Home Integrator
Al-Futtaim IKEA Concludes Earth Weeks Campaign with Bold Sustainability Commitments
Al-Futtaim IKEA announced its new sustainability initiatives and targets for 2025 during an event at its Yas Mall store in Abu Dhabi, where it also celebrated the success of its recent “Earth Weeks” campaign.
The event, attended by Francois Brice, Fuel & Commercial Executive Director at EWEC, and members of the Department of Community Development, Department of Energy and EWEC. The event featured presentations by Pooja Dhingra, Regional Sustainability Manager of Al-Futtaim IKEA, and Ouateil Sgheir, Market Manager of Abu Dhabi, who discussed both the brand’s global ambitions and local impact.
From Awareness to Action: Earth Weeks Campaign
The event also spotlighted Al-Futtaim IKEA’s successful initiatives and campaigns during “Earth Weeks”—the brand’s six-week, sustainability-focused period from mid-March to the end of April. Engaging customers and colleagues in climate-conscious practices under the theme of “Start at Home,” the campaign promoted practical, everyday actions, like energy saving, reducing food waste, recycling, and reusing, as the building blocks of sustainable living. Reflecting the positive impact of these efforts, sales of sustainable products doubled during this period—demonstrating that sustainability is not only achievable but also accessible and affordable.

One of the campaign’s most creative activations, the “Switch-Off Trade Off”, reimagined Earth Hour by having Al-Futtaim IKEA employees turn off lights in the offices and showrooms on behalf of community members who were tied up with essential tasks. Another highlight, “Wait for the Drop,” introduced a unique online playlist with tracks mimicking the sound of running water, promoting mindful water use in bathrooms.
Additional moments included celebrating Mother’s Day by honouring mothers as the original sustainability heroes, recognising their everyday efforts in nurturing both family and the planet.
Clean Energy Milestones
Al-Futtaim IKEA also announced three stores, located in Fujairah, Al Ain, and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, have achieved LEED Gold certification. This recognition highlights the implementation of eco-friendly practices across the locations, including 10% lower energy consumption, 55% water savings, improved indoor air quality, and significant progress in waste reduction and recycling.
On May 2, 2025, Al-Futtaim IKEA reiterated its long-term sustainability commitment by announcing a strategic partnership with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company. Through the agreement, EWEC will provide IKEA UAE with Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) to cover 100 per cent of the electricity consumed across its four stores in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), CECs are the only accredited instruments in Abu Dhabi that certify electricity consumption is sourced from renewable and clean energy generation. This milestone marks a significant step forward in IKEA UAE’s efforts to reduce scope 2 emissions and operate in a more environmentally responsible manner.
Vinod Jayan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim IKEA UAE, Egypt, Oman and Qatar, commented: “At Al-Futtaim IKEA, sustainability is central to how we operate, innovate, and serve our communities. We believe that sustainable living should be simple, affordable, and accessible to all. Our Earth Weeks campaign reflects our responsibility to lead by example in the region, protect the planet’s most vital resources, and empower the many people to be part of this journey. Change starts at home—but its impact extends far beyond.”

He continued: “This commitment to long-term change is demonstrated by the actions we’re taking across our operations to reduce environmental impact. Over the past year, our fleet of electric trucks has helped us avoid 29 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions of seven passenger cars driven for a year. We’re also making significant progress in food waste reduction. By using anaerobic digesters in two of our stores, we divert 160 tonnes of food waste from landfills each year, saving CO₂ emissions equivalent to the energy required to power 98 homes for an entire year. As a business proudly rooted in the UAE’s success, we’re fully aligned with the country’s Environment Vision 2030.”
Empowering Future Sustainability Leaders
On Earth Day, Al-Futtaim IKEA welcomed members of Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) community for the first in a series of collaborative sessions focused on practical sustainability. Hosted in partnership with the Al-Futtaim Youth Council and Sustainability Team, the first session at IKEA Yas Island, Abu Dhabi explored circular economy and sustainable living, featuring an interactive store tour, a waste-sorting workshop, and a blind tasting experience.
These sessions form part of a broader knowledge exchange initiative between Al-Futtaim IKEA and Y4S, designed to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders through real-world insights and collaborative dialogue.
Strengthening Biodiversity and Water Commitments
Al-Futtaim IKEA’s sustainability targets are aligned with Inter IKEA’s global ambitions, focusing on reducing environmental impact across the value chain, strengthening ecosystems, and driving positive societal change in collaboration with customers, partners, and policymakers.
Inter IKEA is also advancing its sustainability agenda with a strong focus on water stewardship, working to reduce freshwater use, improving water quality, and ensuring access to clean water in high-risk areas across its value chain, efforts that will enhance water resilience for both ecosystems and communities.
Looking Ahead
Building on the Earth Weeks campaign, Al-Futtaim IKEA is entering a new chapter of sustainability, rooted in action, accountability, and collaboration. The company remains committed to creating a positive impact not only within its stores and supply chain, but also across the wider community, making sustainable living a reality for the many.
