The rise of eco-events: How sustainability is shaping Dubai’s social calendar

Dazzling skylines, luxurious events, jet-setting all come to mind when you think about Dubai. Under the waves of glitz and glam, a new trend with strong weight and top priorities emerges - sustainability.

From Glamour to Green

Twenty years ago, the word sustainability had no meaning, weight, or any repercussions - only discussed in policy discussions or small-scale group projects; now both the word and the meaning is ubiquitous and well known. The UAE has not taken matters of global warming lightly and has pushed environmental issues into the spotlight - hosting high-profile events like COP28 last year. But sustainability hasn't just seeped through big events but also infiltrated lifestyle through exhibitions, school fairs, and cultural festivals.

Eco-consciousness is primary and no longer an afterthought. Fashion shows incorporate upcycled fabrics, pop-up restaurant events started serving plant-based cuisines, and student-led fairs showcase innovative ideas to reduce waste.

Youth at the Forefront

In the paradigm shift where we have stepped into a new, sustainable world, I believe the most exciting shift is how young people reject sustainability as a trend and instead make it a lifestyle.

There has been an influx of ways students enjoy sustainability in fun ways. Notably, they are organizing youth-led eco-fairs with different games to teach valuable lessons about conserving our planet in interactive ways.

Corporate & Community Buy-In

Corporate and community spaces in Dubai have also adapted to being more sustainable, like hotels are hosting zero-waste brunches, malls are introducing recycling exhibitions, and art galleries featuring works made entirely out of recyclable materials. The community has hosted beach cleanups and has branded recycling drives as social events, pulling in wavelengths of different crowds. Well known brands like Apple have also recognized UAE’s sustainable goals and have pledged support, opening its new store in Al Ain. However, the region’s evolution also plays with the development of sustainability. For example, the Arabia CSR Network’s 13th Global Sustainability and CSR Forum continue to inspire collective change across the gulf.

In turn, sustainability is no longer positioned as a sacrifice and has been reframed as another piece on the puzzle of our lifestyle.

The Future of Social Gatherings

Sustainability will be embedded in the city’s future, rather than just being a thrown-around policy. Already, Dubai stands as a hub for innovation and global leadership and is moving towards green infrastructure, with solar-powered buildings, vertical gardens, and walkable communities like District 2020. Malls and committees offer recycling schemes, and electric taxis have become the norm. On a bigger scale, water and energy needs are being secured by solar-powered farms and renewable-powered desalination.

Conclusion

Bold, dynamic, and ever-evolving - words that directly reflect the city’s identity. New York is the city that never sleeps, but Dubai is the city that never stands still. Eco events are not just a new fad, but a celebrated part of the UAE’s modern culture. Dubai shows the possible duality of glamour and conservation.