DEWA and Unilever Launch Water Conservation Awareness Campaign

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16.12.2013 - Unilever, one of the world's leading FMCG companies and owner of global brands such as Lifebouy and Lux, and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) kicked off today a water conservation awareness campaign in Carrefour, Dubai. This activity is conducted under the MoU signed between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Unilever, which entails a commitment from Unilever to activate water conservation campaigns, energy-saving devices and promote water conservation packages.

“DEWA's agreement with Unilever Gulf is based on DEWA's vision to become a sustainable world class utility, and supports the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, based on his Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative to create a sustainable future for the UAE. By working closely with businesses such as Unilever on key projects, DEWA is able to achieve these ambitious goals to support the growth of the Emirate of Dubai, for generations to come," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

”Unilever has made the commitment to halve its environmental impact by 2020. However, if you look at the value chain of any of our products, only 5% of the environmental footprint is under our direct impact and 68% of it comes from the consumer,” said Arijit Ghose, Managing Director at Unilever Gulf.

“The Gulf region is one of the world's most water scarce regions. Yet, we have one of the world's highest consumption rates. For example in the UAE, the consumption of water is 540 liters/per person per year versus160+ litres per person per day globally. Therefore, by partnering up with different companies and government entities such as DEWA we aim to educate consumers and change their behaviour for the long run.”  

This in-store awareness campaign aims to reach 25,000 consumers and offers lucky shoppers the opportunity to get their month's utility bill paid.*

Unilever has been active in the area of water conservation for the past two years, with the company having successfully reached and educated 3.9 million consumers across the Gulf at different touch points through its “Water Savers” campaign.  For more information on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, please visit:  www.unileverme.com  .