DUBAI // Solar powered cars, shopping bags that melt in warm water and a mock-up of a home of the future were all features of a Canadian sustainable living exhibition that opened in the emirate this week.
For three days, the Epic expo has taken over the Fashion Avenue of Dubai Mall under the slogan "style meets sustainability", as part of the launch of the Dubai Summer Surprises sales.
Epic has been run since 2007 in Vancouver, but this is the first time it has been hosted outside Canada. Organisers here are hoping to make it an annual feature. "We came to Dubai to look around and we felt there was a real appetite for it here," said Nancy Wright, the vice president of the Globe Foundation, which organises the event in Canada.
Ms Wright's organisation signed a joint venture with SS Lootah Group several years ago to create Sustainable Media Group (SMG), which has been responsible for organising the Epic expo. First scheduled but cancelled in 2009, Ms Wright said the idea behind Epic was to encourage ethical shopping.
"We want to show consumers that they have choices in the products they buy," she said. "We're not encouraging them to shop more, but to shop smarter. Put your dollars where your values are, because you as consumers can shape the market." The expo has about 60 stalls, most from local suppliers. The electronics firm Philips built a mock-up "home of the future" room to showcase its energy-saving appliances.
The sports brand Puma had a stall showcasing a prototype of its "clever little shopper" - a shopping bag made of corn starch rather than plastic that melts in water hotter than 45°C.
It was unclear, though, what effect summer temperatures in Dubai would have on the product. Marketing representative Karan Shah said the bag was still being tested along those lines.
The star of the show on Wednesday was a cavalcade of solar, electric and hybrid cars that were driven from the Burj Al Arab to Dubai Mall around noon.
One of the drivers, Eissa Lootah, complained there was no air conditioning in the vehicle. "It's very tiring to drive them because it's very hot and so bumpy," he said. The two cars, which represented six months' work and about Dh50,000 of investment, are part of a solar transport project by SS Lootah Group.
"We've been experimenting with solar technology for quite some time," said Denis Lefrancois, the general manager of SMG. "This will accelerate now. For next year's event, you'll see something much more developed and different."
mcroucher@thenational.ae
The UAE squad for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
The jiu-jitsu men’s team: Faisal Al Ketbi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Yahia Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Obaid Al Nuaimi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Mansoori, Saeed Al Mazroui, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Salem Al Suwaidi, Khalfan Belhol, Saood Al Hammadi.
Women’s team: Mouza Al Shamsi, Wadeema Al Yafei, Reem Al Hashmi, Mahra Al Hanaei, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Hessa Thani, Salwa Al Ali.
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
MATCH INFO
Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1
Bayern: Zirkzee (26'), Goretzka (86')
Gladbach: Pavard (37' og)
Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Uefa Nations League
League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)
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