Global businesses and organizations are increasingly re-evaluating responsible resource usage, reducing waste, and making a genuine environmental impact. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting remains a key driver, but many organizations are taking proactive measures to mitigate the environmental impact of waste.
A recent partnership between the Ismaili Community and No More Bottles (NMB) at the Global Encounters (GE) Festival 2025 demonstrated how collective efforts can achieve measurable change. Thousands gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Sports City for a week-long celebration of art, culture, and community, creating an ideal opportunity to showcase sustainability in action.
Alida Saleh, vice lead of sustainability at the GE Festival, stated: “Our sustainability goal for the 2025 Global Encounters (GE) Festival was to raise awareness and design an international event focused on environmental responsibility and minimizing the Festival’s overall footprint. By embedding sustainability into the Festival, we set an example, inspired community-wide action, and contributed to a more sustainable future.”
No More Bottles dispensers track the number of single-use bottles saved, ideal for ESG reporting
In line with this vision, the Community chose No More Bottles’ hydration walls, providing still and sparkling water. These stations dispensed over 41,000 liters, preventing the use of roughly 82,000 plastic bottles. The initiative proved that small, scalable changes can have a significant impact. Thousands of attendees experienced how simple it is to refill rather than discard, collectively contributing to a greener future.
NMB continues to assist companies, organizations, and communities in making tangible strides toward sustainability. As ESG reporting becomes increasingly crucial for corporate accountability, businesses are expected to show measurable progress rather than rely solely on commitments. NMB’s solutions directly support this requirement.
Founded to eliminate single-use plastics, NMB provides innovative, mains-fed water dispensers and hydration solutions throughout the UAE. By replacing disposable bottles with filtered water systems, organizations achieve reduced waste, cost savings, and clear, trackable ESG data. NMB systems can even log the number of single-use bottles avoided, making them an ideal tool for sustainability reports.
NMB’s water refill stations at the GE Festival 2025
The events industry, once linked with large-scale waste, is now redefining responsible experiences. For eight years, NMB has contributed to this shift by offering sustainable hydration alternatives that eliminate the need for plastic bottles.
Shahaz Nanji, director of F&B at the GE Festival, added: “Our Community engages with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) initiatives to promote global sustainability through education and cooperation. We were thrilled to collaborate with No More Bottles in establishing multiple hydration stations across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Sports City for the GE Festival 2025, aligning closely with our values.”
For NMB, the GE Festival was more than a project—it was evidence that sustainability and exceptional experiences can coexist. When individuals encounter NMB dispensers—whether in an office, at a concert, or a sports event—it often prompts a shift in perspective. They realize the ease of refilling, and this awareness extends into their daily lives. From an office saving 900 bottles to an event conserving 80,000, each effort contributes to a broader movement.
At No More Bottles, sustainability is seen as a continuous journey driven by consistent progress. With straightforward, practical solutions and the growing influence of ESG frameworks, organizations can measure, demonstrate, and celebrate environmental impact. Events highlight what is achievable, and visible alternatives like refill stations encourage change at both individual and community levels.
The message is clear: every refill counts.
No More Bottles can help you embark on your sustainable journey.
