Latest news with #Goumbook
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Clean start: UAE hotel soaps recycled in drive to cut waste and boost hygiene
Each year, hotels across the UAE throw away an estimated 16 million bars of soap – many after just a single use. Now, a growing number of hotels are signing up to a grassroots recycling programme that is tackling the waste head-on, transforming used soap into new bars for communities in need. Launched in 2023, the Unisoap UAE initiative – powered by sustainability platform Goumbook and modelled on a French non-profit – is offering a rare win-win: cutting hospitality waste while boosting hygiene access for vulnerable groups. 'It's a practical solution that serves both people and planet,' says Goumbook founder Tatiana Antonelli Abella. 'And it's gaining momentum.' So far, Goumbook has distributed 10,000 recycled soaps under the initiative. Leading hotel brands supporting the campaign include Atlantis Dubai - which operates Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal - Saadiyat Rotana and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. "We are proud to partner with Goumbook and Unisoap UAE to help transform soap that would otherwise be destined for the landfill into new soap bars for disadvantaged communities,' said Kelly Timmins, director of marine animal operations and sustainability at Atlantis Dubai, in a testimony shared on Goumbook's website. From luxury waste to vital resource Globally, 2.3 billion people still lack basic handwashing facilities at home, according to the World Health Organisation. Yet, in hotel suites across the world, soaps are routinely tossed out after a single use. 'We realised that soap is not just waste, it's a resource made from water and natural materials and it's vital for hygiene,' Ms Abella told The National. After early experiments with local start-ups, Goumbook formed a strategic partnership with Unisoap in France, leveraging its technical expertise to launch the UAE arm of the project. Today, the initiative works with 15 hotels, including major names such as Atlantis The Palm, Atlantis The Royal, Shangri-La Dubai, Rotana Saadiyat and Centara Mirage, with more coming on board. How soap is recycled Housekeeping staff are trained to separate used soaps into branded Unisoap boxes. These are collected monthly by recycling partners, then delivered to a soap lab where each bar undergoes a meticulous cleaning process: the outer layer is grated off by hand, soaps are thoroughly washed and then remanufactured – without mixing brands, colours or scents. 'The result is a high-quality bar that looks and smells just like new,' said Ms Abella. 'And crucially, there's no plastic or packaging involved.' Zero waste, big impact In keeping with World Environment Day's 2025 theme – cutting single-use plastic – Unisoap UAE goes beyond soap. Used hotel bed linens and towels are repurposed into washbags or reusable sponges to accompany the soaps in hygiene kits, distributed unpackaged to eliminate waste. The initiative reflects the UAE's increasing alignment with circular economy principles and environmental goals. 'We've designed this project to work hand in hand with national sustainability targets,' said Ms Abella. 'It's a practical solution that creates both environmental and social value.' So far, more than three tonnes of soap have been recycled through the initiative, benefiting low-income communities during Ramadan, as well as organisations such as the Al Ihsan Foundation in Sharjah, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, the Giving Family, Amal Community and Happy Happy. Empowering women and educating communities The social impact is just as important as the environmental one. Unisoap UAE targets women and children as key recipients, and engages women in every level of the process – from hotel housekeeping staff to charity partners and end users. 'We often forget that not everyone has access to something as basic as soap,' said Ms Abella. 'Through this initiative, we also raise awareness about hygiene – how and why it matters.' The project operates through a combination of hotel contributions and corporate sponsorships. Sponsors can fund the production and distribution of soaps to specific communities while Goumbook covers early-stage costs to prove concepts and scale up. There are also plans ready to expand the model to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where interest is growing. Call to action: Join the circular economy To mark the Year of Community, Goumbook is organising clean-ups and community events across the UAE and is inviting residents to volunteer, donate or share ideas for future projects. Soap is just one piece of the puzzle, said Ms Abella. 'If we can change how we view waste – whether it's a bar of soap or a discarded towel – we can make a real difference. And we'd love more people to join us.'
