Dubai-UAE: Merex Investment has launched a six-month sustainability programme at its lifestyle destinations – City Walk and The Beach, JBR – to engage young minds and artists in envisioning a more environmentally conscious tomorrow.
The initiative is aligned with the UAE’s efforts towards collective action for the environment as part of the Year of Sustainability. Merex Investment’s destinations will offer students and artists a platform to collaborate and spread the message of a greener, brighter future, on a larger scale.
Students from educational institutions across Dubai will be working closely with local sustainability artists to bring their artistic visions to life using only waste and recycled materials. Their one-of-a-kind pieces will be displayed across City Walk and The Beach, JBR, providing an engaging experience for visitors to the destinations.
During the six-month program, students will receive the necessary knowledge and resources to catalyse efforts aimed at confronting urgent global environmental issues. The institutions will join forces with renowned local eco-artists, known for using art as their voice to promote environmental awareness. Together, they will craft captivating installations using recycled materials.
Additionally, a bootcamp featuring workshops and interactive sessions will be conducted to enhance students’ understanding of recycling and sustainable practices. Led by experts, these sessions will cultivate an understanding and appreciation for the environment, encouraging students to embrace methods for its preservation.
The primary focus of this initiative is to tackle two significant challenges – urban waste and marine pollution. According to global data, there is a shocking annual consumption of five trillion plastic bags and 500 billion plastic cups worldwide. A study in the UAE found that plastic and its irresponsible disposal has led to the unfortunate death of hundreds of camels over the past decade.
Moreover, residents in the UAE reportedly use an average of 450 plastic water bottles per person annually, resulting in a significant total of four billion plastic bottles being utilized within the country. These findings reflect the global concern surrounding plastic waste, a leading cause of pollution in rivers and oceans. EarthDay.org statistics indicate that nine out of ten deceased turtles had ingested plastic, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
“At Merex Investment, our initiatives resonate with the United Nations’ 14th Sustainable Development Goal, emphasising the crucial need to preserve oceans, seas, and marine resources in a sustainable manner. It also harmonises with the UAE leadership’s vision to establish the nation as a global pioneer in green technologies, export, and the maintenance of an environmentally sustainable ecosystem to foster a ‘green economy for sustainable development’. Our comprehensive strategy is centered around amplifying awareness and igniting proactive measures, nurturing a profound understanding of everyone’s pivotal role in upholding the planet’s sustainability. Collaborating with artists and educational institutions, we want to actively promote sustainable practices. We firmly believe that education and awareness serve as the cornerstones for building a more eco-conscious and resilient future,” said Shahram Shamsaee, CEO, Merex Investment.
Set to launch in November, the initiative will focus on the collection of material for the artworks in the first two months, followed by the installation build phase with the artists and the interactive workshops in 2024.
For more information, visit www.merexinvestment.com.
Media contact: Red Havas | merex@redhavasme.com
About Merex Investment
Merex Investment is a progressive asset management company with a mission to transform experiential urban spaces in Dubai. Established as a joint venture between Dubai Holding and Brookfield Asset Management in 2019, the company is dedicated to generating long-term value for Dubai’s residents and business community.
At the heart of Merex Investment’s vision lies its expansive portfolio of destinations, which play a pivotal role in positioning Dubai as a global epicentre for business and tourism. Through carefully curated offerings customized for each destination and designed with the customer experience in mind, the company aims to foster growth and opportunities for its partners.
Prominent within this portfolio are architecturally innovative lifestyle destinations, including City Walk, The Beach, JBR, and the highly anticipated J1 Beach in Jumeirah 1, which serves as a testament to Merex Investment’s pioneering spirit.
Merex Investment is a reliable partner for local entrepreneurs, regional, and global businesses, offering an appealing tenant mix and supporting growth through unique lifestyle spaces. The company strives to deliver the optimal customer experience through an active asset management strategy, implementing continuous positive changes that align with the latest trends and customer preferences.
