Times Square Center is set to host a four-day, full mall takeover “Sustainafest” during COP28 with international broadcaster, retail and consumer expert, and founder of “Buy Smarter, Buy Greener” Kate Hardcastle MBE.
Kicking off on Friday, 1st December and running until Monday, 4th December, Times Square Center will host educational and interactive talks and panels on the main stage, plus workshops and fun activities on upcycling, growing herbs, homemade beauty products, as well as music, dance and more.
It shared that the event aims to teach visitors how to make greener buying decisions as well as how to do so in a fun and accessible way, whilst “celebrating all the great strides UAE businesses are making.”
“The long holiday weekend will see the whole Dubai community invited to a UAE National Day celebration like no other, where consumers are encouraged to ‘Buy Smarter, Buy Greener’ and celebrate all the great strides our home-grown businesses and brands are making in the bid to reduce the impact on the planet,” it said.
Speaking about partnering with Times Square Center to host the initiative, Kate Hardcastle MBE said: “It’s with excitement and a deep sense of purpose that I bring the ‘Buy Smarter, Buy Greener’ mission to Dubai as we set the stage for COP28. This initiative is more than just a campaign; it’s a call for consumers and brands alike to embark on a journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Hardcastle continued: “As consumers, our purchasing power is a tool for change. Every dirham spent is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. At ‘Buy Smarter Buy Greener,’ we’re not just talking about making eco-friendly choices; we’re providing actionable, supportive, and authentic advice to make those choices a seamless part of everyday life. We’re offering clear, straightforward pathways to greener living.”
Nancy Ozbek, General Manager at Times Square Center, commented: “We are proud to be making a difference this upcoming National Day weekend, whilst also in alignment with COP28. By showcasing the pioneering UAE brands that are leading the charge in sustainability, visitors to Time Square will witness the commitment from local brands and mall tenants who are embedding eco-conscious practices into their DNA. Our community understands that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the essence of forward-thinking business.”
‘Sustainafest: Buy Smarter, Buy Greener’ is free to attend, and a full schedule for the four-day activation will be available in due course.