Emirates Development Bank
Abu Dhabi
Make it in the Emirates
As part of the Make it in the Emirates exhibition, Emirates Development Bank (EDB) sought to position itself as a leader in sustainable innovation and a champion of homegrown UAE technology. The challenge was to create an activation that not only visually showcased EDB’s investment in renewable technologies but also embodied the UAE’s bold commitment to driving the future of clean energy.
EDB’s goal was clear: engage both the public and B2B banking clients with an interactive, memorable experience that aligned with the UAE’s broader ambitions in green technology and industrial advancement.
THE SOLUTION
Pavegen designed and built an eye-catching and stylish installation using strobe lights and gamification with the ‘ElectroShuffle’. The ElectroShuffle challenged visitors to use their best dance moves to generate the most real-time energy in competition with each other. Two Pavegen platforms allowed players to battle for the top spot on the leaderboard and compete for the chance to win tickets to next year’s festival.
Our Solution
To deliver on this vision, Pavegen installed a 4m x 1.5m kinetic walkway at the heart of the EDB activation. Every step taken on the Pavegen tiles converted human movement into off-grid energy, visibly powering surrounding LED lighting features, including a striking illuminated ring and 2m LED strips, reinforcing the concept of clean, people-powered electricity.
Our Energy Equivalence software translated footsteps into real-time metrics, such as phone charges or watt-hours, allowing visitors to see their personal energy impact. This interactive layer helped to demystify the concept of renewable energy generation and made the experience both educational and emotionally engaging.
The Impact
The EDB activation created an immediate visual and experiential impact. Through the Pavegen activation, EDB demonstrated its alignment with national sustainability goals and innovation strategy. It offered visitors a hands-on way to connect with EDB’s renewable energy messaging, while positioning the bank as a proactive enabler of the UAE’s green transition.
Beyond the exhibition, the activation also served as a strong PR opportunity, generating interest in the bank’s forward-thinking approach and reinforcing its role in shaping the UAE’s clean-tech ecosystem.
This collaboration represents a strategic partnership with a major financial institution, an essential milestone for Pavegen in the Middle East. The scale of the walkway and visibility at a high-profile event opens the door to future large-scale projects in the region, particularly in sectors prioritising smart city infrastructure and ESG innovation.
