Goumbook partnered with the UAE Year of Sustainability to launch The Freej (meaning neighbourhood in Arabic) Exchange. A reflection of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility. That spirit shaped the entire event.
Hosted by HAPI at Al Khazzan Park, The Freej Exchange had over 100 participants joining the vibrant neighborhood thrifting experience. Families gathered to trade pre-loved children’s items. Clothes, toys, and books found new homes instead of ending up as waste and participated in educational and interactive activities.
The goal was simple. Encourage reuse. Reduce waste. Strengthen community ties.
Why The Freej Exchange Matters
Children especially outgrow items quickly. Many products are used only a few times. This creates unnecessary waste.
Thrifting and swapping extend the life of products. It reduces landfill waste and lowers the demand for new production. This also saves water, energy, and raw materials.
Through The Freej Exchange, families experienced circular living in action. Circular economy means keeping products in use for as long as possible. Instead of throwing items away, they are reused, repaired, or exchanged.
This simple shift creates measurable environmental impact.
Bringing Neighborhoods Together
The UAE Year of Sustainability encouraged action at every level. The Freej Exchange translated that vision into a local, tangible experience.
It reminded us that sustainable living begins at home. It grows within neighbourhoods. It strengthens through shared values.
At Goumbook, we design experiences that turn awareness into action. We work with corporates, schools, hospitality groups, and communities to create measurable impact.
If your organization wants to activate community-driven sustainability initiatives, we can help.
Let’s build meaningful engagement experiences together.
Contact us to explore how we can bring similar initiatives to your community or corporate network.
