Waitrose has opened a store at the region’s premier lifestyle and business destination: ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai International Financial Centre.
In line with Waitrose’s ‘Partners Against Waste’ programme, which reduces plastic wrap on produce and eliminates black plastic, the branch encourages shoppers to use reusable bags.
Instead of using plastic bags, shoppers can purchase paper bags, with sales going to Emirates Nature-WWF, a division of Worldwide Fund for Nature that partners with institutions to combat climate change and protect the environment.
Customers also receive a discount at checkout if they bring their own refillable containers for products such as dishwashing liquid.
Ben McGregor, investment director of ICD Brookfield, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Waitrose & Partners to the building and to provide our community with a convenient, quality grocer for picking up everyday essentials.
“Waitrose’s commitment towards a greener, cleaner, more sustainable future by reducing waste and paving the way to eliminate single-use plastic inspires shoppers to make eco-friendly choices.”
ICD Brookfield Place, a collaboration between the Investment Corporation of Dubai and real estate firm Brookfield Property Partners, runs on minimal electricity and carbon emissions, and uses recycled water for its plants and landscaping.
In June, ICD Brookfield Place launched its ‘Breaking the Plastic Habit’ programme, which removes or replaces condiment and snack packaging, plastic food wrap and water bottles.
By June this year, it projects 14,292 individual items of single-use plastic will be avoided. The building encourages all tenants, including Waitrose, to participate in the campaign.
ICD Brookfield is recognised as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design establishment, the highest rating awarded by USA’s Green Building Council.
Sunil Kumar, CEO of Waitrose UAE, said: “Opening this store in a world-leading sustainable building is heavily aligned with our mission to reduce our impact on the environment.
“We look forward to supporting ICD Brookfield Place’s mission to nurture a community that offers a high-quality, sustainable lifestyle offering.”
The branch also boasts Waitrose’s first ‘food-to-go’ concept, complete with a cosy seating area, deli counter, bakery and hot and chilled food station.