Home Integrator
R.Evolution Scales EYWA Into A Global Longevity-led Real Estate Brand
R.Evolution, the European real estate developer, is expanding EYWA from a collection of flagship developments into a global longevity-led regenerative real estate brand.
Following the launch of EYWA Tree of Life and EYWA Way of Water in Dubai, and of EYWA Bac de Roda and EYWA 22 Palms in Barcelona, the company is establishing EYWA as a platform that can be applied across residential, commercial, and future hospitality developments in multiple international markets.
“The global luxury real estate market is evolving. Buyers are no longer interested only in architecture, square footage, and location. They are increasingly looking for homes that support healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives,” says Igor Karpikov, Chief Commercial Officer at R.Evolution, “Wellness real estate is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global wellness economy and is forecast to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030. Our Dubai developments demonstrate how the EYWA philosophy translates into exceptional real estate, aligning with the emirate’s focus on quality of life, sustainability, and wellbeing.”
Homes as Wellbeing Ecosystems. Research suggests that genetics account for around 50% of the factors influencing lifespan. The remaining half is shaped by environment and lifestyle. Since people spend around 90% of their time indoors, the buildings they live in play a significant role in supporting health and wellbeing.
Inspired by the vision of R.Evolution founder Alex Zagrebelny, EYWA – short for Energy, Youthfulness, Wellbeing, and Ancient Knowledge – introduces the concept of regenerative real estate – an approach that views buildings as living ecosystems. It combines thoughtful spatial design, modern technology, natural elements, and ancestral wisdom to support everyday living and health.
Building a Broader Longevity Ecosystem. As EYWA continues to expand, R.Evolution is developing strategic collaborations with leading players across the wellness and longevity ecosystem. These collaborations span health and longevity programming, nature-focused initiatives, educational programs, next-generation sustainable technologies, and premium lifestyle offerings.
Together, these partnerships extend the EYWA experience beyond the physical building, creating a broader ecosystem centered on wellbeing that supports residents in their daily lives.
The Next Chapter. EYWA’s expansion into hospitality in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations marks the next phase of the brand’s evolution, with additional initiatives in the longevity and wellbeing space also in progress.
R.Evolution will share details of new projects, partnerships, and locations as they reach the appropriate stage of development.
Home Feature
How the Blend of Nature and Science is Reinventing Neem for GCC Skincare

The GCC’s combination of extreme heat, humidity, frequent transitions between outdoor heat and air-conditioned environments, dust exposure, and prolonged sunscreen and makeup use creates a unique set of skincare challenges. With acne and pimple concerns already affecting more than 65% of the GCC population, these seasonal conditions have renewed interest in one time-tested ingredient: Neem.
The Science Behind a Timeless Ingredient
For generations, Himalaya Wellness Company has harnessed the power of Neem through its expertise in herbal science, developing skincare solutions trusted by consumers across generations. Today, the brand continues to build on that legacy by combining its herbal heritage with modern formulation science to create gentle and effective skincare tailored to the evolving needs of consumers across the Middle East.
The enduring appeal of Neem lies in its proven skincare benefits. Widely recognised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Neem is supported by a growing body of scientific research, with dermatologists continuing to highlight its effectiveness in skincare. Its popularity also extends beyond the laboratory, with Neem continuing to be embraced by beauty enthusiasts, influencers, and celebrities as a trusted ingredient for maintaining balanced, healthy-looking, pimple-free skin.
Inside Himalaya’s Global Research Centre
That approach was recently on display at Himalaya’s exclusive ‘Powered by Nature, Perfected by Science’ Experience, hosted at its Global Research Centre in Dubai Science Park, which measures 55,000 square feet. The gathering invited several of GCC’s digital beauty creators and storytellers into the brand’s formulation labs, where they explored the science behind Neem skincare through molecular experiments and learned about the research and testing behind Himalaya’s formulations. The facility brings together more than 50 scientists, formulators, and researchers from 12 nationalities who study regional skin needs and develop product innovation solutions suited to Middle Eastern climates.
“The Middle East continues to be a strategically important market, with consumers seeking solutions that are tailored to their specific skin needs and supported by scientific research,” said Sajeev Kaura, Business Director (CPD), Himalaya METAP region. “Through our work in the UAE and the GCC region, we continue to invest in understanding regional requirements and developing skincare solutions that bring together herbal expertise, innovation, and efficacy.”
Consumers across the GCC are increasingly seeking natural skincare products that combine herbal ingredients with proven scientific performance. This reflects a shift toward formulations that are effective, gentle on the skin, and suitable for everyday use in hot, humid climates. Neem, one of Himalaya’s most recognised ingredients, sits at the centre of that shift. Through extensive research and advanced authentication methods, the brand continues to refine the ingredient’s potential and ensure consistency and quality across every formulation.
