We build ethical and responsible relationships ensuring our suppliers and partners abide by all the laws, regulations and codes we hold ourselves to. We engage with our suppliers through our Supplier Engagement Programme to ensure they align to our standards for ethics and legal compliance. In 2022 we launched our Third-Party Partner Code, which we developed according to five frameworks for principles of ethical business. We also partner with NGOs and government entities to accelerate the process of sustainable development through promoting sustainability agendas. In 2022, we signed a Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) with Dubai College of Tourism and Dar Al-Hekma University to support national talent from across our regions into quality employment. Additionally, we celebrated local creative talent at our Fashion Revival event where fashion students presented their designs to our panel of experts. These responsible relationships are driving local sustainable development and the attainment of international sustainability agendas.

Business growth is vital for our Group and its communities to thrive, hence we have been focusing our procurement efforts on favoring local and regional suppliers. It not only fosters economic development within the region but also promotes job creation, strengthens local businesses, and enhances the overall self-sufficiency and resilience of the economy.

Responding to consumers’ increasing and rapidly evolving demands for sustainable products is risky for startups, therefore, we co-create with them in our Startup Studio. This provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to bring disruptive, hyper-growth and sustainable ventures to market. Furthermore, it shields startups from risk whilst generating perpetual value for our Group. It is also vital for our financial sustainability that we keep up on the latest technologies and trends. Innovation and retaining the entrepreneurial spirit of our founders have always been part of our core values. The steps we’ve taken in 2022 into the Metaverse and Web3 are ensuring we remain true to our founder’s principles in the digital age. Our partnerships are driving innovations that is allowing us to respond to the consumer demand for sustainable products whilst securing our long-term business growth.

The Middle East’s wellness market is worth an estimated $107.7 billion; therefore, it is vital for our economic sustainability to lead it. We are forging partnerships with, and investing in, leading wellness brands such as Detox Market and La Bouche to keep at the forefront of wellness. Our partnerships are enabling us to invigorate and shape the market. We are redefining wellness products to have a positive impact through the development of production methods and packaging solutions that do not pollute the environment. Additionally, in 2022, female entrepreneurs from our Greenhouse’s Beauty Lab shared their wellness philosophy with a delegation from the UK Trade Mission. We also held our Beauty Unbound Event where FACES joined a panel discussion on our commitment to expanding the clean beauty market. These efforts are securing our leadership in the wellness market whilst stimulating the development of healthy and sustainable products.