Inspiring Heroes

For Amna and Hesa AlDahel, sustainability has always been a core aspect of their lifestyles. They were taught from an early age to shop responsibly, reduce plastics, and do no harm to the environment. When it came time to think seriously about starting a fashion brand, it was an easy decision to incorporate these sustainable values they’ve inherited. “I was rigid when it came to our values,” says Hesa. “I refused to compromise on any aspect of sustainability just because of common business practices.”

It took the sisters more than a year of research to land on an appropriate material: cactus leather. It was an excellent sustainable alternative because it mimicked the look and feel of regular leather. Their first product, a handbag, was designed to be used in several ways and for various occasions. The sisters later found other options for plant-based leather, like mango and apple, and their later products follow the same pattern of usability. This slow-fashion approach promoted sustainability by allowing the brand to produce less and the customers to buy less, thereby contributing to more responsible consumption.

Their pledge to sustainability didn’t stop there. Amna and Hesa consider Wadi D not just a fashion brand but a social brand, so they took on the responsibility of educating people by organising workshops that teach about sustainability and allowing attendees to create their own products from vegan leather. Afterwards, instead of letting the scraps from the workshops go to waste, they upcycled them into a limited-edition product–an art piece that can also act as a vase or a midkhan (incense burner). 

The sisters’ journey is far from over. They’re constantly searching for ways to improve their products and processes to achieve more sustainable results that appeal to those who call the UAE home. Furthermore, they regularly reach out to other local businesses and artists to share knowledge and experiences and promote support amongst each other. Amna and Hesa AlDahel hope their story can inspire others to practise sustainability both in their personal lives and their business endeavours, so we can all follow in our ancestors’ footsteps in caring for our planet.

Are you interested in checking out Wadi D? You can follow them on Instagram @wadidofficial