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why Sustainability Matters: A Call to Action for a Better Future
Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity. It is about meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a world increasingly defined by environmental challenges, the concept of sustainability has never been more critical. As the founder of Goumbook, I have dedicated my career to changing mindsets and driving action toward a more sustainable future. The question we must all ask ourselves is: What does sustainability mean to us, and why does it matter? Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity. It is about meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It is about recognizing that our actions today have far-reaching consequences for the planet, society, and the economy. From overpopulation and pollution to deforestation and climate change, the challenges we face are immense. But so too are the opportunities for positive change. One of the most pressing issues we face is climate change. The UAE is the first Middle Eastern nation to sign the Paris Agreement in 2015, the UAE has committed to reducing its emissions by 40% by 2030 and has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. These commitments are not just words on paper; they are backed by concrete actions, such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's National Carbon Sequestration Project, which plans to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. The UAE is also taking steps to tackle plastic pollution, banning single-use plastic bags in June 2024 and since January 2025 the ban also includes plastic stirrers, table covers and styrofoam containers. Tackling plastic waste is an essential part of protecting our environment, and these steps are a major move in the right direction. But government action alone is not enough. The private sector and individuals must also play their part. Businesses have a responsibility to adopt sustainable practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and invest in green technologies. We believe that businesses can be a force for good, driving innovation and creating solutions that benefit both the planet and their bottom line, through looking at operations and investing in sustainable solutions. Individuals, too, have a crucial role to play. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the challenges we face and to think that one person's actions cannot make a difference. But the truth is, every action counts. Whether it is reducing water usage, recycling, washing clothes in cold water or choosing to eat less meat, small changes in our daily lives can add up to a significant impact. Research shows that if just 15-18% of the population adopts pro-environmental behaviours, it can create a social tipping point that leads to widespread change. Sustainability is not just about the environment; it is about creating a better future for all. It is about ensuring that everyone has access to clean air, water, and food. It is about building resilient communities and economies that can withstand the shocks of climate change. It is about preserving the beauty and diversity of our planet for generations to come. As we look to the future, we must remember that the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. Each of us has a role to play in driving the change we want to see. Let us dream big, act boldly, and work together to create a sustainable future for all. The time to act is now. Sustainability matters because our future depends on it.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit 2025 concludes
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The inaugural MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit, hosted by Goumbook's MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Summit, as the first dedicated platform for regenerative agriculture of its kind in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye region (MENAT), convened over 150 regional and global stakeholders — including policymakers, academics, innovators, investors, and civil society — to chart a unified path toward a sustainable, regenerative, climate-resilient food systems. In partnership with HSBC, Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), EIT Food, the United Nations Climate Change High Level Champions Team and the Saudi Agrifood Tech Alliance (SAFTA), delivered a powerful call to action to scale regenerative agriculture in the MENAT region. Centered around the theme "Cultivating Soil Capital: Regenerative Food Systems & Nature-Based Solutions," the day-long event featured high-level keynotes, expert-led panel discussions, a regional consultation, the live pitch finale and reveal of the three winners of Goumbook's Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme, which spotlighted the Cohort 2024/2025 finalists' science and research based innovations in food systems. Dr Zeyad AlZeyadi - General Manager of Partnerships and Capacity Building, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (MEWA KSA) said, 'It was an honor for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) to serve as a patron of the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit 2025. This summit marked a valuable milestone in advancing regional dialogue on sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem restoration. The quality of discussions, the diversity of participants, and the solutions-oriented agenda created a powerful platform for collaboration. I was pleased to take part in the closed session discussions, where we explored innovative approaches to soil health, food system transformation, and regenerative practices suited to the region's climate challenges. MEWA also had the opportunity to present key national initiatives that support the transition toward sustainable and resilient agricultural systems in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to continuing the momentum generated by this summit and building stronger partnerships across the MENAT region.' 