Waitrose x NUAIMI launches second edition eco-luxe bag for UAE’s National Day

Waitrose & Partners UAE today launched its second edition Waitrose x NUAIMI eco-luxe reusable shopping bag in celebration of the UAE’s 51st National Day. Created by renowned Emirati print designer Huda Al Nuaimi, the fashion-forward shopper is inspired by Dubai’s iconic architecture and desert landscape and has been designed to encourage more sustainable shopping.

A homage to a country where rich cultural tradition meets modernity and ambition, the stylish bags are made from eco-friendly material that blends jute and cotton into an easy-wear, fashionable shopping companion. The whimsical illustration features hot air balloons set against famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Museum of the Future, as well as the UAE’s majestic rolling sand dunes where an Emirati family can be seen picnicking while camels trek and a vintage Land Rover embarks on an expedition in the far distance.

Huda Al Nuaimi, Founder of NUAIMI Collective said: “It is a great honour to create an eco-luxe bag with Waitrose for the UAE in celebration of its incredible journey. This bag represents the UAE’s rich history, the stories of the past but also its visions turned into reality. The iconic scene was inspired by the view I see from one of my favourite places in Dubai - Al Qudra. This bag is a reflection of the place I call home – of its beauty, nature, creativity, inspiration, and innovation. A bag that not only complements our wardrobes but our planet too.” 

Since launching the first Waitrose x NUAIMI eco-friendly bag in the UAE last year, the British grocer announced the total elimination of single-use plastic bags and paper bags at all checkouts. To further encourage the adoption of reusable bags, Waitrose customers who bring one or more bags to shop with at the store will enjoy a 25-fils discount from their total bill. 

Sophie Corcut, Sustainability Manager at Waitrose UAE said: “We’re excited to be launching our second bag in collaboration with Huda Al Nuaimi, as we continue our UAE sustainability journey but also take a moment to celebrate this great country. Waitrose is always looking for innovative ways to be more sustainable and we hope this stylish yet practical bag will inspire customers to shop more responsibly, as we work together to make waste a thing of the past.”

With a ‘quality not quantity’ philosophy across all aspects of the business, Waitrose is continuously innovating to reduce its environmental impact and emissions. As part of its Partners Against Waste sustainability programme, the team continues to make significant progress through numerous initiatives – this includes designing better packaging, reducing food waste and investing in its ordering systems.