“Developing effective skincare solutions requires a deep understanding of the specific concerns consumers face in different environments, ingredients and formulation science,” added Abhishek Ashat, Marketing Head (CPD), Himalaya MENA region. “Our research approach combines herbal expertise with advanced scientific methods to create formulations that deliver targeted benefits while supporting the skin’s natural balance. Initiatives like the ‘Powered by Nature, Perfected by Science’ Experience allow us to share the science behind our formulations and bring consumers closer to the research that shapes our products.”
A Complete ‘Pimple Cycle’ Regime Tailored to GCC Skin Needs
That research has been translated into Himalaya’s Purifying Neem range, a complete routine designed to address blemish concerns in high humidity climates.
Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash is trusted by millions of girls worldwide as the best solution for pimples and makes Himalaya the No.1 Face Wash brand in GCC. It is a soap-free, pH-friendly cleanser designed to help clear pimples and prevent pimple marks, and it remains one of Himalaya’s most recognised products across the GCC. The Purifying Neem Scrub and the clay infused Purifying Neem Mask support regular routines by helping remove environmental impurities and maintain clearer looking skin. For more targeted care, the Purifying Neem Serum was recently developed by Himalaya’s Dubai Science Park R&D team. It is a perfect blend of natural ingredients and scientific actives, combining 10% pure Neem extract with 2% Natural Salicylic Acid and CICA. Himalaya Purifying Neem Serum is suitable for day and night use, and is clinically proven to reduce pimples and blemishes within one week, while helping maintain healthier looking, more radiant skin.
A Commitment Beyond Skincare
Beyond clinical performance, the modern GCC beauty consumer is also asking where ingredients come from. Himalaya addresses that directly through its commitment to regenerative sourcing. Over 98% of the herbal ingredients used across its product ranges are harvested from renewable plant parts, with plans to reach 100% by 2030 to support biodiversity preservation. Through initiatives like Project Sampoorna, the brand also works directly with local farming communities, providing structured capacity building and agricultural support. This approach helps preserve organic soil health while tying every product back to a broader commitment to responsible sourcing. To ensure quality, safety and consistency, they apply stringent authentication methods, including DNA barcode testing, to verify herbal identity at the molecular level.
As beauty consumers across the region become more informed about ingredients, climate impact, and skin health, the future of skincare is shifting toward solutions designed around real environments and real needs. For the Middle East climate, that increasingly starts with neem.
Home Integrator
Rasasi Expands Its Global Hawas Collection with the Launch of Hawas Gold Digger
UAE-born fragrance house Rasasi has unveiled Hawas Gold Digger, the latest addition to its globally recognised Hawas collection, at an exclusive launch event held at La Perle Dubai on 14 August 2026.
Hawas Gold Digger builds on the distinctive energy of the Hawas collection while introducing a warmer, richer and more expressive olfactive direction. The amber woody aromatic composition opens with pear, lavender, bergamot and mint, develops into a heart of cinnamon and sage, and settles into a base of vanilla, amber, patchouli and cedarwood.
Created with a new generation of fragrance consumers in mind, Hawas Gold Digger draws inspiration from ambition, desire and personal success — celebrating individuals who define achievement on their own terms. Its bold character offers a new interpretation of the Hawas identity while retaining the confidence and contemporary appeal associated with the franchise.

“The GCC has become one of the world’s most dynamic fragrance markets, with consumers becoming increasingly sophisticated and willing to invest in premium fragrances that offer quality, individuality and character. With Hawas Gold Digger, we wanted to offer a distinctive interpretation of modern luxury, bringing together the artistry of fine perfumery with a contemporary, design-led approach. It is a fragrance created for those who value authenticity and self-expression,” said Ismail Anis, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Rasasi.
The launch represents a new chapter for the Hawas franchise, one of Rasasi’s most recognised fragrance lines internationally. Set against the distinctive backdrop of La Perle Dubai, the unveiling brought together international fragrance creators, influencers, media personalities and cultural voices for an evening centred around contemporary fragrance, entertainment and self-expression.
Among the guests was Indian actor and filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh, whose presence brought together the worlds of fragrance and entertainment. A prominent figure in India’s entertainment landscape, Deshmukh joined an international guest list reflecting the diverse audiences Rasasi continues to engage across markets.
With Dubai at its centre, the event also reflected Rasasi’s evolution from a homegrown fragrance house established in 1979 into an international fragrance business. Founded in Dubai, Rasasi remains deeply connected to the UAE and the region’s rich fragrance culture while continuing to create contemporary scents for consumers across generations and international markets. Rasasi’s 1979 Dubai founding is also reflected in the company’s current official history.
Hawas Gold Digger embodies that evolution, building on the international recognition of Hawas while introducing a warmer, richer, and more expressive character for a new generation of fragrance consumers.
“Launching Hawas Gold Digger in Dubai alongside international voices reflects both where we come from and where we are going. Hawas has developed a strong connection with fragrance consumers around the world, and Gold Digger allows us to build on that momentum while introducing a new expression of the Hawas identity to a generation that increasingly uses fragrance as an extension of personality and individual style,” added Ismail Anis.
Hawas Gold Digger is now available through Rasasi’s official sales channels and selected fragrance retailers across international markets.
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