'We were honored to join the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit as an Impact Partner—a groundbreaking step toward reimagining agriculture in one of the world's most challenging regions. This summit wasn't just an event—it was a collective call to action. It brought together leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to forge real solutions for climate resilience, food security, and ecological renewal across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. At The Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance, we believe that true leadership means building bridges across sectors, nurturing innovation, and empowering communities. We are proud to have contributed to a platform that reflects those values and sets a powerful precedent for future collaboration and impact. Together, we are planting the seeds for a more sustainable and regenerative future. -Eng. Rakan AlOtaibi, Secretariat Director of the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance Key Highlights: Royal Endorsements & Leadership: Opening remarks were delivered by HRH Princess Mashael AlShalan and HRH Princess Noura bint Turki Al Saud, cofounders of Aeon Collective highlighting the critical role of regional leadership in advancing nature-positive strategies. High-Level Panels tackled urgent topics including shaping supportive policy frameworks, scaling accessible innovation, unlocking catalytic financial mechanisms, and highlighting successful case studies in regenerative agriculture, to enable climate-resilient agriculture; with expert voices from Estidamah, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations(FAO), International Food Policy Research Institute IFPRI-CGIAR, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). EIT Food, Earthna- Qatar Foundation and UN Climate Champions among others. Top Innovation Demo & Exhibition: 20 shortlisted solutions from Goumbook's Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme cohort 2024/2025 were showcased in a live exhibition, with 5 finalists pitching their projects on-stage. The top three winners were awarded grants and support to scale their innovations across the MENAT region. Reveal & Awards Ceremony of the Top 3 winners of Goumbook's Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme cohort 2024/2025, who received $20,000 in grants each, mentorship, incubation opportunities and additional support from the enabling ecosystem of partners that contribute to the initiative; all aimed at supporting them to scale their innovations towards greater social and environmental impact. The winners: Actinobacteria – Isolation and characterisation of water stress tolerant actinobacteria for arid soils, Omaima MARHANE, Morocco Farm to 2Fs (Fuel and Fertiliser) - Anaerobic Digestion converting animal waste into bioenergy & fertilizer, Dr. Budour A. Alghamdi, Eng. Wafa A. Alrasheed, Dr. Adil E. Abdelnour, Estidama, KSA RedDot – RNA-based selective control for Red Palm Weevil, Teodoro Garcia-Millan, Fran Robson, Veronica Greco, UK Regional Consultation Outcomes: A closed-door session brought together high level select to lay the foundation for a regional collaboration across key priorities with the aim to develop a regenerative agriculture framework that positions MENAT as a global seedbed of innovation and a center of excellence for arid land agriculture and climate-resilient food systems. The insights from this session will be published in an upcoming Outcomes & Insights Paper, serving as a regional blueprint for action, guiding the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative's next phase and reinforcing the region's leadership at the intersection of climate, food, and land restoration. This landmark event is the result of Goumbook's rapidly growing MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative, launched in December 2023 with partners including HSBC, SAB, EIT Food, and the UN Climate Change High Level Climate Champions Team. The initiative has already engaged interest from over 660 innovative research & science-based solutions, from 80 research institutions, and 65 countries, and fostered a dynamic network of cross-sector partners. 'This summit represents a major milestone in our journey to regenerate ecosystems and transform agriculture in water-scarce regions,' said Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook. 'It is clear from today's dialogue that the MENAT region holds immense potential to lead the way in regenerative solutions, as a seedbed of innovation and a center of excellence for arid, desert and climate resilient agriculture.' As the summit closed, Goumbook reaffirmed its commitment to building an enabling ecosystem that connects science, innovation, policy, and finance — paving the way for towards transformative food systems within a regenerative future for the MENAT region. Supporting information on regenerative agriculture: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that irrigated agriculture—which increasingly depends on groundwater—consumes around 85% of renewable water resources in the MENAT region. Small-scale family farms, responsible for over 80% of global crop and livestock production, face critical challenges like water scarcity, soil degradation, and limited support, with many proposed innovations remaining inaccessible to them. Approximately 45% of agricultural land is impacted by salinity, nutrient depletion, and erosion, with overall land degradation estimated between 40% and 70% over the past two decades. Regenerative agriculture, through its fundamental principles and adoption of resilient crop varieties that require less water, fewer pesticides, and reduced chemical inputs, is an approach that translates as a vital component in addressing the region-specific agriculture and climate challenges of the MENAT region. Regenerative agriculture also holds the potential to sequester carbon dioxide, making it a climate change mitigation and adaptation solution. About Goumbook: Goumbook is a social enterprise dedicated to accelerating Sustainability and Climate Action in the UAE and beyond since 2009. Goumbook shapes the global sustainability landscape by offering local solutions to corporates, youth, civil society, and the public sector. Through their programmes and initiatives, Goumbook mobilises cross sectorial stakeholders to drive action. By addressing the unique challenges faced by the MENA region, Goumbook ensures that their region's priorities are at the forefront of global sustainability efforts. Goumbook raises awareness, develops and runs initiatives, advise and consult to change mindsets and create impact on the current and future living experience of the people in the MENA region. For more information, please visit:
Mid East Info
27-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Goumbook Announces Semi-Finalists for the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme
Goumbook, a leading social enterprise accelerating sustainability and climate action across the MENAT region, has officially announced the semi-finalists for this second cohort of the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme, in partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank, HSBC Bank Middle East, with the support of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Food and the Climate Champions Team. Following 510 registrations of interest from over 80 research and academic institutions across 65 countries – representing a 223 per cent increase from the first cohort – 20 innovative, research & science-backed solutions have been shortlisted to progress into the next phase. These solutions are designed to directly respond to the region's unique agricultural and environmental challenges. The MENAT region is experiencing some of the world's most critical climate-related pressures. According to the World Bank, 89 per cent of the region's land is classified as drylands, with over 45 per cent already affected by desertification. Over the past two decades, more than half of all land and one-quarter of arable land in the region suffers from soil degradation, contributing to a 40 per cent loss in vegetation. This is driven by rising temperatures, which are increasing, in the region, 1.5 times faster than the global average as per a recent study, as well as unsustainable land management and resource exploitation. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, salt-affected soils now stretch across more than 2.3 million square kilometres in the Near East and North Africa, threatening the productivity of future farming. The principles of regenerative agriculture are well positioned to address these key environmental and social challenges. Despite these daunting conditions, the region is rich in untapped scientific and research talent, and demonstrates a strong heritage in desert integrated and climate resilient farming expertise. The Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme was created to harness this potential by supporting researchers and scientists who are developing regionally relevant, regenerative innovative solutions that can restore degraded land, improve food & water security, and build long-term climate resilience. Samantha Kayruz, Strategy and Sustainability Impact Director at Goumbook, said: The Venture Programme as part of the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative has quickly emerged as a vital bridge between research, science, and entrepreneurship. The overwhelming response to this year's programme underscores the urgent need for regionally relevant solutions, while transforming the region into a global incubator for climate resilient and desert integrated agriculture. By leveraging the region's heritage and expertise in harsh agriculture and desert conditions, we aim to scale high-impact solutions that can drive sustainable and regenerative agriculture worldwide.' This year's semi-finalists include researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs working on solutions ranging from organic and bio-fertilisers, agri-robotics, climate -resilient crops, agrivoltaics, biotech, to AI-powered early disease detection and sustainable livestock systems. Their work demonstrates how homegrown innovation can effectively respond to local conditions and global challenges alike. Actinobacteria (Ibn Zohr University, Morocco) (Ibn Zohr University, Morocco) AOS AI'griculture (Turkey) (Turkey) AquaShade Oasis (University of Jordan) (University of Jordan) Bactorhiza (Egypt) (Egypt) BlueBounty ProMix (India/UAE) (India/UAE) DiseaseExpert (Oman) (Oman) ECOVER (Morocco) (Morocco) Endophyte Biofertilizers (Dhofar University, Oman) (Dhofar University, Oman) Farm to 2Fs (Estidamah, Saudi Arabia) (Estidamah, Saudi Arabia) FertiSolo (KAUST, Saudi Arabia) (KAUST, Saudi Arabia) Indigenous Silvopasture (Qassim University, Saudi Arabia) (Qassim University, Saudi Arabia) Microfluidics System (NYU Abu Dhabi, UAE) (NYU Abu Dhabi, UAE) No-Till Seeder (University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Morocco) (University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Morocco) OZ-TECH (Heliopolis University, Egypt) (Heliopolis University, Egypt) RedDot Red Palm Weevil (United Kingdom/UAE) (United Kingdom/UAE) Smart Relay-Intercropping (ICARDA, Morocco) (ICARDA, Morocco) SmartAgri-AIoT (Egypt) (Egypt) TarLab Biyoteknoloji (Turkey) (Turkey) VerdiSol (UAE) The 20 semi-finalists were selected by an expert judging evaluation committee using across six evaluation criteria: alignment with regenerative agriculture principles, scientific and research credentials, relevance to addressing the MENAT specific conditions, uniqueness of innovation, environmental social and economic impact of the solutions, and potential for scalability. These semi finalists will embark on Bootcamp 1, a learning journey composed of mentorship and expert-led training modules; that will help capacity build and upskill the participants, to drive their solutions forward – strengthening their regenerative, sustainability & entrepreneurial transferrable skills, and preparing them for implementation and scale. The Top 10 Finalists will be shortlisted to then progress to the final pitch event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 2025, to select the top 3 winners; where they will compete for grants funding, incubation opportunities, and the chance to collaborate directly with cross sectoral agricultural stakeholders across the region. Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director at Goumbook, said: 'The solutions to our agricultural challenges already exist within our region. Our mission is to create the conditions that allow these innovations to thrive. Through collaborative efforts with partners, the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative is cultivating a new generation of homegrown innovators capable of transforming MENAT's agricultural future while providing globally relevant models for climate adaptation, soil restoration, and water stewardship.' As global climate pressures intensify, the innovations emerging from the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme have the potential to influence agriculture practices towards nature-positive solutions far beyond the region. Designed for extreme heat, water scarcity, salinity and land degradation, these solutions represent a scalable approach to food security, biodiversity & land restoration, and environmental resilience in a changing world. Supporting information on regenerative agriculture: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that irrigated agriculture—which increasingly depends on groundwater—consumes around 85% of renewable water resources in the MENAT region. Small-scale family farms, responsible for over 80% of global crop and livestock production, face critical challenges like water scarcity, soil degradation, and limited support, with many proposed innovations remaining inaccessible to them. Approximately 45% of agricultural land is impacted by salinity, nutrient depletion, and erosion, with overall land degradation estimated between 40% and 70% over the past two decades. Regenerative agriculture, through its fundamental principles and adoption of resilient crop varieties that require less water, fewer pesticides, and reduced chemical inputs, is an approach that translates as a vital component in addressing the region-specific agriculture and climate challenges of the MENAT region. Regenerative agriculture also holds the potential to sequester carbon dioxide, making it a climate change mitigation and adaptation solution.
Mid East Info
06-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Rasmala Marks 25 Years with Sustainability Commitment, Planting 500 Mangroves in UAE for World Wildlife Day
Supporting the UAE's 100 million mangroves pledge, Rasmala pledges to plant 25 Mangrove trees for every successful deal in 2025 3 March 2025, Dubai, UAE – On the occasion of World Wildlife Day and in celebration of its 25-year anniversary, Rasmala reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation in the UAE. Through a partnership with Goumbook's Trees Matter campaign in line with the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment National Carbon Sequestration Program, Rasmala is planting 500 mangrove trees, honouring its 25-year journey while actively supporting the UAE's national pledge to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. Mangroves: A Natural Solution to Climate Change Mangrove forests are among the most vital ecosystems on the planet, playing a key role in climate resilience and environmental conservation: Carbon Storage: Mangroves absorb 3-4 times more carbon than tropical rainforests, making them a key tool for climate mitigation. Marine Biodiversity: They are home to 80% of fish populations, sustaining local fisheries. Coastal Protection: Mangroves are natural shields against storms, rising sea levels, and erosion. Water Filtration: Mangroves naturally filter pollutants, improving marine ecosystems. A Legacy That Grows 'This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability in the UAE, both in its financial ecosystem and natural environment. Each tree, which we are planting on behalf of our employees, clients, and partners, symbolises the lasting impact we aim to create in the communities we serve,' said Zak Hydari, Group CEO, Rasmala Holdings. By aligning this initiative with World Wildlife Day, Rasmala aims to raise awareness of the critical role that mangroves play in global conservation efforts. Rasmala's actions on World Wildlife Day reflect not just a one-day initiative but a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, contributing to global conservation efforts aligned with the UAE's ambitious sustainability goals. 'At Goumbook, we believe every tree planted is a step toward a more resilient and biodiverse future. Rasmala's commitment to mangrove restoration is a testament to the power of corporate responsibility in tackling climate change and protecting our natural ecosystems. Through our Trees Matter campaign, we proudly support this impactful pledge, ensuring these mangroves thrive and contribute to the UAE's vision of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030. By incorporating tree planting into their business milestones, Rasmala demonstrates how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into corporate growth and impact,' said Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook. To further its commitment, the bank will plant 25 mangrove trees for every successful deal closed in 2025—embedding environmental responsibility into its investment strategy and reinforcing a sustainable approach to growth. About Rasmala: Rasmala is an independent provider and manager of alternative investment products, serving Gulf-based investors, including pension funds, family offices, corporates, endowments, and financial institutions. Rasmala Investment Bank Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rasmala Investment Holdings Limited, based in the Dubai International Financial Centre. It is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. About Goumbook: Goumbook is a social enterprise dedicated to accelerating Sustainability and Climate Action in the UAE and beyond since 2009. Goumbook shapes the global sustainability landscape by offering local solutions to corporates, youth, civil society, and the public sector. We raise awareness, run initiatives, advise and consult to change mindsets and create impact on the current and future living experience of the people in our region.
