, visitors expressed genuine interest in changing their lifestyles to become more sustainable and eco-friendly. This is what being EPIC is all about; making informed choices and buying products and services to support responsible businesses that are making an effort. We would like to thank our exhibitors and partners for being EPIC, for inspiring our visitors and for making the first day of the expo a tremendous success.”
